The message behind most romantic comedies is the simple-minded sentiment that love is all you need. So when Danish filmmaker Susanne Bier takes that title for a departure from somber drama to romance, you might expect her to deliver it with some serious irony.

“It was a dark and stormy night.”

Even though “The Great Gatsby” has gotten the movie treatment several times in the past, no film adaptation has ever really stood out as the definitive version of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s celebrated novel.

Volunteers are needed for the Fourth Annual Southwest Ambulance Arizona Celebration of Freedom, the state’s “coolest independence festival,” held this year in downtown Mesa on June 29.

Hard rocker Tom Keifer would be among the first to say that life doesn’t go as planned. The long-time musician, best known for his lead role in the band Cinderella, released his first solo album – ”The Way Life Goes” – April 30 after a 10-year process and a long struggle with partial vocal chord paralysis — the ruination of many music careers.

Gilbert Classical Academy will graduate 37 students in its Class of 2013.

Mesquite High School will graduate 446 students this year. Students have been awarded just over $6 million in scholarships.

Higley's Williams Field High School in Gilbert will see 340 students receive diplomas this year. Those students have already been awareded $5.6 million in scholarships.

Trumpeter/bandleader Doc Severinsen can still hit the notes, and it's not something he ever takes for granted. He always warms up.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Grace Potter & The Nocturnals know a little something about summer festivals after using the circuit to build their following.

It may be a “tale as old as time,” but "Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” will never feel old hat to generations of new children or eternal fans of romance and fairytales.

"The Sapphires" is missing a lot — detailed characters, a unique narrative arc, half-plausible scenes of the Vietnam War — but it's got two uncommon things going for it: genuine charm and Chris O'Dowd. They are not mutually exclusive.

Mill Avenue has always been a hot spot for tourists, students, and locals alike. With the constant flow of people and changing demographics, it is typically no surprise when a new restaurant or bar opens.

One perk of living in the East Valley is our vibrant music and art scene. We regularly enjoy national and international performers, but we are also blessed with talented local musicians and artists. You can experience that for yourself Saturday at the Mesa Arts Center, where the Symphony of the Southwest and the Youth Symphony of the Southwest perform Ravel’s famous arrangement of Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” along with other works by Brahms and Strauss.

Start marking your calendars with all the shows you plan to see this season. Arizona Theatre Company has announced its 2013-2014 lineup.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Most folks know Memphis for its barbecue and Philly for its cheesesteaks, but how about Nashville and its hot chicken?

Shaquille O'Neal is one busy retiree.

Falcon Field Airport will host its fifth annual Open House 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can get close to aircraft, unique cars, military vehicles and more. Admission and parking are free.

The Symphony of the Southwest is partnering with Mesa Unified School District to present "Beauty in Sight and Sound," a special multimedia extravaganza. The symphony will play side-by-side with the Youth Symphony of the Southwest in a program that features artwork by Mesa district high school students.

NEW YORK — Macklemore & Ryan Lewis aren't the only ones poppin' tags at thrift shops.

Jim Heath doesn't worry that his style of music will go out of style.

On the same day more than 40 years ago, lightning struck twice for Dolly Parton. She wrote "I Will Always Love You" and "Jolene," two of her signature songs, on the same afternoon.

Coffee, Irish whiskey and cream.

MGM’s “The Wizard of Oz” is the rare film adaptation that has officially become even more cherished than the timeless book that inspired it. Over the years, “The Wizard of Oz” has influenced numerous sequels, prequels, and reimaginings in just about every entertainment medium. Although there have certainly been some good additions to the “Oz” franchise, it’s unfortunate all of them must live in the shadow of an unbeatable classic. While nothing will ever top the Judy Garland version, the most we can ask from a modern “Oz” interpretation is that it remains true to L. Frank Baum’s universe while also sprinkling in something fresh. On that basis, Director Sam Raimi sufficiently delivers in his vibrant and fun “Oz the Great and Powerful.”