Before the Corporatization of Mill Avenue, the Tempe party center was more about music and less about $3 Long Islands.
But the Downtown Tempe Community is looking to bring the street back to its roots with Music on Mill, a weekly music series on Thursday nights that has been a passive Mill Avenue District mainstay since 2009. The "passive" bit is what they're trying to get rid of.
They're looking to rekindle a bit of the old '90s Refreshments and Gin Blossoms Mill Avenue magic. Rather than accepting any solo artist or small time acoustic band that comes their way, Music on Mill is looking for "higher profile" bands, both local and touring, that can draw a crowd to the entertainment center on a week night.
(We're looking at you What Laura Says, Black Carl, Dry River Yacht Club and Mergence.)
"The merchants and the DCC wanted to come together on a night that isn't a Friday or Saturday that wouldn't cost money - something cheap," says Jimmy Cerracchio, director of business development at the Downtown Tempe Community. "We figured we have a huge history of music here, so we should keep that going."
This month, Third Thursdays on Mill is taking on a "Geek's night out" theme. Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite scientist.
Personally, I'll be going as Richard Dawkins. Sexy Richard Dawkins.
Locals Boys and Frogs will be performing a set. Plus, the Downtown Tempe Community is running a contest to open for the indie locals, known for their quirky (some might even say "geeky") music videos. Technically, the deadline for submissions was yesterday, but if you're a bit late to the game, Cerracchio says submissions will be accepted through today. If you want to put your name in the hat, submissions should be uploaded to the Downtown Tempe Facebook page, then contact [email protected] to let the judges know it's uploaded.
Want to play Thursday nights on Mill? Contact Leslie Craiger, music coordinator at [email protected] for more information.
