For proof, check out the following list of the biggest shows happening in the Valley from Friday, September 27, to Thursday, October 3. It includes such extravaganzas as the Goldrush, Sandbox, and Hay Day music festivals, as well as concerts by such notable performers as Jenny Lewis, Charli XCX, Babymetal, Rakim, Flogging Molly, Social Distortion, and others.
Details for each of these shows can also be found below. And for even more live music happening locally over the next week, hit up the Phoenix New Times’ online concert calendar.
Scott H. Biram
Friday, September 27The Rhythm Room
Mr. Scott H. Biram is nothing short of a total and complete badass mofo. First of all, he is the one man in his namesake one-man band, and his many quality releases over two decades or so have proved he doesn't need anyone else to help him get the job
Whether he's blasting out a fierce and noisy tune or bringing it down a little more low and slow, you know he isn't holding back anything. Another testament to his tenacity: Biram survived a head-on collision with a
Charli XCX
Friday, September 27Marquee Theatre in Tempe
It's been almost five years since Charli XCX’s last proper LP, Sucker, and a full three since she was deemed the future of pop music with the release of her Vroom Vroom EP. Fast-forward to the present, and Charli XCX stands without equal — a pop star in a category of one. She's still the pop star of the future, and the world keeps trying to catch up. Her new LP, Charli, was released earlier this month.
Charli’s Rolodex of players on recent mixtapes No. 1 Angel and Pop 2 speaks to her innate knack for aesthetic and curation. It's a dizzying recipe for a Molotov cocktail that no one else could interpret. Charli brings electronic producers like SOPHIE and A.G. Cook together with rappers like Cupcakke, Jay Park, and Tommy Cash, and comes out with a cohesive and compelling narrative.
She’s scheduled to perform on Friday night at Marquee Theatre in Tempe. Brooke Candy and Dorian Electra will open the 8 p.m. show. Tickets are $30 to $60. Gerrit Feenstra
The Glitch Mob
Friday, September 27The Van Buren
The Glitch Mob started as a Los Angeles-based DJ collective that pooled their collective talent to make more collaborative music with expanded sonic possibilities. As individual artists, Ooah, edIT, and Boreta have released solo albums of cutting-edge electronic music, but it is as a team that they have put out some of the most interesting remixes being over the last decade. Their most recent album, 2018’s See Without Eyes, got plenty of positive reviews and the trio are currently touring the U.S. They’ll visit The Van Buren on Friday night and Elohim and Sejo will open. The show starts at 9 p.m. and tickets are $25 to $30. Tom Murphy
Goldrush Music Festival 2019
Friday, September 27, and Saturday, September 28Rawhide Western Town in Chandler
As with its previous editions, Goldrush Music Festival 2019 will be a weekend-long outdoor dance and hip-hop extravaganza with an enormous lineup of more than 50 artists performing across four different stages. Highlights of this year’s lineup will include sets by Adventure Club, Zomboy, Gareth Emery, Zhu, Sheck Wes, Green Velvet, Trippie Redd, Alison Wonderland, and dozens more. Homegrown EDM superstar Ghastly, who was raised in Buckeye, will make a return to the Valley and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal will also perform as DJ Diesel. “It’s definitely a big lineup,” says festival co-promoter Thomas Turner.
Beyond the performances, Goldrush will also feature a mix of attractions, ranging from carnival rides to western-themed activities like mechanical bull riding. The festival runs from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. both nights. General admission is $99 per night, $179 for the whole weekend. VIP admission is $149 per night and $399 for the weekend. Benjamin Leatherman
Hay Day Music Festival
Saturday, September 28Hayden Square Amphitheater in Tempe
For one magical afternoon, the dream of the '90s will be alive on downtown Tempe's Mill Avenue. Local legends Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers are headlining the inaugural Hay Day Music Fest, which will take place on Saturday, September 28, at Hayden Square Amphitheater. Sharing the bill will be The Pistoleros and the cumbia/punk hybrid band Las Calakas. Wise Monkey Orchestra and The Hourglass Cats will be performing inside Ted's Refreshments (you caught that nod to Clyne's old band in the dive bar's name, right?). The drinking establishment, which opened earlier this month, was formerly known as the Balboa Cafe and is adjacent to the outdoor venue.
Julian Wright, the founder
India.Arie
Saturday, September 28Chandler Center for the Arts
India
Titus Andronicus
Saturday, September 28The Rebel Lounge
Since the mid-2000s, the band of punk troubadours led by Patrick Stickles