Anthony Sandoval

Insane Clown Posse's Shaggy 2 Dope: "There's Always Been Juggalos"

In 1997, when a heavy, rock-influenced sound and record label meddling gave Insane Clown Posse their first brush with the mainstream, it was hard to imagine Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope remaining relevant in 2003, let alone 2013. That's because none of us were taking the Juggalos into account. In t ... More >>

Tiger Army Added to Phoenix New Times/KUKQ's That Damn Show

Tiger Army has replaced Against Me! on Phoenix New Times/KUKQ's recently revived That Damn Show music festival at Mesa Amphitheatre, which includes Bad Religion, Awolnation, The Faint, and more. The news of Against Me! leaving the festival isn't too surprising, as the band canceled its spring tour ... More >>

Cold War Kids Headline New Times' Carnaval Electrico at Crescent Ballroom

Top Five Must-See Shows This Week in Phoenix

It's only the end of February, but I'm convinced I've already heard one of the best albums of 2013. Destruction Unit's new LP, the six-song mind eraser Void, debuts locally on Monday, February 25, when the band takes the stage at the Yucca Tap Room. The band's been getting some high profile recognit ... More >>

Top Five Must-See Shows This Week in Phoenix

The weekend is over, and it's back to the grind. You sit there despondent at your desk, visions of a wild weekend replaying your head, scenes from A Good Day to Die Hard -- which you caught a sick matinee showing of -- bouncing around your cranium. How can you get back to that blissful state? Go see ... More >>

Top Five Must-See Shows This Week in Phoenix

For every up there's a down. It's like reading the awesome news that Elton John plays on the new Queens of the Stone Age record the same day you read Christina Applegate is leaving NBC's Up All Night.. Bummer! So here's the bad news: It's Monday, which is the worst. But some good, too: There's some ... More >>

Top Five Must-See Shows This Week in Phoenix

Yeah, yeah, yeah...we get it. Mondays suck (we've read Garfield). But it means the start of a new week, which means a bunch of killer shows in and around Phoenix. And here are a few of the coolest -- our top five must-see shows this week.

Top Five Phoenix Music Stories of the Week

The news waits for no one -- at least that's what we read somewhere -- so it's perfectly understandable that you, the reader, might have missed out on a musical tidbit, breaking news about your favorite venue, or one of our rants. So enjoy this digest-style sampling of some of our biggest stories f ... More >>

Five Favorite Live Hip-Hop Venues in Metro Phoenix

Musicians traditionally get all of the glory, but what about the venues that house them? Arizona hip-hop artists are regularly lauded for their lyrical lexicon and dazzling deliveries, but they couldn't be heard if popping music houses didn't provide the dark digs, microphones, stages, and booming s ... More >>

Top Five Must-See Shows in Metro Phoenix This Weekend

Curious about what's going on around town this weekend? Need some suggestions where to rock, dance, or krump in the Valley of the Sun? Don't fret: These are our Five Shows to See This Weekend.

13 Phoenix Bands You Need to Know in 2013: The Complete List

As 2012 draws to a close, we couldn't be more optimistic about the state of music in the Valley of the Sun. With new bands emerging from various scenes and subgenres, it can be hard to keep up with the latest in Phoenix music. What follows are our picks for 13 acts that will make an impact on the S ... More >>

13 Phoenix Artists You need to Hear in 2013

French Girls: Oddball Lyrics, Purring Delivery

As 2012 draws to a close, we'll be looking forward to the 2013 and spotlighting 13 Phoenix bands that will be making a mark on the Southwest throughout the new year. Today Anthony Sandoval pops in and checks out the rambunctious rock 'n' roll of Francophiles French Girls. The Phoenix foursome, Fren ... More >>

Top 20 Phoenix Concerts of 2012

2012 isn't even over yet, and we're already feeling sort of nostalgic for it. We saw a lot of great shows this year, so narrowing it down to the most mind-blowing 20 wasn't easy, but it was a lot of fun. Enjoy, our Top 20 Phoenix Concerts of 2012. See also: Top Five 2012 Heavy Releases In Pho ... More >>

Top 5 Must-See Shows in Phoenix This Week

Yeah, yeah, yeah...we get it. Mondays suck (we've read Garfield). But it means the start of a new week, which means a bunch of killer shows in and around Phoenix. And here are a few of the coolest -- our top five must-see shows this week.

