After spending most of 2017 touring, Valley residents Lindsey Stirling, Futuristic, and John O’Callaghan ot The Maine will perform for hometown crowds this weekend before spending the holidays with their nearest and dearest.
Other highlights of this weekend’s music offerings include holiday shows from bands like The Sugar Thieves and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, as well as a few unique dance parties.
Details about each of these events can be found below in our rundown of the 10 best concerts in Phoenix this weekend. And for even more live music happening around the Valley the next few nights, hit up our online concert calendar.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party
Friday, December 22
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
You may remember Big Bad Voodoo Daddy from the late '90s swing craze and the man-bible flick Swingers. For the uninitiated, the band was one of the most popular nouveau-swing bands of that era, standing right next to Royal Crown Revue, the Brian Setzer Orchestra, and Cherry Poppin' Daddies on the pop charts and countless national tours. You couldn't turn on a television without seeing models jumping and jiving for The Gap or even ranch dressing by the summer and fall of 1998.
After the fad subsided, many of the bands moved on to more mainstream sounds, but the Voodoos stayed resolute to their sound and continued on. So this weekend dust off your fedoras and party like it's 1998 along with the band, who will bring their “Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party” to the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts on Friday night. Go, daddy, go. Craig Hlavaty
Mary X Mas
Friday, December 22
Nile Theater in Mesa
The holidays are a time of traditions, including gathering together with your nearest and dearest for revelry of some sort. That’s especially true of the local raver scene, which turns out en masse around Christmas each year for the annual Mary X Mas dance party.
The infamous holiday-themed event, which is put on by local rave promoter Matt Dunn, has been taking place almost every year since 1999 and offers kandi kids and dance music fiends the chance to dance amid a Christmas-inspired wonderland. This year’s version of Mary X Mas takes place on Friday, December 22, at the Nile Theater in Mesa, and will feature more than a dozen DJs, as well as snowball fights and other holiday fun.
The lineup includes sets from headliner R3ll and locals like Sam Groove, DJ Sid, Mangled, I Am Stranger, Blakeland, Disco Stu, Butters, Madd Diamonds, Impact, and Skwalien. The soundtrack will offer many rave-friendly genres, such as hardstyle, breaks, happy hardcore, dubstep, bounce, electro, future house, psytrance, and bass house. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the party goes until 2 a.m. Benjamin Leatherman
Better load up on your partying spells.
Warner Bros.
Friday, December 22
The Van Buren
Those who can distinguish between wizards and Muggles, this is the holiday party for you. The Yule Ball re-creates the event from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in which Potter and his magical pals got gussied up to dance and toss back Butterbeer. That signature drink is on this evening’s special menu, along with others like Polyjuice Potion and Unforgiveable Curse shots.
Waiting for a chance to slip into your magical robes? Good — because it’s a costume party, with a contest for those who really want to do it up. While you’re feeling competitive, show off your Harry Potter knowledge, as the fun includes rounds of trivia. Order of the Phoenix performs live music and a special guest DJ will keep the Great Hall rocking.
This Hogwarts-inspired happening starts at 7 p.m. on Friday night at The Van Buren. Admission is $10 for 18 and older. Amy Young
John The Ghost
Friday, December 22
Valley Bar
Vocalst John O’Callaghan has had a rather busy year. The Maine, his primary band, celebrated their 10th anniversary with a massive show at Crescent Ballroom that attracted 3,000 people. They also released a new album, Lovely Little Lonely, which earned praise from fans and critics alike and toured the world, including stops in Europe, Asia, and Australia.
O’Callaghan found time to branch out for other gigs, too, as John The Ghost. The side project features the vocalist opening a vein and musing over inner demons, personal issues, and darker thoughts. All of these are explored on the six-song EP Sincerely, John The Ghost, and an accompanying 90-page book, which came out in April to much acclaim.
O’Callaghan will bring the project to Valley Bar this weekend. Daisy and Palm Springs Eternal will open. Benjamin Leatherman
The Sugar Thieves Christmas Show
Friday, December 22
Rhythm Room
While The Sugar Thieves play a lot of shows throughout the year, they only get to play songs from their holiday tribute album, How the Sugar Thieves Stole Christmas, once every 12 months. The band’s cover of “Santa Baby,” which features the rapt, sensual vocals of Meridith Moore, was featured on the compilation album Putumayo Presents Acoustic Christmas a few years back. The Sugar Thieves’ take on the seductive standard provides a superior alternative to Madonna’s overplayed holiday single from three decades ago.
