Arizona Backroads - A2Z

Birdman Media
  • 5.0 (1)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL

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. 1D AGO

    The Situation at Sunset: Live & Loud at the Grand Vista Lounge

    On this episode of Arizona Backroads, Birdman is back at the Grand Vista Lounge inside the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort, sitting down with Ron Alosi and members of his powerhouse band, The Situation.   Seven-piece band. No backing tracks. No safety nets. Just live musicianship under the Arizona sky.   Ron — entertainment director at the resort — along with Dave Morgan on bass and Harry Young on guitar, break down how the band came together, how a strapless emergency bass gig turned into a long-term partnership, and why live music in Scottsdale is stronger than ever.   You'll hear about:   🎸 The evolution of the Phoenix live music scene 🌅 Playing outdoor sunset sets against the McDowell Mountains 🔥 Winter patio gigs with fireplaces and heaters 🎶 Why tracks are replacing musicians — and why this band refuses to use them 🏖️ Daytime live music at Arizona's only beach-style resort pool 🎤 The difference between concert stages and resort lounge experiences   Ron also shares how the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale bar was recognized as one of the top Hyatt bars in the Americas — and why live entertainment is at the center of that success.   This isn't a concert ticket episode. This is about where locals go. Where visitors stumble into magic. Where music is still played — not pressed.   Arizona Backroads — Get out and explore.

    9 min

  2. 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

  3. 2D AGO

    JTM3 at the Grand Vista Lounge

    Birdman is coming to you from the legendary Vista Lounge inside the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort, a venue long known in Arizona's live music scene — from the days of Center Stage to performances by guitar icon Esteban.   In this episode of Arizona Back Roads, Birdman sits down with acoustic harmony powerhouse JTM3 — Jay Allen, Tony, and Matt Henderson — a trio built on decades of friendship, musicianship, and desert-stage experience.   🎸 Acoustic guitars, lap steel, cajón percussion 🎤 Three-part harmonies 🌵 Seven years as JTM3 — 20+ years in Arizona's music trenches   The conversation dives into:   The legendary Scottsdale live music circuit Phoenix's cooperative (not competitive) musician culture Cave Creek's rising young crowd energy The post-COVID comeback of Arizona nightlife Playing indoor vs. outdoor desert stages Why original music still matters     Plus, JTM3 shares details about their upcoming show at the Mesa Arts Center and regular performances at Grayhawk Golf Club.   If you care about:   Live music in Arizona Local venues with history The evolution of Phoenix nightlife Supporting original artists     This episode is your backstage pass.   This isn't a review show. It's a road map to where the music actually lives.   🎙️ Arizona Backroads — Get out and explore.   All of Jay Allan's Links - https://linktr.ee/jayallanmusic#289334223

    9 min

  4. 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
  • 4 Episodes

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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