Captain Squeegee with ASU's Concert Jazz Band, Crescent Ballroom, 11/8/12

Captain Squeegee with the ASU Concert Jazz Band @ Crescent Ballroom | 11/8/12Musicians and concertgoers were nearly indistinguishable at the Crescent Ballroom last night when sci-fi geek rockers Captain Squeegee and Arizona State University's Concert Jazz Band crowded the stage. With so many people ... More >>

Top Five Shows to See This Weekend

Curious about what's going on around town this weekend? Need some suggestions where to rock, dance, or krump in the Valley of the Sun? Don't fret: These are our Five Shows to See This Weekend. Unable to get out of town and head to the massive Apache Lake Music Festival this weekend? Don't worry, t ... More >>

Top Five Phoenix Music Stories of the Week

The news waits for no one -- at least that's what we read somewhere -- so it's perfectly understandable that you, the reader, might have missed out on a musical tidbit, breaking news about your favorite venue, or one of our rants. So enjoy this digest-style sampling of some of our biggest stories f ... More >>

RAW Showcase with The Deer Leader, Francis Dean and Bad Lucy, Martini Ranch, 9/20/12

RAW: Natural Born Artists Showcase with The Deer Leader, Francis Dean and Bad Lucy @ Martini Ranch | Thursday, September 20What's an art showcase without a little live music at the helm? Underground art allies, RAW Phoenix, called on local acts The Deer Leader, Francis Dean and Bad Lucy to provide ... More >>

10 Favorite Concerts of the Summer

We don't want to jinx it, but a string of cooler nights and balmy afternoons has us feeling comfortable saying "Summer's done." The festival season has come to a close, and it's time to unpack that neglected denim and put away your jorts and Coachella Crocs for the season. Of course, this summer r ... More >>

Top Five Must-See Shows This Week

Yeah, yeah, yeah...we get it Mondays suck (we've read Garfield). But it means the start of a new week, which means a bunch of killer shows in and around Phoenix. And here are a few of the coolest, our top five must-see shows this week.

Top Five Must-See Shows This Week

Yeah, yeah, yeah...we get it Mondays suck (we've read Garfield). But it means the start of a new week, which means a bunch of killer shows in and around Phoenix. And here are a few of the coolest, our top five must-see shows this week.

Top Five Phoenix Music Stories of the Week

The news waits for no one -- at least that's what we read somewhere -- so it's perfectly understandable that you, the reader, might have missed out on a musical tidbit, breaking news about your favorite venue, or one of our rants. So enjoy this digest-style sampling of some of our biggest stories f ... More >>

Arizona Juggalo Shawn Wolf Fights for Custody of His Son

See also: FBI Report Officially Classifies Juggalos a Hybrid Gang; Arizona Boasts "Strong Juggalo Presence" See also: The Gathering of the Juggalos 2012 Lineup Is Pretty Good. Really!Shawn Wolf is a Juggalo -- one of countless fanatics of rap outfit Insane Clown Posse. But outside of his punk appear ... More >>

Top Five Must-See Shows This Weekend

Curious about what's going on around town this weekend? Need some suggestions where to rock, dance, or krump in the Valley of the Sun? Don't fret: These are our Five Shows to See This Weekend.

Five Must-See Shows This Week

Yeah, yeah, yeah...we get it Mondays suck (we've read Garfield). But it means the start of a new week, which means a bunch of killer shows in and around Phoenix. And here are a few of the coolest, our top five must-see shows this week.

