The Rhythm Room opened in 1991, and this week the juke joint celebrates 20 years of operation by bringing in both the blues artists that have defined the place as well the local indie music that promoters like Psyko Steve bring to the room.
Owner and proprietor Bob Corritore has used his deep connections the traditional blues scenes to book blues touring and local blues acts on weekends, but the venue has also hosted punk, indie, rock, hip-hop, and folk in recent years.
These are tough economic times, but you've got to give it up to a staff of people who have been able to present live music in Phoenix for 20 years. I've experienced the Rhythm Room as a fan, as a musician, and as a writer, and I've had some great experiences there.
Chances are you have, too.
Wednesday, September 13:
Psyko Steve Indie Showcase With Sweetbleeders, Fatigo, ROAR, Nick Jaina, Michelle Blades and Matthew Reveles
Friday, September 16:
Tommy Castro (early show, at 5 p.m.)
Soul Music Party with host band Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns plus featured artists Jerry Lawson, Stan Devereaux, Gloria Bailey, George Bowman, Lucius Parr, Kenneth Williams, Rochelle Whitehead, Andy Gonzales, Paris James K.T. (of the Repeat Offenders), Delmar Stewart, and more. (middle show, 9 p.m.)
The Robert Cray Band (midnight show)
Saturday, September 17:
Bob Corritore & His Blues Friends 7pm doors 8pm show with Mud Morganfield, Bob Margolin, Diunna Greenleaf, Dave Riley, Billy Flynn, Barrelhouse Chuck, Mookie Brill, Johnny Rapp, Brian Fahey and more.
Sunday September 18:
All Day Blues and Rhythm Festival:
Hans Olson, Chico Chism Tribute with George Thomas & The Flamekeepers (Chico's last band) , Hoodoo Kings Tribute with Mario Moreno, Jim Dorholt, Paul Thomas, Rocket 88s with special guest Johnny Rapp, Big Nick & The Gila Monsters, Dave Riley / Bob Corritore Juke Joint Blues Band, Bad News Blues Band with Long John Hunter, Soul Power Band, Tommy Dukes Blues Band, George Bowman & Badness featuring Lucius Parr, and Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns.
