Mike Bengoechea
Audio By Carbonatix
Editor’s note: This story is updated and released on Thursdays at 6:00 a.m., featuring concert listings that run through the following Sunday each week.
Memphis or Bust Fundraiser for RINO
Friday, Dec. 26
The Rhythm Room
Earlier this year, Phoenix band RINO earned national bragging rights earlier this year by winning the Arizona Blues Challenge. The victory scored them a spot at next month’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis and a shot at serious glory. Before heading to Bluff City, the blues-rock trio hosts a benefit show Friday at Rhythm Room to help fund their shot at fame. The lineup features local blues kings Glenville Slim, Eric Ramsey, Comin’ Home, Mick Yard, Oliver Rage, Jesse Weston and Max Tovstyi.
How the Grillz Stole Christmas
Friday, Dec. 26, 9 p.m.
Sunbar
Bear Grillz is stealing Christmas and Tempe EDM haven Sunbar is the crime scene. The PLUR will grow three sizes when the masked bass boss serves up face-melting drops, wall-shaking wubs and more holiday chaos than a dysfunctional family gathering. Joust and Mongrel warm up the crowd.
MIM
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Dom Flemons
Friday, Dec. 26, 7:30 p.m.
Musical Instrument Museum
This weekend, Dom Flemons brings his road-tested Americana back to where it started. The Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and Valley native picked up the finer points of pickin’ at local folk festivals in the ‘90s and 2000s. Flemons parlayed this knowledge into his esteemed career, first as a member of Carolina Chocolate Drops and later as an esteemed folk, neotraditional country and old-timey musician. Expect to hear tunes from each era at his MIM show.
Eddie Van Halen’s Big Jukebox Show — An ’80s Tribute
Saturday, Dec. 27, 8 p.m.
The Rebel Lounge
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, they say, and this one-time-only ’80s hair metal tribute proves it loud and proud. Three Phoenix acts walk in the footsteps of rock gods with full-cover sets honoring legends. Painting Fences channels Van Halen, Rattlesnake Suitcase salutes Iron Maiden, and Louis on Tour becomes Jukebox Heroes. Amps will be cranked to 11 all night while metal horns fly.
Hayley Rippy
Headbangers Holiday
Saturday, Dec. 27, 2:30 p.m.
The Nile Theater
It’s apt to call this show heavy-hitting, and not just because local death metal kings Gatecreeper top the bill. This marathon lineup packs 13 Arizona bands, all killer and zero filler. Holy Fawn, Lago, Desanguinate and Magnum Force bring the hesher-friendly heft, while AJJ and Pijama Piyama bend genres and expectations. Pack a lunch. You’re going to be at the Nile all day.
Hello Big Apple: Analog Monsters Farewell to AZ
Saturday, Dec. 27
Valley Bar
As the name of this gig portends, Phoenix-born alternative electro-rock act Analog Monsters is bound for NYC. Before putting the Valley in the rearview, the Phillip Holton-fronted act brings its moody tunes, mixing gritty synths and frenetic guitar, to Valley Bar for a final gig. Megalleste, Super Drive and Kerwin Plasia open.
MitiS
Saturday, Dec. 27, 9 p.m.
Sunbar
Pennsylvania-born DJ and producer MitiS crafts EDM built for feeling as much as movement. His melodic dubstep leans heavy into emotion, fueled by soaring synths, impactful bass and expertly timed drops. You won’t just feel the sound waves hit on Sunbar’s dance floor. You’ll feel something deeper, too.
A Very Grey Christmas
Saturday, Dec. 27, 7 p.m.
Ground Zero Studios
Soon-to-be-shuttered DIY space Ground Zero Studio in North Phoenix is best known as sacred ground for punk and metal fiends. But that doesn’t mean the venue doesn’t dabble in other sonic realms. Case in point: Saturday’s showcase spotlights local rap and hip-hop artists like Lo$ergang, Kid Goth, Filthy V, Boreab, Trill, Luvivy and others.
Bret Chambers
A Celebration of Kevin Daly
Sunday, Dec. 28, 5 p.m.
Yucca Tap Room
Few Phoenix musicians were as universally beloved as the late Kevin Daly. The guitarist, hot-rodder, and local rock scene fixture died on Thanksgiving Eve after battling brain cancer. Over a 40-plus-year career, Daly played in bands including Grant and the Geezers, The Hoods, Grave Danger, and The Trophy Husbands, collaborating with hundreds along the way. This weekend, the scene returns the love. Performers include Flathead, Al Perry, Mario Moreno and the Ramblers, plus a special Grave Danger set with a reconfigured lineup.
Tim Jewls
Sunday, Dec. 28, 7:30 p.m.
Valley Bar
Rising rapper Tim Jewls is a true diamond in the rough, shining brighter with every release and show. The Phoenix-bred, NYC-based artist blends hip-hop with sleek pop and indie touches, whether he’s dropping polished tracks or commanding the stage. He returns to town this weekend at Valley Bar for a show with fellow rapper S.A.M.N X. and local pop duo Belgium Tree.
