Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley. This week, we’re focusing on throwback acts.
August 8
Teyana Taylor
The R&B artist announced at the end of 2020 that she was retiring from music for good. And Taylor, who Eddie Murphy fans may recognize from the film Coming 2 America, is going out on a high note. Her third full-length, titled The Album, features appearances by the most legendary women in rap: Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Missy Elliot. 8 p.m., $34.50-$39.50, The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, 480-659-1641, thevanburenphx.com
August 8-9
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Perhaps best known for their work on the classic Paul Simon albums Graceland and The Rhythm of the Saints, this Grammy-winning choral group has become musical ambassadors for South African culture. 7 p.m., $54.50-$74.50, Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, 480-478-6000, mim.org
August 12
Crash Test Dummies
Next year will be the 30th anniversary of the award-winning Canadian band’s breakthrough album God Shuffled His Feet. The record was known for the hits “Afternoons and Coffeespoons” and “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm,” two songs that were unusual even for ’90s alternative radio due to the deep bass of lead singer Brad Robert’s singing voice. 7 p.m., $38.50-$54.50, Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, 480-478-6000, mim.org
August 12
Billy Idol
Put on some leather and start practicing your rebel yell because ’80s punk star Billy Idol will be performing hits like “Eyes Without A Face” and “Dancing With Myself” on the Celebrity Theatre’s in-the-round stage. 7:30 p.m., $35-$150, Celebrity Theatre, 440 N 32nd St., Phoenix, 602-267-1600, celebritytheatre.com
August 12
Tim Heidecker
If you check out the Adult Swim star’s performance, you’re actually seeing two shows in one. The first half features Heidecker in character performing stand-up. Then stick around to see the songwriter play his humor-tinged selections from High School, his latest album, which was co-produced by Mac DeMarco. 7 p.m., $37.50-97.50, The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, 480-659-1641, thevanburenphx.com
