Critic's Notebook

10 best concerts in Phoenix this weekend

Live sounds abound in the Valley. Here are some top options.
Happy fans at TikTok in the Mix.

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for TikTok

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Editor’s note: This story is updated and released on Thursdays at 6:00 a.m., featuring concert listings that run through the following Sunday each week.

Chloe Tang
Thursday, Dec. 11, 8 p.m.
Valley Bar
Chloe Tang, born and raised right here in Phoenix, has taken years of classical piano training and mixed it with years of writing music to whip up a pop-laden R&B sound fueled by hypnotic beats. And when it comes to lyrics, she is saying what she wants, taking no prisoners. In her single, “Hoes Have Feelings Too,” she throws down the complexities of relationships. “Yeah, I know you look at me and see the baddest bitch/But I got a softer side, see these diamonds that I cry.”

Rockabilly Xmas Extravaganza
Thursday, Dec. 11, 6 p.m.
The Rhythm Room
This home for blues, rockabilly and roots music should have people jumpin’ at this holiday party. Live music will be provided by self-decribed swingin’ ‘hot rod’ rockabilly act, Suzie and the AcceleratorZ, with their songs like “Good Rocking Daddy” and “Wild Rock and Roll.” In addition to the dance-inspiring tunes, the night will also feature the Miss Santa Baby Pin Up Pageant, vendors, a raffle and food trucks.

Alexia Rodriguez of Eyes Set to Kill.

Varsity/Eyes Set to Kill

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Editor's Picks

Eyes Set To Kill
Friday, Dec. 12, 6:45 p.m.
Crescent Ballroom
Ready for a night of metal? This band, which formed in 2003, still features two of its founding members, sisters Alexia and Anissa Rodriguez. Their sound is thick and melodic with dynamics in speed and sound. Lauren Babic, Stitched Up Heart and Sorry X are also on the bill.

Öwnboss
Friday, Dec. 12, 9:00 p.m.
Darkstar Theater
When the event’s start time is 9 p.m., it’s safe to say dancing is going to be involved. Add Öwnboss to the roster, and it’s guaranteed. The Brazilian dance music producer and DJ had a global hit with his single, “Move Your Body.” The song was streamed over 200 million times. His EDM style is bass house, meaning it leans on rhythmic, heavy and distorted bass lines.

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Led Zepagain
Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m.
Showroom at Casino Arizona
It’s time to ‘get the Led out,’ or maybe it’s time for a ‘whole lotta love.’ In both cases, this California tribute band is going to deliver you the tunes of classic rock icons Led Zeppelin. They’ve been doing it since 1989, with some member changes over the years. The group has often been regarded as the most accurate replication of the original band, so get ready to hear all your faves.

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101.1 The Bounce Holiday Jam
Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Mortgage Matchup Center
Hip hop holiday cheer is what’s up at this radio station holiday celebration. It’s a night of nostalgia with a roster of legendary rap acts, including Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Too Short and E-40. The night also features Mya, Paula Deanda, Petey Pablo, DJ Quik and Lighter Shade of Brown.

Blue October plays two nights in December at The Van Buren.

Rainmaker Entertainment Group

Alt AZ 93.3’s Ugly Sweater Holiday Party with Blue October
Saturday, Dec. 13, 8 p.m.
The Van Buren
It’s that time of year; everyone’s throwing their best bash. This annual event is two nights, and this is the second evening you can don your most hideous knitted sweater and come out to play. Alt-rockers Blue October, whose hit “Hate Me” is an emotional anthem since its release 20 years ago. James and the Cold Gun are also playing. 

CATBITE
Saturday, Dec. 13, 6 p.m.
The Rosetta Room
Ska from Philadelphia comes to make this newish Mesa venue pop. Their singer, Brittany Luna, trained as a jazz singer, and it takes about, oh, one note for that to be loud and clear. Her rich vocals thread each tune with a smoothness, whether she’s setting a subtle mood or a punchy one, like it “Die in Denver.” This band, signed to Bad Time Records, is gonna make your time a good one.

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Seven Kingdoms
Sunday, Dec. 14, 6 p.m.
Last Exit Live
And it came from Florida. That’s where this power metal band hails from. DeLand, to be exact, where they formed in 2007. Vocalist Sabrina Valentine takes some notes through-the-roof high, maintaining a melodic flow,  while the band hits some breakneck speeds via guitars and drums. Phoenix metal bands Varkan and Vipera are also on this bill of righteously brutal tunes.

Ticketmaster

Vincent Lima
Sunday, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m.
Crescent Ballroom
Take some tissues. The indie-folk artist is bringing his To Love A Thing That Fades tour to town, and he might make you shed a tear or two. His songs are rich with emotion, and his deep-toned voice conveys those feelings more than effectively. He’s got a slight warble and a little gravel that floats through his delivery, too, and all the factors play together to make these stories stick in your head. Sydney Ross Mitchell opens.

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