The original big-screen blockbuster, Star Wars, is turning 35 big ones, and to mark the occasion, Rips Ales & Cocktails is throwing a themed party to celebrate. “We’re encouraging everybody to come over after Comicon because we actually have a ton of people from Tucson that are coming up, and…
Dead Winter Carpenters are another group of virtuoso musicians toiling in bluegrass obscurity. But it shouldn’t–and won’t always–be that way? Though it would be easy to write this band off as another Yonder Mountain String Band or Trampled by Turtles knock-off giving a punk spin to tradgrass as this Northern…
Punk and hardcore bands aren’t usually known for lineup stability, but Hermosa Beach, California, rockers Pennywise had a pretty solid run for their first 20 years of existence. Beyond the death of bassist Jason Matthew Thrisk (they dedicated “Bro Hymn” to him) Pennywise’s lineup remained solid as the band toured…
It’s not everyday that we get to check out a concert put on by one of the greats from our parents’ era.I’m proud to say that my dad brought me up listening to music from his early years. My first three concerts were the Beach Boys, and the radio station…
A former colleague of mine has a sandwich on his wall with a bite taken out of it. To the casual onlooker, it’s weird. For him, it’s the ultimate piece of music memorabilia. Better than an autograph, splintered guitar neck or piece of concert-worn clothing, this collectible is laced with…
“The End of the Quaver,” Robin Gibb’s Greatest Hits Robin Gibb, of legendary psychedelic popsters turned disco kings The Bee Gees, has passed away at age 62. If you first learned of Robin Gibb’s deteriorating health from Facebook, it was through links to newspaper articles and not the usual reposting…
The Dandy Warhols The Roxy Lounge Sunday, May 20, 2012 You’d be hard-pressed to find a band as crowd-pleasing as The Dandy Warhols. On Sunday night, the Portland-based quartet covered all their bases, unwinding into shoegaze drifts of fuzz that sent out waves of psychedelic charm balanced by catchy power-pop…
Spiritualized Crescent Ballroom Saturday, May 19 See also: Spiritualized’s Jason Pierce on Sweet Heart Sweet Light See also: Spiritualized’s Jason Pierce on How Amazing The Liver Is J. Spaceman didn’t say a word to the crowd. No small talk, no nervous chatter. Wearing a white tee and white jeans, with…
El Tri, Celso Piña, Inspector, La Lupita Comerica Theater Friday, May 18, 2012 In the buildup to last night’s Chido Fest featuring Celso Piña, Inspector and La Lupita, frontman Alex Lora of host band El Tri told us that the event would be a great chance to hear all sorts…
JEFF the Brotherhood, North Dakota, Wooden Indian Rhythm Room Thursday, May 17 The three bands on stage at Rhythm Room didn’t sound very much alike — and that’s a good thing. It was a treat to see three distinct bands perfectly execute their respective sounds at last night’s JEFF the…
Hey, nerds! Don’t worry. We’re not going to break your glasses this time. We just want to tell you something. You probably already know Phoenix Comicon is going down next week at Phoenix Convention Center. You probably have your costume already planned out, and you’re in luck: So do some…
Roger Waters Performs The Wall US Airways Center Tuesday, May 15 The spectacle that is Roger Waters’ The Wall tour deserves more than a cursorily run-through. The concert is as much theater and cutting-edge theatrics as it is a musical production, and each aspect deserves — requires — equal respect,…
The Donkeys Yucca Tap Room Monday, May 14, 2012 It’s hard to tell your friends “I’m going to the Donkeys show” with a straight face. No, not some perverted freakshow in Mexico. I mean the psychedelic San Diegan blues rockers The Donkeys, who tore the Yucca Tap Room apart with…
Ana Tijoux Puente Arizona Headquarters Sunday, May 13, 2012 While most of us celebrated Mother’s Day with flowers, cards, and family dinners, Latina rapper Ana Tijoux spent the afternoon receiving a crash course in Arizona’s twisted political landscape and Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s regime. Her “Arizona-fication,” as it were. The French-born…
George Sarah The Lost Leaf Friday, May 11, 2012 As I nuzzled my way through the standing crowd of George Sarah’s performance last night at the Lost Leaf, it dawned on me that I haven’t been to the downtown hideaway in quite some time. It’s still crowded as always on…
Drake’s Club Paradise Tour featuring Meek Mill, 2 Chainz, French Montana, Waka Flocka Flame, J. Cole, and Drake Ashley Furniture HomeStore Pavilion Thursday, May 10 See also: Drake’s Take Care Is a Conflicted, Compelling Statement Check out the complete Drake Club Paradise Tour slideshow There was a moment Thursday night…
Curious 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. Saturday, May 12: Right to Marry to Stage Benefit Show @ Trunk Space It’s…
Captain Squeegee frontman Danny Torgersen is a bona fide quote machine. The singer and trumpeter is known for his unconventional views. Just take his vocal contribution to a song that asserts 9/11 was an inside job (in dubstep!) or simply supporting underdog Ron Paul for president. Those views might be…
Music Maker Workshops Battle of the Bands Club Red Sunday, May 6, 2012 Pint-size rockers of Ahwatukee’s Music Maker Workshops dueled it out at the school’s first battle of the bands of the year Sunday night at Club Red in Tempe. The school takes kids between the ages of 8…
Curious 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. Looking for even more Cinco action? Check out our Valley Cinco de Mayo guide…
Entrance Band, Amen Dunes, and Wooden Indian Chasers Bar and Night Club Tuesday, May 1, 2012 See also: Amen Dunes on Living a Million Musical Lives I’m sitting at a table with Paz Lenchantin a few hours before her heavy psych-blues outfit, Entrance Band, decimates the stage at Chasers in…
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 normally is used as…
