Such will be the case this weekend as the R&B star is scheduled to stage a free concert tomorrow night during this weekend's grand opening celebration of CityScape in downtown Phoenix.
Gray isn't the only one who will be belting out the hits, as aging alt-rockers Third Eye Blind will offer a gratis gig on Saturday, while a number of Valley bands and musicians will perform at various times throughout the weekend.
Hit the jump for full details on the event, as well as nine other shindigs worth checking out, all of which will cost you $10 or less to attend.
macy gray-lately by gorgeouzJoe Sib at Trunk Space (Thursday):
Turns out Henry Rollins ain't the only aging punk icon bloviating behind a mic about his past, as former Wax/22 Jacks frontman (and founder of Side One Dummy Records) Joe Sib has been touring the country with his "California Calling" spoken word show. He's hitting the Trunk Space later tonight and will fill the Grand Avenue gallery with punk rock tales and stories about how he helped discover Gogol Bordello and The Gaslight Anthem. 8 p.m., $8. (1506 Grand Ave.)
Phoenix Boys Choir at Steele Indian School Park (Thursday):
The venerated Valley vocal group presents sneak peaks of the upcoming season, as well as other special selections during this special hour-long concert. 5:30 p.m., $10. (300 E. Indian School Rd.)
2 Tone Lizard Kings at 910 Live (Friday):
"The band will be playing a ton of new tracks as well as older fan favorites, and the show gets even more rasta love with support from Dr. Skavra 2 Tone Collective, Three Point Turn, Sara McAllister and Liam and the Ladies. That's enough island rhythm to keep you skanking all night..." (read more) 7 p.m., $5. (910 N. McClintock Drive, Tempe) -- Nicki Escudero
Jägermeister Buried Alive Metal Fest at Goat Head Saloon (Friday):
Spend an evening downing shot of the licorice-like liqueur while the hard-charging hard rockers of Rowan, Lustmord, 69 Sins, Phoenix and Dragon, Losing God, and other local bands attempt to destroy your eardrums. 8 p.m., $5. (1423 S. Country Club Dr., Mesa)
Live Wire, Ravones, Last in Line at Rogue Bar (Friday):
Mock 'n' roll reigns supreme at the Rogue as a trio of local tribute acts offer serious send-ups to the rock stars of yesteryear. For instance, the songs of Motley Crue will be feted by the members of Live Wire, while The Ravones honor the music of the Ramones (natch), and Last in Line imitates the late great Ronnie James Dio. 8 p.m., $5. (423 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale)
Bad Shoe & Baraka at Sail Inn (Friday):
Just like the Justice League or The Avengers, the musicians of R&B/rock act Bad Shoe are joining forces with the members of jazz/funk group Baraka are joining forces to create something greater than the sum of their parts. In this case, it's a unique "hybrid band" which will headline a night of local music at the Sail. Los Guys and Bragrass Revival are also scheduled to perform. 8 p.m., $7. (26 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe)
CityScape Grand Opening (Friday-Sunday):
Here's the full rundown of free shows that will be offered at the three-day event: On Friday, the rockers of Chris Alcaraz and More Love perform at 11 a.m., followed by bar band The Walkens at 4 p.m., R&B singer Paige Bryan (a.k.a. Sinbad's baby girl) at 8:30 p.m., and Macy Gray finishing things off at 9:30 p.m. Saturday will feature rock act Chris Putrino Trio at 11 a.m., as well as Eagle Heart and The After Dark Band in the afternoon, and The Elevens and The CheekTones in the evening. Third Eye Blind busts out with a headlining gig at 9:30 p.m. Finally, Sunday will bring the Bad Cactus Brass Band at noon, The Screamin' Javelinas at 2 p.m., and Steve Ansel and the Jackson Street Band wrapping up the weekend at 4 p.m. (Central Ave. & Washington St.)
The Venomous Pinks at Hollywood Alley (Saturday):
"Hollywood Alley gets super-sexy this Saturday as The Venomous Pinks (a band comprised of three beautiful ladies) melts off faces with a high-energy punk show. The group, which is currently recording a new album to be put out by May Cause Dizziness Records, is busy planning a West coast tour..." (read more) 9 p.m., $5. (2610 W Baseline Rd., Mesa) -- Nicki Escudero
Tempe Symphonic Wind Ensemble at Tempe Center for the Arts (Sunday):
The men and women of the armed forces will be saluted and celebrated during an evening of inspiring marches, fanfares, and other rousing selections by the ensemble during this patriotic tribute. 7 p.m., free (700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe)