The Yucca Tap's loss is the Sail Inn's gain.
In case you're not up on the comings and goings of the Valley's music scene, local legends the Zen Lunatics packed up their popular -- and award-winning -- rockaroke night and moved it to the Sail Inn a few months ago after five years at the Yucca.
How come? It might've been due to the fact the boys from the Blunt Club took over their old Thursday night slot back in January, or (if this rockaroke-specific version of the old Downfall/Hitler viral video is to be believed) it could've had something to do with the Yucca's recent expansion.
Either way, the Lunatics (which features New Times contributor Chris Hansen Orf on guitar) are now doing the karaoke-with-a-live band thing at Gina Lombardi's joint. The latest edition is tonight, and it's the perfect way to kick off the Memorial Day Weekend.
What else is going down over the four-day (or five-day, depending if you can sneak outta work) holiday? Plenty, including a few hip-hop bashes, Phoenix Suns viewing parties, and geekfests galore.
Phoenix Suns Game 5 Viewing Party at Padre Murphy's (Thursday):
It's do-or-die time for Planet Orange. Having won the past two games against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Suns head back to El Lay to do what they haven't been able to do all season: win a game at the Staples Center. Its gonna be tough, and Big STAT and Nashty are gonna need all the support they can get. Hang out at this massive gathering of Phoenix fans and see if you're positive vibes can help turn the tide. Renowned trumpeter will be on hand Jessie McGuire (to play the national anthem, natch), as will the Gorilla and the Suns dance squad. Giveaways are also promised and the sports jocks of KTAR will be doing alive broadcast. 5 p.m., free. (4338 W. Bell Rd., Glendale, 602-547-9406)
Westgate Bike Night at the WaterDance Plaza (Thursday):
"In its second season, the weekly Westgate Bike Night hosts hundreds of riders, making it the biggest evening bike event in the state. Be-seen bikers can line their rides along Coyotes Boulevard then stroll the vendor-lined plaza grabbing grub, checking out custom builders' latest creations, or watching motorcycle videos on giant LED screens." (Click here to read more...) 5 p.m., free. (6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale) -- Laura Hahnefeld
Rockaroke at the Sail Inn (Thursday):
The location may have changed, but the Zen Lunatics' motto of "you sing it, we bring it" is still in full affect. The band will be rocking out all evening while patrons (inebriated or otherwise) thumb through the songbooks and hop onstage to belt out such standards as "Satisfaction." 8:30 p.m., free. (26 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe, 480-966-9565)
Deathface at Bar Smith (Friday):
Although this Brooklyn DJ's MySpace gallery boasts pics of him clad in such outrageous outfits as pig masks and Nazi gear, we're hoping that the hipster spinster (formerly known as Johnny Love of the Guns n Bombs crew) drops the shock shtick when visiting FUSE Fridays tomorrow night. We'd prefer he instead focuses on what he does best: rocking the club with his unique sound, which is a raw and potent mix of electro, breakcore, dubstep, and other EDM sounds. Radio Phoenix's Pablo Gomez and the FUSE residents are also scheduled to spin, while the bartenders will serve Smirnoff White Grapes, Corona, Blue Moon, and Skyy beverages all night. Free before 10:30 p.m. (130 E. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-229-1265)
Feel the Force - Crocth Rockitt Special Edition at Forbidden (Friday):
Geeks of the Valley rejoice! It's the weekend of Phoenix Comicon (as evidenced by Niki D'Andrea's cover story in this week's issue) which means its time to leave the basement and play dress up as your favorite sci-fi/comic book/anime/fantasy character. And if you perchance get bored with the con's endless variety of nighttime shenanigans, shoot on over to this 'Dale dance den. Crotch Rockitt will be hosting a sexy Star Wars-themed party and attendees are being asked to dress "like a slutty Darth Vader or Han Solo on a drug binge." Free Svedka drinks will be available until 10 p.m. and the DJs at this galactic affair include Speedy Graffiti, DJ Mannequin, and Jonny Noir. 9 p.m., $5 after 11 p.m. (6820 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale)
