Who's thirsty? Now in it's seventh year, Uncorked & Unplugged is bigger and better than ever before, bringing together lovers of vino, music and fabulous food for an amazing night under the stars, benefiting an incredible cause. Held throughout Desert Ridge Marketplace, guests are in for a nice, relaxed evening. We had a conversation with event co-chair Allen Thompson, who let us know what to expect at this year's October 17 event.
How did you get involved in Uncorked & Unplugged?
Because of my passion for kids, I’ve been involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale for more than 15 years – that’s even longer than I’ve been a dad! So when, about seven or eight years ago, the Club decided to launch a premier culinary event to raise funds for the organization, I was all in to help. Uncorked & Unplugged was born.
What can guests expect at Uncorked & Unplugged this year?
I may be biased, but they can expect to be completely blown away by the live music, culinary creations from some of the Valley’s top chefs and the variety of high-end wines and spirits. We’ve been lucky enough to partner with Diageo Chateau & Estate and BevMo for several years to provide our wines and spirits, and they always provide us with some of the most coveted beverages in their portfolio. We also have several restaurant partners such at Blue Martini and San Felipe’s that take things up a notch with top shelf margarita and martini bars.
What are some of the other restaurants and specialty beverages guests will enjoy?
For the first time ever, Tommy Bahama will be sampling their gourmet fare at our event. And, new restaurants like Wolfley’s Neighborhood Grill, which was recently launched in Desert Ridge by former NFL player and current local broadcaster Ron Wolfley, and Sandbar, which is opening its newest location at Desert Ridge this Fall, have also joined us. For those who have attended the event in years passed, popular staples such as Ruth’s Chris, Yardhouse and The Melting Pot are also attached again this year. In all, we have a couple dozen of the best and brightest culinary minds in the Valley taking part.
There is both a main event ticket and an executive badge available for this event – what is the difference between the tickets?
The main event ticket, available for $125 each, provides the guest access to our main areas from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., which includes two stages of live music and dozens of high-end wines, cocktails, beer and gourmet foods. The executive badge, available for $200/each, provides all of the access of the main event ticket as well as access to a executive area, a third stage of entertainment and a post-event party, which starts at 9 p.m.
Anything else guests should know?
The event is at Desert Ridge Marketplace on Sunday, October 17, starting at 6 p.m. And finally, we don’t want any of our guests worried about getting home so Hensley & Company and AAA Yellow Cabs have graciously sponsored complimentary cab rides home. For any other information or to purchase tickets, visit www.uncorkedandunplugged.org.
