Other notable shows happening from Friday, December 10, to Sunday, December 12, include gigs by pop-punk acts This Wild Life and Beach Bunny, soul/blues musician Robert Cray, genre-bending electronica artist Random Rab, progressive metal band Jinjer, and jazz singer Kurt Elling.
Read on for more details about each of these gigs or check out Phoenix New Times' online concert listings for more music events. Keep in mind, though, COVID-19 is an ever-present danger and multiple local venues require proof of vaccinations or a recent negative test result to attend shows. More info can be found on the ticketing sites for each concert.
This Wild Life at The Rebel Lounge
What started as a pop-punk band complete with wild guitar solos and fast-paced drums became two guys with acoustic guitars. As This Wild Life, Kevin Jordan and Anthony Del Grosso play a refreshing take on acoustic-fronted pop music. They’re known to do the occasional cover from early 2000s pop-punk, but really shine on their composed duets. When the two harmonize on songs like “Westside” or “Fade,” you might begin to wonder how they haven’t hit it big on the radio yet. They’re touring behind Ever Blossom, their recently released full-length on Epitaph Records, and are set to perform at The Rebel Lounge, 2303 East Indian School Road, on Friday, December 10. Arrows in Action and Taylor Acorn get things going starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22. Julian HernandezRobert Cray Band at Talking Stick Resort
Soul blues artist Robert Cray formed his first band in the 1970s at the age of 20 after seeing his heroes Freddie King, Muddy Waters and Albert Collins perform and deciding that the life of a bluesman was the life for him. Cray and company played mostly college towns throughout the '70s and early '80s, landing him an uncredited spot playing bass with Otis Day and the Knights in the film Animal House. Cray's big break came in 1986 with the release of Strong Persuader and its hit track "Right Next Door (Because of Me)" about infidelity and guilt. The album received a Grammy award, and Cray became a highly sought-after musician, earning spots playing with Keith Richards, Chuck Berry, and Tina Turner. Cray's work with others and as a solo artist led to his induction into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2011. Cray plays Talking Stick Resort, 9800 East Talking Stick Way in Scottsdale, at 8 p.m. on Friday, December 10, in support of his most recent album, That's What I Heard, which helped solidify his place as the king of the soul blues. Tickets are $35 to $75. David Fletcher
Add some mariachi to your holiday merriment in Scottsdale.
Mariachi Sol de México®️ de José Hernández