Arizona Backroads - A2Z

Arizona Back Roads takes you off the beaten path and into the heart of the Grand Canyon State. Each episode spotlights cool places to eat, hang out, and experience Arizona in real life — from hidden gems and local favorites to live music and entertainment that bring communities together. Whether you're a local looking for your next adventure or a visitor wanting the inside track, this show is your guide to getting off the couch and out into the real world. Experience Arizona from A to Z — one back road at a time.

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    From Center Stage to Grand Vista: The Reinvention of a Scottsdale Icon

    On this episode of Arizona Backroads, Birdman goes behind the scenes at the newly renovated Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort with Regional Director of Engineering Jennifer Mueller — the woman who helped oversee a massive $120 million transformation of one of Scottsdale's most legendary properties.   From the iconic days of Center Stage Bar to today's reimagined Grand Vista Lounge, this isn't just a renovation story — it's the evolution of live music culture in Arizona.   You'll hear about:   🎸 The legacy of guitarist Esteban, who launched his career right here 🏔️ Why the McDowell Mountain views are part of the entertainment 🍸 The hidden speakeasy-style Z-Bar 🍝 Celebrity chef Richard Blais' Italian concept at La Zozzona 🎶 How live music drives connection in a resort setting 🏖️ The only beach-style resort pool in Arizona with live entertainment 🏢 The shift toward convention culture — and why big bars matter   Jennifer shares how the property evolved from the Hyatt Regency at Gainey Ranch into the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale, why live music still anchors the experience, and how resort entertainment now blends locals with visitors in a uniquely Arizona way.   This episode is about more than a hotel.   It's about:   Reinvention Arizona music history Community gathering spaces The energy that only live performance creates     If you think you know this property — you probably don't know it like this.   🎙️ Arizona Backroads — Get out and explore.

    9 min
  2. 2D AGO

    Arizona from A to Z: The Backroads Podcast

    Welcome to Arizona Back Roads, the podcast where local legend Birdman takes you beyond the tourist traps and into the real heart of Arizona.   Before podcasts were cool, Birdman was already behind the mic—starting in the early 2000s when shows were built for the iPod and downloaded off iTunes. From broadcast TV and magazines to radio and full-time podcasting, the journey has always been about storytelling. Now, it's about the road.   As a lifelong motorcyclist, Birdman has logged thousands of miles across Arizona's highways, desert cuts, mountain passes, and forgotten two-lane blacktops. Along the way, he's found the mom-and-pop diners, roadside grocery stores, hidden breweries, small-batch distilleries, live music joints, hike-in gems, and metro-area secrets most locals drive right past.   This isn't a rating show. No stars. No thumbs. No mile markers.   This is a boots-on-the-ground, kickstand-down exploration of Arizona culture.   Each episode delivers:   Hidden Arizona destinations Local live music & events Breweries & distilleries worth the ride Small businesses off the beaten path Outdoor experiences you can actually go do     Whether you're a rider, a weekend explorer, a live music junkie, or just someone who wants more than the Grand Canyon photo op, this show is your invitation to experience Arizona from A to Z.   This is not an online experience. It's interactive.   Listen. Then get out and explore.   📍 Based in Arizona 🏍 Built for riders, explorers, and culture seekers 🎶 Powered by live music and local stories   Reach out with your favorite hidden gem: Rob@Birdman.media   Arizona Back Roads — Get out and explore.

    3 min

About

Arizona Back Roads takes you off the beaten path and into the heart of the Grand Canyon State. Each episode spotlights cool places to eat, hang out, and experience Arizona in real life — from hidden gems and local favorites to live music and entertainment that bring communities together. Whether you're a local looking for your next adventure or a visitor wanting the inside track, this show is your guide to getting off the couch and out into the real world. Experience Arizona from A to Z — one back road at a time.

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