Below are Desert Ridge Marketplace events for December 2013. You should consider spending time in the Desert Ridge Marketplace and around the Desert Ridge community to really gain an appreciation for all that Desert Ridge has to offer.
Free Holiday Ice Skating
December 1st – Sunday
Near AMC Theatre, 11am-7pm
Enjoy FREE ice skating in the District in front of AMC Theatres for children 5 and older. Skates are provided. Bring socks!
Story Time with Wonder Red
December 4th – Wednesday
District Stage, 5-7pm
Bring the kids out to get in the holiday spirit and enjoy FREE hot chocolate and cookies from California Pizza Kitchen, story time readings of holiday classics, dancing and exercises by The Little Gym® and special guest characters presented by PBS Channel 8. Remember to get here early to grab a seat! Don’t miss Curious George on Wednesday, December 11th and Clifford the Big Red Dog on Wednesday, December 18th.
Coats for Kids
December 5th – Thursday
Sandbar Parking Lot, 5:30am–7pm
Help 93.3 KDKB, The Salvation Army and The United Phoenix Fire Fighters collect coats and monetary donations for children in need. All new coats of any size or gender will be accepted and donated to the children through the Salvation Army.
Come Back Buddy
December 6th – Friday
District Stage, 7-10pm
Buddy Holly Tribute Band – Come Back Buddy is a 3-piece rock-n-roll band inspired by the legendary “Buddy Holly and the Crickets.” The trio’s repertoire includes the music of many artists from the 50’s era including Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Ricky Nelson, and of course, Buddy Holly. Mike Randall provides lead vocals and guitar with Janine Randall on bass and Don Rinehart on drums. The band has a strong foundation…and a strong following!
Pete Pancrazi
December 6th – Friday
AMC Fountain, 7-9pm
Jazz Guitarist & Vocalist – Pete Pancrazi being named recently by Downbeat Magazine as “one to watch” and a guitar player “deserving greater attention” is no surprise to those who have heard him perform. Through the years, he has cultivated a large and loyal following. Audiences in Arizona voted him the “Jazz Guitar Player of the Year” in AZJazz Magazine’s 2000 Readers’ Poll.
Ratio
December 7th – Saturday
District Stage, 7-10pm
Funk, Soul, Jazz and R&B Band – Ratio is one of Phoenix, Arizona’s premier bands specializing in Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, Funk and Pop. Recognized as the “Best Jazz Band in Phoenix” by the Phoenix New Times Magazine and the “Best Blues Band” by the Arizona Republic, this versatile band led by founder Larry Rhymes is comprised of some of the best musicians in Phoenix. Their repertoire contains 60’s and 70’s Funk, 80’s Jams, Smooth Jazz, Classic Soul and Motown.
Janelle Loes
December 7th – Saturday
AMC Fountain, 7-9pm
Adult Alternative Singer-Songwriter – Janelle Loes is an emerging singer/songwriter who knows how to spin a song and mesmerize an audience. Fusing elements of jazz, pop, and adult contemporary music, her style is both catchy and soothing while her voice is a deep sea serenade through rich, expressive waters.
Story Time with Curious George
December 11th – Wednesday
District Stage, 5-7pm
Bring the kids out to get in the holiday spirit and enjoy FREE hot chocolate and cookies from California Pizza Kitchen, story time readings of holiday classics, dancing and exercises by The Little Gym® and special guest characters presented by PBS Channel 8. Remember to get here early to grab a seat! Don’t miss Clifford the Big Red Dog on Wednesday, December 18th.
LANE CHANGE
December 13th – Friday
District Stage, 7-10pm
Alternative Band – At only 13, 14, and 17 years of age, the phrase… “These kids are REALLY GOOD” has echoed throughout the valley, and people of all ages love to hear them play. LANE CHANGE’s “YOUTHful diVERSION of music’s most ROCKING songs” has been very well received. Their show is packed with adult/contemporary rock classics. Every song is recognizable, respectful, and tastefully performed. Audiences are not only surprised by their music selection, but their musical ability as well. This power trio is now very busy playing out on their own at a wide range of events and venues, and they take pride in partnering with some of the valley’s most talented musicians. LANE CHANGE is proving to audiences everywhere that… they are not kids!
Tony Putrino
December 13th – Friday
AMC Fountain, 7-9pm
Accordionist Extraordinaire – Tony Putrino has written, arranged and performed music since childhood, beginning with the accordion at the age of seven. He later expanded his abilities to include keyboards, as well. His first love has always been jazz. That, combined with the influence of contemporary pop music, created in him a unique approach to accordion playing. Hearing his blend of jazz, R&B, rock ‘n roll, romantic Europe and the avant–garde is, to be sure, a different experience for aficionados of traditional accordion repertoire.
Snow Day with MIX 96.9 and 99.9 KEZ
December 14th – Saturday
Sandbar Parking Lot, 10am–1pm
Don’t stay inside for this Snow Day! Whether you’re a kid or just want to feel like one for a day, grab your mittens and head over to the west parking lot off Tatum near Sandbar for loads of fun – and snow! Enjoy tons of snow, live music, giveaways, enter to win prizes, activities and more!
