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 artists.
September 19
Toadies and Reverend Horton Heat
“Possum Kingdom,” the hit single from the Toadies’ classic record Rubberneck, has one of the grungiest guitar riffs in rock. That’s why the album has endured for more than 25 years. You’ll remember the other reasons the Texas band’s debut is still on repeat on your Discman when they play it in its entirety. 7:30 p.m. $25-$43. Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, 480-829-1300, luckymanonline.com
September 22-23
Boyz II Men
If you went to a high school prom in the ’90s, chances are that the powerhouse R&B group Boyz II Men was part of the soundtrack with their multitude of memorable hits, which include “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” and “End of the Road.” Just don’t get caught slow-dancing with your date if you want to stick around for the entire show. 8 p.m., $55-$110, Showroom at Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, 800-946-4452, playatgila.com
September 23
Hearts On Fire 2022
Phoenix Raceway will become a pop-punk paradise for this one-day music festival that includes All American Rejects, Boys Like Girls, Mayday Parade, Set It Off, Cray, and Young Misery on its lineup. 6:30 p.m., $55-$125, Phoenix Raceway, 7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr., Avondale, relentlessbeats.com
September 23
Christopher Cross
Cross is best known for the yacht rock hits “Sailing” and “Ride Like the Wind,” but his skills on the six-string had Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen and Walter Becker begging him to play with them (he refused!) and him filling in for Deep Purple’s Ritchie Blackmore when he got sick before a show. 8 p.m., $30-$100, Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 877-724-4687, talkingstickresort.com
September 24
Freestyle Festival
“Take My Breath Away,” the love theme from Top Gun, sadly didn’t appear on the sequel’s soundtrack. But Berlin, the band behind the enduring hit, will take the stage at this celebration of all things ’80s. Joining them will be Taylor Dayne, Expose, Tiffany, Jody Watley, and All 4 One, to name a few. 2 p.m. $59-$149, Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480-350-5200, freestyle-festival.com
