Incoming: Alice In Chains, Henry Rollins, George Strait, Matt Hires

Maybe I'm forgetting something, but I'm pretty sure a former American Idol contestant has never played The Rhythm Room. The Maricopa County fair? Sure. Even The Marquee. But, from what I've seen in local show listings over the past two years it's rare that anyone who gets the benefit of...

By Martin Cizmar

December 8, 2009

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Maybe I'm forgetting something, but I'm pretty sure a former American Idol contestant has never played The Rhythm Room. The Maricopa County fair? Sure. Even The Marquee. But, from what I've seen in local show listings over the past two years it's rare that anyone who gets the benefit of anIdol-style meteoric rise, but doesn't become an instant success story like Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood will then go back to square one and open for someone like Matt Hires, as Jason Castro will in February.

Castro, the dreaded-out fourth-place finisher from season seven, will drop an album in early 2010. Hires, a Florida singer-songwriter, has two records out, and a stellar single (below). More concert announcements on the jump.

Honey, Let Me Sing You A Song ...

Let's Just Fall In Love Again ...

Alice in Chains: Wednesday, Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m., $29.50-$37.50. Dodge Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-379-2800.

The Big Pink: With A Place To Bury Strangers, Wednesday, April 14, 8 p.m., $15. Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 602-265-4842.

Chris Botti: Tuesday, Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m. Dodge Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-379-2800.

Michael Bublé: With Naturally 7, Thursday, April 8, 8 p.m., $49.50-$89.50. US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-2000.

Country Thunder USA: Wednesday, April 14; Thursday, April 15; Friday, April 16; Saturday, April 17, $99-$159. Canyon Moon Ranch Grounds, 20585 E. Price Rd., Florence, 520-868-9711.

Cymbals Eat Guitars: With Bear In Heaven, Monday, March 22, 8 p.m., $10. Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 602-265-4842.

Matthew Good: With Automatic Loveletter, Tuesday, March 16, 8 p.m., $20-$23. Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 602-265-4842.

Matt Hires: With Jason Castro, Sunday, Feb. 21, 8 p.m., $8-$10. Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 602-265-4842.

Norah Jones: Sunday, April 25, 7:30 p.m., $48.50-$63. Dodge Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-379-2800.

Art Laboe's Super Love Jam: Saturday, Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m., $23.50-$33.50. US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-2000.

Magic Kids: Wednesday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m., $8-$10. Trunk Space, 1506 Grand Ave., Phoenix, 602-256-6006.

Pat Metheny: Saturday, April 17, 8 p.m., $35-$55. Ikeda Theater at Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa, 480-644-6500.

Henry Rollins: Thursday, Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m., $25. Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, 480-829-0607.

Rufio: Friday, Feb. 5, 7 p.m., $12. Clubhouse Music Venue, 1320 E. Broadway Rd., Tempe, 480-968-3238.

George Strait Country Music Festival: With Reba McEntire, Friday, Feb. 5, 7 p.m., $79.50-$89.50. US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-2000.

We Were Promised Jetpacks: With Bear Hands, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 8 p.m., $10. Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 602-265-4842.

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