4 Best Concerts in Phoenix This Week

Hanukkah's ending and Christmas is beginning this week, and frankly, most of the Phoenix music scene has gone on winter break. That said, there are a few shows to check out this week. Scope our picks below, and check out our comprehensive concert listings for more options.

Local band Watch For Rocks has a special treat for those who double up on presents. Check out their brand-new "The Chrismukkah Song" if you feel the tug of two different faiths this time of year.

Happy holidays, Phoenix.

See also: 13 Places to Party on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Metro Phoenix

JJCnV - Tuesday, December 23 - Crescent Ballroom

These days, punk and even so-called alternative music seems to be cut-and-dried. But it doesn't have to be that way -- just ask JJCnV, the Mesa trio who has been releasing some of the strangest tunes in the Valley for nearly a decade. Their crass sense of humor has spanned three full-lengths, and two EPs, all released on Flab Fjord Records, many of them recorded and mixed by Jalipaz Nelson at Audioconfusion.

Songs like "Hunter of Bugs" and "Hamsterdam" explore the kind of short, sweet, and offbeat themes Pixies fans are usually into, but tracks like "Deli Mmmeat," which talks about smelling urine, recall the jokey punk style of the Dead Milkmen. Their videos employ a morbid campiness, such as the singing bicep on "Stomach Baby" or the severed cow head Ray Reeves plays with on "Flush It." TROY FARAH

PowerDrive - Wednesday, December 24 - Encore Lounge

There are a few places that are absolutely guaranteed to be open for business 24/7/365 on Christmas, including Circle Ks, IHOPs, and every casino in the Valley. Bet on it. Such is the case with Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, which will have all the usual tumult of gambling activity going on, but also live music on Christmas Eve and Christmas night in the Encore Lounge. Latin-infused rock and dance band Powerdrive is scheduled to play from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24. The seven members of AzTex Band, a high-energy Latin/R&B/funk act that specializes in covers, will perform from 8 p.m. until midnight on Thursday, December 25. Admission will be free for both shows. BENJAMIN LEATHERMAN

Clandestino! - Thursday, December 25 - Crescent Ballroom

After making its debut over Thanksgiving weekend, underground Latin music night Clandestino! will return to the Crescent during another holiday. In this case, it's on Thursday, December 25. As with its inaugural edition, the soundtrack will be in the rhythmic Latin vein, consisting of cumbia, moombahton, AfroLatino, rock en Español, and other alternative genres.

Besides performances by residents DJs Jorge Melo, Maclovio, and El Güero Único will perform, the night will feature special guest DJ M.Rocka and a session by Jairo Lopez and El Nico, also known as Acapulco Chingonadas. The event starts at 9 p.m. Admission is free but donations of clothing and canned goods is encouraged. BENJAMIN LEATHERMAN

Find any show in Metro Phoenix via our extensive online concert calendar.

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