Self-taught singer/songwriter Taj Mahal has grooved with everyone from The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton to blues progenitors like Buddy Guy, Howlin' Wolf, and Muddy Waters. Like his friend Ry Cooder, he navigated the twisting waters of the late '60s and '70s session scene of Santa Monica, before easing into his own career fusing funky reggae, soul, jazz, and world sounds into his bluesy template.

He's bringing his Caribbean-infused brand of blues to the Rhythm Room on Sunday, October 21, affording you the chance to jumpstart your workweek by having a little fun beforehand.

When Trans-Siberian Orchestra is in town, that can only mean one thing: Christmas is here. And what better way to celebrate it than this American prog metal band. They'll be wowing crowds at Jobing.com Arena on Saturday, December 1.

Bad Veins: Thursday, Oct. 25, 8 p.m., $10. Sail Inn, 26 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe, 480‑966‑9565.

Converge: Tuesday, Oct. 30, 6:30 p.m., $15/$17. Nile Theater, 105 W. Main St., Mesa, 480‑559‑5859.

K. Flay: Tuesday, Oct. 9, 8 p.m., $10/$12. Martini Ranch, 7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, 480‑970‑0500.

Los Tucanes de Tijuana: With Tito Torbellino, Saturday, Nov. 17, 8:30 p.m., $32‑$82. Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, 602‑267‑1600.

Meiko, & Marcus Foster: Wednesday, Oct. 10, 8 p.m., $15. Martini Ranch, 7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, 480‑970‑0500.

Mono: With Chris Brokaw, Tuesday, Oct. 9, 8 p.m., $15/$17. Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602‑265‑4842.

Set It Off: Thursday, Nov. 8, 6:30 p.m., $10. Underground, 105 W. Main St., Mesa, 480‑559‑5859.

Taj Mahal: Sunday, Oct. 21, 8 p.m., $60. Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602‑265‑4842.

Title Fight: Saturday, Nov. 10, 6:30 p.m., $12. Underground, 105 W. Main St., Mesa, 480‑559‑5859.

Trans‑Siberian Orchestra: Saturday, Dec. 1, 8 p.m., $30.10‑$56.10. Jobing.com Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale, 623‑772‑3200.

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