Top Phoenix Music Stories of the Week

The news waits for no one -- at least that's what we read somewhere -- so it's perfectly understandable that you, the reader, might have missed out on a musical tidbit, breaking news about your favorite venue, or one of our rants. So enjoy this digest-style sampling of some of our biggest stories f ... More >>

Top Phoenix Music Stories of the Week

The news waits for no one -- at least that's what we read somewhere -- so it's perfectly understandable that you, the reader, might have missed out on a musical tidbit, breaking news about your favorite venue, or one of our rants. So enjoy this digest-style sampling of some of our biggest stories f ... More >>

Top Phoenix Music Stories of the Week

The news waits for no one -- at least that's what we read somewhere -- so it's perfectly understandable that you, the reader, might have missed out on a musical tidbit, breaking news about your favorite venue, or one of our rants. So enjoy this digest-style sampling of some of our biggest stories f ... More >>

Download: New Gospel Claws Song, "Pale Horse Dry Cleaning"

See also: Joel Marquard Fought Cancer and The Indie Community Chips in To Help Him Out In this week's issue, Anthony Sandoval brings us the story of Gospel Claws/Through and Through Gospel Review songwriter Joel Marquard's battle with testicular cancer. We're happy to report that he beat it, and ... More >>

La Mala Rodriguez at Crescent Ballroom, 7/8/12

La Mala Rodriguez Crescent Ballroom Sunday, July 8, 2012 See also: Spanish Rapper La Mala Rodriguez to Bring Flamenco-Infused Hip-Hop to Crescent Spanish emcee La Mala Rodriguez lived up to her promise of an emotional and powerful showing at the Crescent Ballroom with jamming grooves, little cloth ... More >>

Top Five Must-See Shows This Weekend

Curious about what's going on around town this weekend? Need some suggestions as to how to rock, dance, or krump in the Valley of the Sun? Don't fret: These are our Five Shows to See This Weekend.

10 Phoenix Bands You Need to Hear This Summer: The Complete List

In last week's issue of New Times, we profiled 10 new(ish) bands we expect to dominate Phoenix iPods and boomboxes this long, hot summer. We'll be focusing more deeply on those artists over the next couple of days on Up on the Sun. Here's the complete list.

10 Phoenix Bands You Need to Hear This Summer

La Llegadora and Grupo Poderozzo, La Casa del Mariachi, 6/5/12

La Llegadora and Grupo Poderozzo La Casa del Mariachi Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Arizona's banda scene really knows how to party. Decked-out dudes and chicas filled the music hall side of La Casa Del Mariachi last night and danced their asses off. It didn't matter to anyone that it was a school night. ... More >>

New Documentary Bigger Than Sound Tracks the Career of Local Promoter Charlie Levy

As a recent graduate from Arizona State University, I can attest to the student showcases the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication regularly hosts. The second floor of the school's downtown building houses the First Amendment Forum, where CNN constantly airs. The public space ... More >>

Phoenix vs. Tempe? Is a Fractious Relationship Hurting the Valley Music Scene?

See also: Echo Cloud Brings Actual Local Rock to Mill Avenue's School of Rock See also: Behind the Scenes of Former Friends of Young Americans' Practice Pad A couple weeks ago our own Anthony Sandoval penned a music feature about Phoenix-based shoegazers Former Friends of Young Americans. In the pi ... More >>

Weekend: B-Real of Cypress Hill, Loyal Wife, Heartless Bastards, Switch, George & Dragon 17th Anniversary Party

Earlier this week we remarked on the longevity of Grand Ave art-space the Trunk Space, which is celebrating eight years of DIY operation next week. Well, here's something to consider: This week, The George & Dragon pub, which has hosted many a punk rock show in its day, turns 17. That's only one yea ... More >>

The Green Lady Killers at Hollywood Alley, 3/9/12

The Green Lady Killers Hollywood Alley Friday, March 9 The only thing hotter than two badass rock 'n' roll chicks? Why, that would be three badass rock 'n' roll chicks. I think the packed crowd at Hollywood Alley in Mesa will vouch for me on this one. Los Angeles rockers The Green Lady Killers m ... More >>

