The Yucca Tap's loss is the Sail Inn's gain.
In case you're not up on the comings and goings of the Valley's music scene, local legends the Zen Lunatics packed up their popular -- and award-winning -- rockaroke night and moved it to the Sail Inn a few months ago after five years at the Yucca.
How come? It might've been due to the fact the boys from the Blunt Club took over their old Thursday night slot back in January, or (if this rockaroke-specific version of the old Downfall/Hitler viral video is to be believed) it could've had something to do with the Yucca's recent expansion.
Either way, the Lunatics (which features New Times contributor Chris Hansen Orf on guitar) are now doing the karaoke-with-a-live band thing at Gina Lombardi's joint. The latest edition is tonight, and it's the perfect way to kick off the Memorial Day Weekend.
What else is going down over the four-day (or five-day, depending if you can sneak outta work) holiday? Plenty, including a few hip-hop bashes, Phoenix Suns viewing parties, and geekfests galore.
Phoenix Suns Game 5 Viewing Party at Padre Murphy's (Thursday):
It's do-or-die time for Planet Orange. Having won the past two games against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Suns head back to El Lay to do what they haven't been able to do all season: win a game at the Staples Center. Its gonna be tough, and Big STAT and Nashty are gonna need all the support they can get. Hang out at this massive gathering of Phoenix fans and see if you're positive vibes can help turn the tide. Renowned trumpeter will be on hand Jessie McGuire (to play the national anthem, natch), as will the Gorilla and the Suns dance squad. Giveaways are also promised and the sports jocks of KTAR will be doing alive broadcast. 5 p.m., free. (4338 W. Bell Rd., Glendale, 602-547-9406)
Westgate Bike Night at the WaterDance Plaza (Thursday):
"In its second season, the weekly Westgate Bike Night hosts hundreds of riders, making it the biggest evening bike event in the state. Be-seen bikers can line their rides along Coyotes Boulevard then stroll the vendor-lined plaza grabbing grub, checking out custom builders' latest creations, or watching motorcycle videos on giant LED screens." (Click here to read more...) 5 p.m., free. (6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale) -- Laura Hahnefeld
Rockaroke at the Sail Inn (Thursday):
The location may have changed, but the Zen Lunatics' motto of "you sing it, we bring it" is still in full affect. The band will be rocking out all evening while patrons (inebriated or otherwise) thumb through the songbooks and hop onstage to belt out such standards as "Satisfaction." 8:30 p.m., free. (26 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe, 480-966-9565)
Deathface at Bar Smith (Friday):
Although this Brooklyn DJ's MySpace gallery boasts pics of him clad in such outrageous outfits as pig masks and Nazi gear, we're hoping that the hipster spinster (formerly known as Johnny Love of the Guns n Bombs crew) drops the shock shtick when visiting FUSE Fridays tomorrow night. We'd prefer he instead focuses on what he does best: rocking the club with his unique sound, which is a raw and potent mix of electro, breakcore, dubstep, and other EDM sounds. Radio Phoenix's Pablo Gomez and the FUSE residents are also scheduled to spin, while the bartenders will serve Smirnoff White Grapes, Corona, Blue Moon, and Skyy beverages all night. Free before 10:30 p.m. (130 E. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-229-1265)
Feel the Force - Crocth Rockitt Special Edition at Forbidden (Friday):
Geeks of the Valley rejoice! It's the weekend of Phoenix Comicon (as evidenced by Niki D'Andrea's cover story in this week's issue) which means its time to leave the basement and play dress up as your favorite sci-fi/comic book/anime/fantasy character. And if you perchance get bored with the con's endless variety of nighttime shenanigans, shoot on over to this 'Dale dance den. Crotch Rockitt will be hosting a sexy Star Wars-themed party and attendees are being asked to dress "like a slutty Darth Vader or Han Solo on a drug binge." Free Svedka drinks will be available until 10 p.m. and the DJs at this galactic affair include Speedy Graffiti, DJ Mannequin, and Jonny Noir. 9 p.m., $5 after 11 p.m. (6820 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale)
Domo CD Release Show at Yucca Tap Room (Saturday):
"Domo is quite possibly the most underrated in band in Phoenix. They earn this title through several distinct and important qualities that they, though very few other bands, possess. First off, they sadly don't play around town as much as one may like. Therefore when you see them, it's a rare treat to look forward to. Secondly, they have a way of writing catchy, bouncy, spritely, and endearing songs. But they aren't what you may expect. Somehow they are able to combine both pop and punk sensibilities without floating into that dreaded, disgusting teeny bop genre known by so many as 'pop punk.'" (Click here to read more...) 8 p.m., free. (29 W. Southern Ave., Tempe, 480-967-4777) -- Sarah Ventre
Mission: Corruptible Screening at 910 Live (Saturday):
"Some call him the first rockabilly guy in Phoenix, but Marco Polo (born Marco Saldana) is more than just a pompadour-wearing, stand-up bass-playing pioneer in the Latin rockabilly scene. He's also a do-it-yourself filmmaker, crafting films in what he calls 'The International Crime Jazz Film Collection,' a series of spy noir style movies he stars in and directs. His latest, Mission: Corruptible, makes its debut and Polo promises it will resonate with those who like B-movies with an artsy flair." (Click here to read more...) 7:30 p.m., $7. (910 N. McClintock Dr., Tempe, 480-966-0707) -- Nicki Escudero
Sunday Funday at Dos Gringos Mesa (Sunday):
"Our Sunday activities of late have been a bit repetitive. Get up early, maybe head to church. Then hit up the local Olive Garden for the seventh week in a row, followed by a dip in the pool that feels more like a hot tub right now. No wonder we feel blah come Monday morning. A mundane plan like this on the eve of a fresh work week should be kicked to the curb, and here's the perfect opportunity: the weekly Sunday Funday at Dos Gringos Mesa Mexigrill. The good times start happening on the patio at 11 a.m. with an under-$10 all-you-can-eat brunch buffet and a $3 build-your-own bloody Mary bar." (Click here to read more...) 11 a.m., free. (1958 S. Greenfield Rd., Mesa, 480-633-5525) -- Chris Bowman
Memorial Sunday Finale at Myst (Sunday):
The hip-hop hustlers of HYB Entertainment have a huge lineup of parties scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. Not only will they be bringing in Lil Wil to kick it as Myst on Friday, they've also booked Twista to hang out at Devil's Martini on Saturday night (click here and here to get the details on both gigs). They're wrapping up the weekend in style on Sunday night with an "All White Affair" at this Scottsdale hotspot, which will feature DJ Phlava dropping hip-hop and R&B while DJ Dark Vader spins up some reggae jams. An open bar will also be available until 11 p.m. and table service starts at $200. 9 p.m.; free before 10:30 for those wearing white, $5 before 11 for everyone else. (7340 E. Shoeman Ln., Scottsdale)
Manic Monday at Crown Room (Monday):
Under normal circumstances, Monday night isn't exactly a big evening for DJs and dance events (look no further than scant amount of listings we've got for proof). Since it's Memorial Day weekend, however, chances are good that y'all might be in the mood to party. DJ Steel's weekly Manic Monday session at the Crown Room might be a good place to hit up, as the spinster will be programming an eclectic mix of music videos and tracks of the classic rock and electro variety. Just don't ask the dude to boot up any hip-hop or Top 40. (Click here to read more...) 10 p.m., free. (7419 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480-423-0117)
