Modern English in Concert
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 17, 9 p.m.
WHERE: Compound Grill, 7000 E. Mayo Boulevard, Bldg. 21
COST: $30
INFO: 480-585-5483 or www.thecompoundgrill.com
Groove to the British band that brought us such hits as the iconic 1982 “I Melt with You,” in an intimate, upscale setting; food and cocktails available. [Other headliners: 9/22: JJ Grey and Mofro; 9/24 Shemekia Copeland.]

Phoenix Cooks!
WHEN: Sat., Sept. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: JW Marriot Desert Ridge Resort and Spa, 5350
E. Marriott Dr., Phoenix
COST: $75-$90
INFO: 480-293-5000 or www.phoenixcooks.com
Meet chefs from more than 50 Valley restaurants and watch them demonstrate cooking methods as they create dishes.

Karaoke
WHEN: Daily, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
WHERE: Ernie’s Inn, 10443 N Scottsdale Rd.
COST: Free, Menu Prices Vary
INFO: 480-948-4422 or myearnies.com
Sing your favorite tunes while you sip a beverage and enjoy Maryland-style specialties from the menu.

Festive Finger Foods
WHEN: Wed., Sept. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Sweet Basil Gourmetware and Cooking School, 10749 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 101
COST: $55; Registration Required
INFO: 480-596-5628 or www.sweetbasilgourmet.com
Learn to make finger foods such as coconut shrimp, fried mozzarella balls and white chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Live Bands
WHEN: Occasional Fridays and Saturdays, 9 p.m. (call)
WHERE: O’Donoghue’s Irish Pub, 20469 North Hayden Rd.
COST: Free, Menu Prices Vary
INFO: 480-585-6329 or www.ods.az.com
Enjoy modern music in a friendly, warm atmosphere modeled after the authentic pubs of Ireland.

Westworld Paintball Adventures
WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays, 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.
WHERE: Splatter Ranch Outdoor Arena, SW Corner of Jomax and N. Scottsdale Rd.
COST: $30 includes admission and equipment rental
INFO: 602-447-8200 or www.westworldpaintball.com
Compete with friends or strangers in a game  of paintball across several acres of Sonoran desert.

Trivia
WHEN: Thursdays at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Brennan’s Sports Bar, 13610 N. Scottsdale Rd.
COST: Free, Menu Prices Vary
INFO: 480-951-8837 or www.brennanssportsbar.com
Battle against other patrons in a friendly game of trivia.

Perla Batalla in Concert
WHEN: Sat., Sept. 18, 7 p.m.; and Sun., Sept. 19,
2:30 p.m.
WHERE: MIM Music Theater, Corner of Tatum &
Mayo Blvds., Phoenix
COST: $25-$35
INFO: 480-478-6001 or www.themim.org
This Mexican-American singer’s astonishingly rich contralto is capable of stratospheric arches of emotion.

September Datebook

Fall is around the corner, school’s back in session, and calendars are filling up again. Here’s a sample of what’s cooking this month around the Scottsdale area.

Get your art fix at Scottsdale Community College’s 11th Annual Drawing Exhibition, through Sept. 23 in the Art Building on campus, 9000 E. Chaparral Road. The drawings, primarily charcoal, were created by 17 SCC artists under the direction of Professor Robert You. The public is also invited to the reception, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11; admission is free, refreshments served. More: 480-423-6328.

The Greater Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce is getting together with Scottsdale business leaders to kick off the initiative Next Steps Scottsdale–Building an Action Plan for Economic Growth. Tickets are now on sale for the kickoff summit, featuring breakfast keynote speaker Lattie Coor, 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort, 5401 N. Scottsdale Road. The event begins a multiyear effort to find solutions for the economic advancement of the region. Cost $125-$150. More: www.scottsdalechamber.com/nextsteps; 480-355-2700.

The city of Scottsdale’s Greater Airpark plan is wrapping up after 2½ years of work and input from the community. Two more public hearings are coming up for those who would like to provide comments to the Planning Commission or City Council: 5 p.m. Sept. 22, City Hall Kiva, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.; 5 p.m. Oct 26, same place.
More: www.scottsdaleaz.gov/planning/areaplans/GreaterAirparkCAP.asp

North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce is the title sponsor of the First Annual Helicopter Ball Drop, 12:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at Kierland Golf Club driving range. The event benefits St. Mary’s Food Bank and Gabriel’s Angels. Prizes include a $5,000 watch from Ganem Jewelers. Balls are $25 each; $100 for five. Tickets: www.armedzillafoundation.org.

Shop at the Kierland Common location of Eileen Fisher for its annual fall event, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, and support Girl Scouts Forever Green. Spend at least $50 and you’ll save $25, with 10 percent going toward the charity. More: 480.991.3511.

Basilico, an Italian restaurant in Scottsdale Ranch (10155 E. Via Linda) has announced a two-for-one September early-bird menu, Monday through Wednesday, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Cost is $28, and includes two entrees, garden salads and homemade bread. More: 480-451-0422.  ?