Pedro the Lion is playing an intimate Phoenix concert

Fans of Seattle indie rockers Pedro the Lion have an opportunity to see them in close quarters during one of Thunderbird Lounge’s Living Room Sessions. The show happens on Dec. 2.

Pedro the Lion has been together since 1995, playing their indie rock, slowcore style of music. Currently, the band consists of founding member David Bazan (vocals, guitar, bass and more) is joined by Erik Walters on guitar and Terence Ankeny on drums. This particular happening is courtesy of Undertow Shows.

Do you know about Undertow shows? Whether you’re a veteran attendee or just finding out about these events, they offer the opportunity to join just a handful of people for an intimate concert experience. We’re talking sometimes under or around 40 people. They partner with fans, small spaces and unique venues to host these private events. Yep, you can volunteer to host a show at your place!

If you’ve ever thought “Insert-dream-band-here playing right in my living room would be the best thing ever,” well, you can make that dream come true. No matter where the show is happening, all tickets must be purchased on the Undertow Shows site.

I, myself, have been to a couple, and they’re easy to become addicted to. I’m not the only one who feels that way. 

Local musician Dana Stern of JJCnV expands on the awesomeness of an Undertow show.

“Seeing Lou Barlow play to a handful of people in a living room was such a memorable experience. Hearing songs l love and the stories that go along with them in that atmosphere made everything feel so relaxed, almost conversational. And it was very conversational. There was a fair amount of fun banter between Lou and the rest of us. It was a very ‘we’re all just hanging out’ vibe, and I don’t think that kind of experience could happen in too many other contexts. I got to find out firsthand what a cool, nice guy Lou Barlow is, thus confirming my theory that Lou Barlow is a cool, nice guy. He also played in his socks. I mean, come on. Beyond great,” she says.* 

Another area rocker and Phoenix New Times freelance writer, Tom Reardon, wholeheartedly agrees.

“Each time I have attended an Undertow show, it has ended up being such a killer surprise,” he says.

“The intimacy of the non-venues lends to the experience, for sure, but there is also a really cool quality that being outside of a more traditional venue contributes to the nature and quality of the performance, too. It’s a different vibe and one that all music fans should take a chance on if there is a show of interest to them,” he adds.

To attend Pedro the Lion at 7 p.m. on December 2 at Thunderbird Lounge, you must purchase a ticket through the Undertow website. Tickets will not be available at the venue. Tickets are $35, and a ticket with a special tour poster is available for $45.

*Stern also plays music with the author of this post.