XIXA by Julius Schlosburg
Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley. This week we’re rocking with a local lineup.
June 29
AJJ and Open Mike Eagle
If you’re familiar with the Valley’s folk-punk band’s dark sense of humor, then you might think the title of their 2020 album, titled Good Luck Everybody, was prophetic. And now that we’re (almost) on the other side of the pandemic, they’re finally taking the critically acclaimed record on the road with the rapper and comedian Open Mike Eagle. $22-$25, 8 p.m., Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. 2nd Ave., Phoenix, 308 N. 2nd Ave. Phoenix, 602-716-2222, crescentphx.com
July 2
The Necronauts, No Volcano, El Googly Diablo, and Gaba Waba
The legendary Mesa band started two decades ago by releasing CD-Rs inspired by ’90s alternative bands such as Pavement and Built to Spill. And we’re not saying the return of the group’s original lineup is inspired by Pavement’s reunion. But no one is saying it isn’t. $12-$15, 7:30 p.m., Yucca Tap Room, 29 W. Southern Ave., Tempe, 480-967-4777, yuccatap.com
July 2
XIXA
It’s not often when an album by an Arizona band reaches the Top Ten Album of the Year in Rolling Stone. It’s even rarer when that achievement happens in the French edition of the publication. But Genesis, the second album by the Tucson-based XIXA, went to No. 6, praising its “fusion of genres,” including American roots music and Peruvian cumbia. See what the hype is about when the six-piece makes its way up north. 7:30 p.m., $11, Piper Repertory Theater, 1 E. Main St., Mesa, 480-644.6500, mesaartscenter.com
July 2
Paul Oakenfold
The DJ who popularized EDM in the late ’90s with hits like “Starry Eyed Surprise” and “Ready Steady Go” has performed everywhere from Las Vegas clubs to the base camp of Mount Everest. He’ll spin records a little closer to sea level when he takes the stage in Tempe. 9 p.m., $25-$70, Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, 480-829-0707, luckymanonline.com
July 3
Hans Olson’s 70th Birthday Party
The influential Valley songwriter, who’s played with everyone from Tom Waits to B.B. King, is celebrating his 70th turn around the sun the only way he knows how – playing the blues. Now’s your opportunity to buy a birthday round for a living legend. 8 p.m., $12, Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 602-265-4842, rhythmroom.com