Wooden Indian, Spafford, Dry River Yacht Club, Sugar Thieves at Crescent Ballroom, 1/13/12

Wooden Indian, Spafford, Dry River Yacht Club, Sugar Thieves Crescent Ballroom Friday, January 13 Ballrooms are traditionally designated for swanky soiree's and formal dance receptions. Since it's opening, Crescent Ballroom has played host to anything but traditional music ensembles and while it mi ... More >>

Music for a Change: TEDxPhoenix at Mesa Arts Center

Photos by Anthony SandovalMichelle Blades​Since 1984, TED has dedicated itself to providing a platform where world-changing ideas are exchanged from speaker to audience. The abbreviation stands for technology, entertainment and design. The "x" in TEDx simply means it's a completely independent ... More >>

Sergio Mendoza Y La Orkesta at Crescent Ballroom, 10/21/11

Anthony Sandoval​Sergio Mendoza Y La Orkesta Crescent Ballroom Friday, October 21 The only thing missing from the Crescent Ballroom last night was a haze of cigar smoke as Sergio Mendoza Y La Orkesta channeled their inner Perez Prado to dazzle an eager crowd with their unique brand of mambo. ... More >>

Steve Weiss, What Are You Listening To?

Anthony SandovalSteve Weiss​Steve Weiss Weiss is a fine art photographer with Candid Landscapes and executive director of No Festival Required Independent Cinema, a four-time Best Of Phoenix winner. Weiss will be doing film programming for Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art's new SMoCA Lounge i ... More >>

Manu Chao in Arizona, 9/21/11

Photo by Anthony Sandoval​ Manu Chao The Lot Across From El Portal Restaurant Wednesday, September 21, 2011 Last night's Manu Chao appearance ended up being more than just a free concert on an empty parking lot across the street from a Mexican restaurant. I mean, those were definitely the bas ... More >>

Manu Chao Stands in Solidarity with Sheriff Joe Arpaio Protesters (Video)

Photos by Anthony Sandoval​It was a familiar sight in front of Sheriff Joe Arpaio's downtown office yesterday afternoon. Another assembly of a dozen protesters or so had gathered and members of the media were waiting in tow. Word eventually reached Joe that some multilingual, slightly-famous ... More >>

Flier(s) of the Week: Tightholes and Quick Henry

Normally here at Up on the Sun HQ, we pick one flier to spotlight as our "Flier of the Week," but this week, we just had to indulge and pick two. ​This gig is part first show, part reunion show, part last show, part just another show, and part awesome show.Friday night will bring crazy amounts of ... More >>

SofaKingRadio: Broadcasting Local Bands To The World, From Scottsdale

Photos by Anthony SandovalThe Sofa King himself, Dan G.​Dan G wakes up while it's still dusk outside and gets ready to start his day at 4 a.m. Work is a small, family-owned butcher shop in Scottsdale called French's Meat Shoppe. He wields sharp blades, dicing up various kinds of animal flesh befor ... More >>

Former Friends of Young Americans at The Lost Leaf, 6-30-11

Photos by Anthony SandovalToby Fatzinger and Marco Holt at The Lost Leaf.​ Former Friends of Young Americans, The Tremulants The Lost Leaf Thursday, June 30 There's something to be said about Arizona's music scene when you can slip into a local watering hole and find great local bands like Th ... More >>

The Queers at Chasers, 6/23/11

Anthony SandovalThe Queers at Chasers in Scottsdale.​ The QueersChasersJune 23, 2011Last night, I found myself in the dark doldrums of Chasers stage area with melodic blasting in my ears. Dim lights and camera flashes bounced off frantic faces and the smell of teenage angst wafted through the ... More >>

Liz Isenberg at The Trunk Space, 6/8/11

Anthony SandovalCourier New gets crazy with a variable speed changer.​ Liz IsenbergTrunk SpaceWednesday, June 8, 2011 One of the absolute treats of a stripped down, do-it-yourself show is that a musician cannot hide behind bright lights, over-processed distortion, or the skills of other musi ... More >>