Here’s hoping the Phoenix-based blues band will add the song to the setlist for this year’s Christmas show, when the Arizona Lindy Hop Society will bring some East Coast swing dancing to The Rhythm Room. Attendees will also have the opportunity to snack on barbecue, win door prizes, and indulge in free Christmas treats. The quintet will add a yet-to-be-named sixth musician to the band. It’s enough fun to make your heart grow three sizes. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the charity Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona. Jason Keil
Futuristic’s Album Listening Party
Friday, December 22
Club Red in Mesa
This past year, Futuristic focused more on solidifying his brand by launching his SheeshWorld clothing line while playing several festivals throughout America. He also locked down a deal with the Phoenix Suns, who have him performing during halftime and doing commercials with Devin Booker.
Even while staying busy with new ventures, Futuristic still managed to squeeze out new music, releasing What More Can You Ask For in November. He's also got a 10-track holiday album called Blessings that's coming out on Christmas day. Futuristic fans can hear it this weekend at a charity listening party for the album at Club Red. The public can get in with a donation of nonperishable food items, new clothing, or new toys. Locals Isaiah the Rapper, Truvonne, and The Color 8 Band will perform. Doors open at 7 p.m. Jaron Ikner
Lindsey Stirling
Saturday, December 23
Comerica Theatre
Lindsey Stirling’s rounding out a massive, two-month national tour in support of her first holiday album, Warmer in the Winter. On top of it being a special homecoming for Stirling, she’s dialed up the festivities for her Phoenix concert this weekend at Comerica Theatre, with a snowy scene, dancers, and a live local orchestra.
Stirling had tentatively planned to release a Christmas album for the past two years. She was plenty busy though, releasing her third album, Brave Enough, in 2016. Earlier this year, she participated in season 25 of Dancing With the Stars and came in second place alongside Mark Ballas.
Still, she set out to see Warmer in the Winter come to fruition, and found the experience very different from the composing experience of her other albums.
“It’s my first album that has used primarily live instrumentalists rather than electronic tracks, and is comprised primarily of covers of already-popular Christmas riffs.”
Stirling wrote three original songs for the album: “Christmas C’mon,” “Warmer in the Winter,” and “Time To Fall In Love.” A devout Mormon, she also wanted to include reminders of the true meaning of Christmas (“Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Silent Night,” “I Saw Three Ships,” “What Child Is This?”). Ashley Harris
Obscura’s Winter is Glamous Dance Party
Saturday, December 23
Rips Ales & Cocktails
Get your wigs, kids, because after a hiatus, the Obscura Dance Night Winter is Glamorous (WIG) Party is back.
Rips Ales & Cocktails will host the hairpiece-themed party. DJ Court will soundtrack the evening with synthpop, Britpop,New Wave, and indie. In the spirit of holiday giving, there will be ticket giveaways for upcoming concerts like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Real Estate, and STFKR.
The 21-and-up event will kick off at 8:30 p.m. and run until 2 a.m. on Saturday, December 23. There is no cover charge before 9 p.m., and it’s $5 after. For more information, visit the Facebook event page. Lindsay Roberts
The Technicolors
Saturday, December 23
The Rebel Lounge
The Technicolors feature Brennan Smiley (vocals, guitar), Mike "Nico" Nicolette (bass), and Sean Silverman (guitar), and borrows a few different styles to deliver their swirly, solid rock tunes. There’s definite evidence of a love for Britpop, particularly the ‘90s variety, incorporating elements like the sweeping nature of Oasis and the crispy drive of Supergrass.
But The Technicolors aren't pinned down to one sound. It’s rock 'n' roll at its core.
It’s been a good year for the band. They spent the fall touring with both The Maine and The Wrecks. A single from their new album, Metaphysical, called “Impostor!” made an exclusive debut on Interview magazine’s website in late June. They also just premiered a fun, karaoke-esque music video called “Santa's Claws” on YouTube.
It’s not their only Christmas gift to their fans, as the band will offer a show this weekend at The Rebel Lounge where they’ll perform Metaphysical in its entirety. The Ricky Fitts, Love Yourself, and a special guest DJ will also perform. Amy Young
Authority Zero
Saturday, December 23
Crescent Ballroom
Authority Zero has been making music for going on 20 years – but not without some roadblocks. Various battles with record companies and management types have resulted in lineup changes that would have permanently crippled most bands.
Somehow, though, singer Jason DeVore has kept some form of Authority Zero going over that time span. Playing an enjoyable amalgam of punk, ska and reggae, Authority Zero should not have ever had to experience the problems they have. Nonetheless, the band has lived to tell its tale – and very effectively, at that.
Just in time for Christmas, DeVore and company will put on a hometown show at the Crescent Ballroom on Saturday, December 23. Nomada, Ceekay Jones, and Gabo from Fayuca will also perform. Darryl Smyers
