It’s nearly impossible not to yawn at the mere mention of the term “singer-songwriter.” You’ve heard it before — some Lisa Loeb or Elliott Smith clone crooning about a botched relationship over the sounds of a barista cranking out another chai latte. Singer-songwriter Ari Herstand has worked hard to distance…
Bar Smith is always popping on the weekend, and Solstice Saturdays are no exception, as DJs play house on the rooftop and hip-hop downstairs. Saturday, July 30 was a bigger party than usual– it was DJ Senbad’s birthday. Check out the excitement in this week’s Club Candids slideshow. On behalf…
There’s more to the west valley then sports and suburbs. University of Phoenix Stadium was completed around the same time as Westgate, causing an overnight nightlife boom for the western portion of the 101. Sandbar was part of this growth, providing Mexican food and a cozy beach atmosphere without getting…
To celebrate 15 years as a band, Alkaline Trio released a semi-acoustic greatest hits album called Damnesia earlier this month, which features a couple new songs from the band and a Violent Femmes cover. Alkaline Trio is scheduled to play at The Nile Theater on Sunday, July 24 with fellow…
Illinois punk outfit Alkaline Trio has come a long way over the past 15 years, battling drug addictions, troubled relationships, record labels, and — as demonstrated by the band’s latest album, Damnesia — expectations of what they should sound like. Alkaline Trio plays a wild card with the record, an…
Suite 301 is located on the third floor of the Mill Avenue building that houses Blondie’s and The Big Bang, making it a great place to people watch and enjoy drinks in a hip atmosphere. The two well-stocked bars give patrons the freedom to rock out on a crowded dance…
Ben Folds Marquee Theatre Monday, July 18, 2011 Ben Folds has been writing piano rock oscillating between sardonic humor and commentary on the human condition since his beginnings with Ben Folds Five. Along the way, he’s been cast as many things — a father, a joker, a pissed off dude — but…
If you’ve been online within the past week, chances are you’ve already heard Wugazi. If not, the project is exactly what it sounds like: a mash-up of Wu-Tang Clan and Fugazi. Cecil Otter and Swiss Andy, the DJs behind the project, came up with the concept shortly after Danger Mouse…
Reverend Horton Heat Marquee Theatre Saturday, July 16, 2011 Reverend Horton Heat makes an annual stop in Phoenix year after year and never fails to put on a good show. Sure, the band tends to play a lot of the same songs and tell a few of the same jokes,…
Roar is a popular band name, but the bewitching vocal-driven pop of Phoenix’s Roar makes them stand out from their hard rock contemporaries. Plus, our Roar recorded a Daytrotter session. As much as I’d like to classify Roar as ’60s pop, indie pop, beach pop, or vaudeville, frontman Owen Evans…
Obscura is a fun dance party, it’s a shame it only happens once a month. DJs Roya and Adrian Flanagan spin indie, brit pop, and new wave, and raffle off CDs, concert tickets, and movie screening passes on the second Saturday of every month. A late night haboob didn’t stop…
Sparkly vampires, loveable werewolves, and Casper the Friendly Ghost may have softened the image of movie monsters, but zombies still maintain a special place in the horror canon. Although they aren’t the least bit cuddly (and only seem to want your for your brains), we’re betting there will be a…
Third-wave ska peaked sometime in the late 1990s, when bands like The Toasters, Save Ferris, and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones achieved mainstream recognition. Times change and people move on, and now we’re left with Rihanna searching for a rude boy. Thankfully, Streetlight Manifesto has been providing a fresh take on…
A name like Summer Massive sets high expectations for a party. All the components were in place — an impressive line up featuring Designer Drugs, Le Castle Vania, and local talent, a large venue (bonus points for cool décor at The Venue of Scottsdale), cheap drinks, and lots of interesting…
The line up of Within These Walls has been changing a bit over the past couple weeks, but it looks like it’s close to being locked down. A headliner was recently announced, and it’s none other than seminal New York hardcore punk heroes, H2O. It’s been a good six years…
Face to Face Nile TheaterFriday, July 1 The ’90s were a good time for punk rock. Fat Wreck Chords, Epitaph, Lookout, and Nitro were powerhouses of the upbeat catchy punk that dominated Warped Tour’s glory days. While many of the bands that defined the genre have faded away after year…
Underground Cities The Sail Inn Wednesday, June 29 No amount of preparation or wishful thinking guarantees a successful tour, but certain measures will improve a band’s odds. That old adage about “being in a band is like being married” is fitting, since petty arguments about snoring or stink cause more…
Back in the ’90s, it seemed like the entire population of Britain wanted to be a drum ‘n’ bass DJ. Practically everyone and their mum was spinning up the bass-heavy dance music genre in clubs throughout the U.K., and making a mint while doing so. Kevin Ford, also known as…
Fridays in Old Town Scottsdale are defined by crowded bars full of beautiful people, loud music, and long lines outside of clubs. Myst was no exception — all three levels of the club were packed with dancing and socializing patrons enjoying Dream Fridays. Check out this week’s Club Candids slideshow…
The Whisperlights The Duce Tuesday, June 28, 2011 The Whisperlights are now two-for-two for hosting fun and exciting CD release parties. Almost a year ago to the date, the band released their debut EP, Wake Up Dead, at the Yucca Tap Room. To celebrate their first full-length album, Surfaces, the…
It’s almost hard to characterize The Whisperlights as a local band, with members of the eight-piece group living in Phoenix and on both coasts. The band makes it work, utilizing a smaller lineup for Valley gigs while touring with the full band. A true product of the digital age, The…
Washington and Central may be the heart of downtown Phoenix nightlife, but there’s plenty of action further north on Central. Amsterdam is always busy on Friday nights, as gay, lesbian, and straight patrons can let their hair down and enjoy brightly colored cocktails and bumpin’ top 40 jams. Check out…
