Crescent Ballroom presents its third annual Summer Matinee Series

Crescent Ballroom is preparing for its third annual Summer Matinee Series, which kicks off on July 5. Eight consecutive afternoon shows feature a mix of musical acts and styles.

Ashridge and Significant Others, two Arizona indie rock bands, kick off the first week. The latter is Phoenix-based but has members from all over the country who started jamming after the pandemic. They list groups like Wilco and Mt. Joy as influences.

Taylor Zimmerman, the venue’s talent buyer and booking manager, put the series’ lineup together and says that the previous two events have been great. “Because most of them are all ages, they have become events for the whole family to enjoy, to get out of the summer heat on a weekend afternoon and enjoy food together,” she adds.

Some of the bands have done the series before, and others are new to the matinee. “We are bringing back some acts and adding new ones. The main thing is that they are all bands we really believe in,” Zimmerman says.

The venue changes each week depending on the show. For a more rock show like the first week, it’ll be an open floor. Events featuring a burlesque troop or a jazz performance will have tables set up.

Most of the shows are all ages, but sometimes, like with the Lola Torch burlesque show, they could be for an 18-and-over audience.

“We love doing the event, and it’s a great opportunity to showcase local talent at a community-based show,” Zimmerman says.

Here is the complete schedule for Crescent Ballroom’s Summer Matinee Series:

July 5, Ashridge + Significant Others – indie rock
July 12, Lola Torch – burlesque from Tucson
July 19, Flamenco Por La Vida – traditional flamenco
Aug. 2, Jacob Eary Jazz – playing Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn
Aug. 16, Bad Cactus Brass Band – New Orleans jazz
Aug. 30, Giovanni + Medio Pinto – Ugandan x world folk
Sept. 7, Hyperbella + Sophia Bavishi – indie electro pop
Sept. 21, Great American Songbook with Rick Naimark

Crescent Ballroom’s Summer Matinee Series runs July 5 through Sept. 21. Doors open at 2 p.m. and shows start at 2:30 p.m. Most shows are all ages, some 18 and older. Ticket are $8 in advance and $10 at the door for most shows, but may vary.