For those about to rock -- well, they're doing so to better society, and we should salute them. This Sunday, May 18, a 16-band benefit concert rocks Nita's Hideaway, its proceeds supporting the Anti-Defamation League's efforts to fight bigotry and terrorism. Horizon High School junior Linda Ruvalcaba organized the all-day, all-ages show in conjunction with Interact, a student club promoting diversity, acceptance and tolerance.The Rock for Your Rights lineup includes Dumb As Einstein, Greeley Estates, All for Rome, As Kids Laughing, Adam Panic, Elsewhere, A Division Of, Lakeshore Drive, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Troy's Bucket, Shrinkport, Drawing Down the Sun, Forfit, Not Quite Bernadette, No Alternative, and Workshirt Wonder.
Doors open at 1:30 p.m., the music starts at 2:30, and the final act takes the stage at 10:15. Tickets, $10, are available at Nita's, Price and Southern in Tempe; Zia Records; and www.ticketweb.com. - Jill Koch
Back Spin
Local troupe reverts to the Basics
Sat 5/17
In a pre-summer salute to simplicity, the Movement Source Dance Company wraps up its 15th season by going Back to the Basics. The multimedia mix of new works finds the local nonprofit troupe exploring creativity and emotion, with ASL interpretation "artistically integrated" into each performance. Joined by guest artists Mary McCann, Susan Douglas Roberts, Raymond Shaw and Karen Schupp, the Movement Source dancers get into the groove Saturday, May 17, at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts, 7380 East Second Street. Showtimes are 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets -- $15 for adults, $12.50 for students and seniors -- are available through the center box office, 480-994-2787, and Ticketmaster, 480-784-4444. - Jill Koch
Blue Note
Music is salvation in BTT's season finale
5/15-6/1
The Black Theatre Troupe is turning blue for the finale to its 33rd season, the musical revue Blues in the Night -- at least that's what "my mama done tol' me."Set in Chicago a rough decade after Kander and Ebb's musical postcard to the city, Blues in the Night examines the lives of three women and a saloon singer who has seen better days. A symphony of blues favorites includes "Stompin' at the Savoy," "Taking a Chance on Love," "Wild Women Don't Have the Blues" and, of course, "Blues in the Night."
The production runs Thursday, May 15, through June 1 at Herberger Theater Center's Stage West, 222 East Monroe. Tickets are $19 to $25; to purchase, call the box office at 602-252-8497.-Quetta Carpenter