Who'd win in a fight between local legends Miniature Tigers and the hip-hop icons of The Roots?
Although its feels like we're making a Sophie's Choice between our two favorite children, here's our pick: The consensus amongst the New Times is that Questlove and his crew would probably wipe the floor with pasty-faced Charlie Brand, whether it's in a beat-fight or a fistfight.
That shouldn't detract you from attending the event, which will feature each band set up on opposite stages and improvising songs around a unique groove. Not that we aren't fans of the Tigers, but common sense dictates that a hip-hop group might stand a better chance than a reclusive indie rock at conjuring up a winner.
Get more details on the event, as well as nine other weekend wingdings (each with admission prices of $10 or less) after the break.
Long John Hunter at Rhythm Room (Friday):
"Late bloomers hold a special place in our hearts. They represent perseverance, new directions, and second acts. Such is the story of Long John Hunter, a Texas bluesman who didn't "make it" until he was 66 years old, when Alligator Records turned him into a star -- outside of the West Texas scene he had dominated for nearly 30 years -- in 1996..." (read more) 8 p.m., $8. (1019 E. Indian School Rd.)
Red Bull Soundclash at American Junkie (Saturday):
This dope donnybrook betwixt Miniature Tigers and The Roots will take place at a block party-style affair in the street outside of the Scottsdale club. Gates open at 8 p.m. with the Soundclash starting an hour later. DJ Senbad and D-JR will work the wheels the entire even. Although admission is $10, our promotions department is doling out free tickets. (4363 N. 75th St., Scottsdale)
Shadowplay at Rips (Saturday):
"As his nom de guerre portends, DJ Manchester is an avowed Anglophile. He's visited the U.K. on more than one occasion, hangs out at the George & Dragon in his off hours, and (naturally) is a ginormous fan of English rock musicians. Ask this 30-something music junkie whom his favorite acts are, and you'll likely get a list that includes the likes of The Smiths, The Cure, Peter Murphy, and Stone Roses. It shouldn't come as a surprise then that his Shadowplay dance night at Rips Ales and Cocktails takes its name from a Joy Division song and features a playlist steeped with Britpop..." (read more) 9 p.m., free. (3045 N. 16th St.)
Bruno Mars at Martini Ranch (Saturday):
Bruno Mars sure has a way with the ladies. His song "Just the Way You Are" has become an anthem for females everywhere, as the number one hit implores women (and, well, anyone) to stay true to themselves and not give in to changing for the object of their affection. Mars also scored chart-busting tracks with "Billionaire" and "Nothin' on You," another female-centric pop ditty designed to turn ladies into butter. 8 p.m., $10. (7295 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale)
Turntables and Tamales (Saturday):
Ultra-eccentric vinyl hound Alex "Djentrification" Votichenko and his friends also bust out with the monthly Turntables and Tamales gathering, serving up both music mixes and masa-encased Mexican delectables to patrons. This month's edition will also feature performances by DeeJay Smite and Jomeo Pugz. 11 p.m., $5. (1321 E. McDowell Rd.)
Johnny Rawls at Rhythm Room (Saturday):
"There was a time when blues and R&B/black popular music were not so very far apart. Performers such as Etta James, Bobby "Blue" Bland, and Little Johnny Taylor merged the gritty, down-home aspects of the former with the polished, up-market style of the latter for a combination that could wow a Saturday-night club crowd and get played on the radio. Alas, radio's a lot different now, but gents like Johnny Rawls carry on that tradition into this century..." (click here) 8 p.m., $8. (1019 E. Indian School Rd.)
Civic Space Jam Anniversary at Downtown Civic Space Park (Sunday):
Speaking of Mr. Votichenko, it's been one year since he and DJ Anthony "HartBreaks" Hart debuted their monthly music and art showcase, and they're in the mood to celebrate. The event's anniversary part will feature turntable sessions by the pair, as well as spin gigs from Tara Lopez, Miss Robs, Pablo Gomez, and Dehga. Shining Soul will also hold beat-making workshop, hip-hop artist Darrell D. will stage a performance, and Yoga Den will instruct folks on how to bust out with the Downward Dog. 5 p.m., free. (424 N. Central Ave.)
Downtown Chamber Series at Legend City (Sunday):
The latest edition of this ongoing classical music series, which features members of the Phoenix Symphony and other local orchestras, coincides with Legend City's annual "Chaos Theory" exhibit and will feature music from Shostakovich, Schulhoff, Copland, and other composers. 8 p.m., $10. (521 West Van Buren St.)
The Queers at Chasers (Sunday):
"The Buzzcocks and the Ramones may have laid the groundwork for pop-punk, but the Queers helped make sure the genre would never grow up. After 25 years, Joe Queer still pines for that girl in third period, still appreciates a good party and still sings about his subjects in a teenager's matter-of-fact way..." (click here) 6:30 p.m., $10. (8005 E. Roosevelt St., Scottsdale)
