Curious what's going on around town this weekend? Need some suggestions as to how to rock, dance, or krump in the Valley of the Sun? Don't fret: These are our Five Shows to See This Weekend.
Looking for even more Cinco action? Check out our Valley Cinco de Mayo guide.
Saturday May 5: Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival in Downtown Phoenix
More than 150,000 people are expected to be in attendance at this annual two-day Cinco block party taking place in the streets of downtown Phoenix. Live entertainment includes folklorico dancing, traditional music, and boxing matches. Food and drink vendors, arts and crafts demonstrations, and a variety of games will also take place. Latin Breed and David Lee Garza y Los Musicales are scheduled to take the main stage on Saturday, and funk superstars War will perform on Sunday. Hours are 2 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, May 5; and noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday, May 6. --Benjamin Leatherman
Friday, May 4: Deer Tick @ Crescent Ballroom
Although Providence, Rhode Island's Deer Tick are often labeled alt-country, there's more to John McCauley and crew than roots rock. 2011's Divine Providence showed a band moving away from folk and embracing punk rock and dissonance. Even the subject matter of the songs swung toward the dark side. One of the best tracks, "Clowning Around," concerns itself with the life of serial killer John Wayne Gacy -- not your typical alt-country subject matter. Throughout the album, McCauley wheezes his tortured tales like a bum asking for a handout. Telegraph Canyon and Nashville's Turbo Fruits open. --Darryl Smyers
Friday, May 4: Johnny D. and DJ Smite @ Lost Leaf
"I got Johnny D spinning out for the first time in 2012 at the Lost Leaf celebrating Cinco de Mayo with his top 10 Xicano 45's amongst plenty of other Mexican musical pan dulce," says downtown spinner and music historian DJ Smite. "I'm pulling out all my Mexican psych facemelters along with the Latin Funk, salsa, and, of course, cumbia-crunk y mas." The duo promises an antidote for all the "Latin craze" music that clogs Latin celebrations. "Yeah, incredible music with real content," says Smite. The fun kicks off at 8 p.m. -- Jason P. Woodbury
