There are some bands that seem like they’d be a blast to hang out with. Certain bands just have that vibe that make you just know they’d be fun guys to grab a beer and a burger with. Then there’s Earth Crisis. A fun day with this Syracuse, New York-based…
Teatro Real, Madrid, presents the filmic version of perhaps the world’s first glorification of the counter-culture, 19th-century Puccini masterwork that contemporary art freaks might more readily recognize as the inspiration for Rent. Sun., May 17, 10 a.m.; Wed., May 20, 11 a.m.; Thu., May 21, 7 p.m., 2009…
While listening to the opening moment of Isis’ latest album, Wavering Radiant, you may think that you accidentally popped in a disc by art rockers Gastr del Sol or even something more far out, like Greek avant-garde composer Iannis Xenakis. This is exactly why we heart the Los Angeles-based progressive-metal…
Contemporary bromoil works by the nationally and internationally recognized art photographer. Fri., May 15, 6-10 p.m., 2009…
An aging hipster and a 16-year-old girl stroll through the mall, absentmindedly enveloped in their respective iPods. They collide. “Hey, watch where you’re going,” says the hipster. “You got pop sensibilities in my drone-y shoegaze.” The 16-year-old girl cocks her head: “Nuh-uh. You got your lameass shoegaze all up in…
When two of the biggest and most influential alt-rock bands of all time decide to tour together, it’s hard to find much to complain about. Indeed, the only negative we can come up with about Nine Inch Nails touring with a newly reunited Jane’s Addiction is the unfortunate “NIN/JA” moniker…
What do Styx and REO Speedwagon have in common besides the obvious cheese factor, being aging rock musicians, and sharing the stage at the Dodge Theatre this weekend? The 80s power rockers have seven tracks featured on the Rock Band Music Store catalogue for the wildly-popular video game. Three of…
Brian Regan has been so good at what he does – recounting high-energy, family-friendly remembrances and endearingly self-deprecating ruminations to sold-out theaters full of rabid fans — for so long, he’s ostensibly put himself at a disadvantage. The question isn’t if he’s going to make you laugh; it’s whether he’ll…
The nightlife series showcases a different Dale Chihuly sculpture and Chihuly-inspired cocktail weekly. This week’s featured sculpture: Float Boat. Cocktail: I’m Losing My Marbles. Entertainment: DJs dk. Strickler (pictured) and Rani “g.” Thu., May 14, 5:30-8 p.m., 2009…
Oregon this, Oregon that. Sure, the Pacific Northwest spot is bomb-ass with its ocean, trees, and, of course, Portland. But until recently, the state was actually kind of un-American. You see, until this year, the University of Oregon in Eugene, one of the state’s largest public institutions, hadn’t fielded a…
Though I firmly believe “Cheeseburger in Paradise” to be the single biggest piece-of-crap pop song of all-time – worse, even, than Bob Segar’s execrable “Katmandu” – this won’t be a rant about Jimmy Buffett’s musical abilities. Or lack thereof. Because that would miss the point. The point is, it’s meaningless…
Over the course of three albums, Kings of Leon have worn their undigested influences on their rangy, sleeveless arms. Sure, this is partly born of a supremely unambitious approach, but the result is a rare, uncomplicated rock pleasure. 2005’s Aha Shake Heartbreak has endured several years into the blog era,…
There’s no denying that women, in our Western society, are constantly sexualized. Just think of art history. Since man figured out how to paint, he’s been slapping up images of one reclining nude after another. It’s a lot of pressure for us chicks. One way to deal is to talk…
Unfortunately, Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement—the singing Kiwis that make up Flight of the Conchords (both band and television show)—weren’t available for interviews in conjunction with this tour. Nonetheless, I’ve spent some time imagining how my conversation with them might go. The key is to get on their good side…..
He’s the former host of Fear Factor and a current UFC commentator, but Joe Rogan was, is, and always shall be first and foremost a no-holds-barred stand-up – at least until his December 20, 2012, (perceived) “End of the World” show alongside fellow rabble-rousing comic Doug Stanhope. It could be…
Liberal-leaning artists in the PHX know how difficult it is to maintain their open-mindedness, even in the context of this ever-more-cosmopolitan burg. Imagine the challenge for painter Ernest Blumenschein, circa 1897, when the displaced Easterner tumbled into the lovely but politically savage land of Taos, New Mexico. The founder of…
We wouldn’t call it a light evening out, but a worthy one? Yes. AZDance’s artistic director, Kenda Newbury, and crew present a program centering on abuses of women. Newbury and principal dancers Nicole Rennell, Omaya Ahmad, and Stacy Shane co-choreographed the title work. Wed., May 20, 7 p.m., 2009…
It’s easy to see how Angelina Jolie fell for the stunning landscape of Cambodia. No strip malls. No smog. No cacti. Vietnamese artist Binh Danh had his own transcendental experience at the Cambodian temple of Angkor Wat, though he came home with photos imprinted on leaves using the natural process…
Just because we ain’t got the Great Smoky Mountains and fields of Kentucky bluegrass in this here desert don’t mean we ain’t got folks playing a bunch of acoustic stringed instruments and singing a high-lonesome sound. On the contrary, there’s plenty o’ places in town to play/hear bluegrass music. The…
Whether you’re a real fan of the Desert Dogs or just someone who doesn’t want to see the west side of town fall down and go boom should the Coyotes hit the road for Ontario, Canada, this rally’s for you. The “Save the Coyotes Coalition” folks behind the event, including…
Jane Reddin’s promising gallery, which specializes in functional/utilitarian objets by Arizona artists, celebrates its first birthday with appearances by its roster of artists and live music by The Blue Whalers. Fri., May 15, 7-9 p.m.; Sat., May 16, 12-6 p.m.; Sun., May 17, 12-5 p.m., 2009…
Harold Branch III (a.k.a. HB) might roll with Chicago’s Enigma Poets, but it’s no mystery as to the wordsmith’s role in Phoenix’s spoken-word scene. The poet grew up amid the turmoil of Chi-town’s west side and settled into Arizona life as a teen, determined to make a difference with his…