Knee Deep Experience
December 14th – Saturday
District Stage, 7-10pm
Funk, Soul and R&B Band – The Knee Deep Experience is Arizona’s premiere Funk & Soul band. Known for their signature Llama mascot, Knee Deep is sure to bring the funk to Tempe Marketplace! Duane McClendon: Bass, Vocals – Ed Davis: Guitar, Vocals – Alex Holland: Saxophone, Vocals – Billy Webb: Guitar, Vocals – Chris Brown: Creative Force & Inspiration
Grady Soiné
December 14th – Saturday
AMC Fountain, 7-9pm
Easy Listening Keyboardist – Grady Soiné of Gradymusic has delighted fans worldwide with his unique style of piano/keyboard music. Grady is an accomplished composer/pianist who’s other passion is bringing ideas to life and helping others accomplish their dreams.
Story Time with Clifford the Big Red Dog
December 18th – Wednesday
District Stage, 5-7pm
Bring the kids out to get in the holiday spirit and enjoy FREE hot chocolate and cookies from California Pizza Kitchen, story time readings of holiday classics, dancing and exercises by The Little Gym® and special guest characters presented by PBS Channel 8. Remember to get here early to grab a seat!
Peppermint James
December 20th – Friday
District Stage, 7-10pm
Original and Top 40 Alternative Band – Peppermint James was formed in Phoenix, Arizona in 2004. With strong influence from The Beatles, The Wailers, traditional jazz and blues artists, and many outstanding world musicians, the sound of Peppermint James continually evolves with a no limits attitude towards songwriting and arranging. Peppermint James continues their busy schedule of energetic live performances, released their sophomore album and is looking forward to sharing their music on a continuously larger scale.
M Squared
December 20th – Friday
AMC Fountain, 7-9pm
Acoustic Adult Contemporary Duo – Mark and Carol Mellis began performing together while music majors at Arizona State University. They have been a musical duo throughout their married life and enjoy combining their talents of vocals, piano, flute and saxophone while performing anything from jazz combos to classical ensembles.
Swain’s World
December 21st – Saturday
District Stage, 7-10pm
Premier Top 40 Covers – Swain’s World covers a variety of music including Classic Rock, 80’s New Wave, Funk, Blues, Motown, Dance and a touch of Country. Swain’s World truly is a place where “Good Times and Great Tunes Collide.” The intuitive song selections will get you up on your feet and dancing!
Tera Crisalida
December 21st – Saturday
AMC Fountain, 7-9pm
Brazilian Jazz Guitarist – Brazilian singer and guitarist, Tera Crisalida, has performed in solo, duo, trio, and full band settings for twenty years. She began playing guitar at age twelve and has studied music in Brazil and in the United States. Influenced by Jobim, Gilberto, Cartola, Caymmi, and many others, Tera brings a fresh authentic sound to the classics of Brazilian jazz and samba. The combination of her warm vocals, flawless Portuguese, and rhythm guitar adds up to an unforgettable performance.
It’s Snowing Every Hour!
December 24th – Tuesday
The District – AMC Fountain, 11am-8pm
Enjoy the magical snow all throughout the day! Today, it will snow every hour on the hour starting at 11am until 8pm within the District at Desert Ridge Marketplace. Out of thin air, flakes of fluffy white snow will float down from the sky, transforming the AMC Fountain and Fireplace at Desert Ridge Marketplace into a living snowglobe. Just as mysteriously as the snow appears – it disappears without a trace; leaving behind magical holiday memories that last a lifetime.
Christmas Day
December 25th – Wednesday
Desert Ridge Marketplace
Desert Ridge Marketplace is closed in celebration of the holiday. Individual store and restaurant hours may vary.
Think Horses
December 27th – Friday
District Stage, 7-10pm
Original Alternative Band – In ancient Greece, young medical students were exhorted to think horses, not zebras, when they heard the sound of hoofbeats outside; they were encouraged to resist the temptation to second-guess the obvious. A literal endorsement of simplicity. Summer flowers. The sound of a far-off train. One, two, three, just like that, simplicity in music is elusive…in the end it’s best to just listen. Think Horses are: León – voice & guitar, Theo Belledin – keys and saxes, Adam Clark – batterie, Emilio Caruso – drums, John Chapman – contrabass
Michael Ferraro
December 27th – Friday
AMC Fountain, 7-9pm
Acoustic Guitarist/Vocalist – Michael Ferraro is an Arizona native who began playing guitar at age 14. His earliest influences were the great singer/songwriters of the 60’s and 70’s, as well as a fondness for acoustic folk music. Since then he has studied music theory and jazz performance in variety of contexts. He hopes to continue to pursue his love of jazz and improvisation, while still incorporating aspects of his rich musical background.
Ghandi’s Garage
December 28th – Saturday
District Stage, 7-10pm
Top 40 Cover Band – The music of Ghandi’s Garage blends elements of rock, folk and jazz. This Phoenix/L.A. based band has the makings of great rock combos we’ve seen before. Comparisons to Steely Dan, Don Henley, Bryan Adams and Sting have been mentioned. Drummer Daniel Villanueva lays down a firm & steady groove for Bassist Al Mora to punctuate. Guitarists Michael and Angel Villanueva fill the mid and upper register with superb chords, as Michael’s catchy and sophisticated melodies are sung with passion.
Blues Legend Hans Olson
December 28th – Saturday
AMC Fountain, 7-9pm
Blues Guitarist/Vocalist – Hans Olson is a veteran performing musician with over 40 years in the music business. He began his career as a lead singer in a Rock & Roll band in Southern California in 1967. By 1970, Hans had developed a very unique and powerful solo act. He plays an amplified acoustic guitar and harmonica. He is known as one of the best “harp-in-a-rack” players in the world. Hans’ singing is very powerful. His voice is comfortable singing many styles of music ranging from mellow folk ballads to growling boogie blues.