Springtime is when the Valley comes alive, both literally and figuratively, from cactus blooms to the Cactus League. There’s no shortage of things to see, do and eat – and plenty of ways to burn off those extra calories. Make the most of Arizona’s high season with this handy blueprint.
M3F Fest
March 3-4
Singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers and English beatmaker Jamie xx will headline this year’s M3F Fest. The eclectic lineup also features electro duo Polo & Pan, Detroit singer Quinn XCII and genre-spanning Toro y Moi. M3F famously donates its proceeds to charity, but new this year is the M3F Fund, which opens funding to nonprofits supporting community, education, arts and the environment. Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver St., Phoenix, m3ffest.com
A Brief Conversation with M3F Talent Booker RJ Largay
As M3F’s chief curator, Largay – whose father, John, founded the nonprofit festival back in 2004 – has a hand in controlling the flow of indie music talent into Greater Phoenix. He gives us a glimpse of his process.
How do you approach developing the lineup?
To us, it’s owned by the community, and so it’s much more important that we listen to the people who have supported and made M3F what it is year after year.
Is there anyone who’s been on your wish list to play M3F that you secured this year?
We have been trying to get Polo & Pan for a few years now. We have got some insight on what they are bringing from a production and performance standpoint, and I think it will be one of the most memorable sets M3F has had.
Was booking Neil Frances and Neal Frances intentional or a happy accident?
It was intentional. We want to have a little fun with the lineup sometimes. Plus, both artists are great and add to the artistry of the fest in a great way.
As a seasoned festival planner, what’s one tip you have for people going to M3F this year?
Never forget your jacket.
Heard Museum Indian Fair & Market
March 4-5
More than 600 American Indian artists will showcase their works at the Heard Museum’s 65th annual market. With art spanning sculpture, photography, weaving, pottery and jewelry, this event draws more than 15,000 visitors and connects collectors directly to the artists. Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, heard.org/indian-fair
AZ Jazz Fest
March 24-26
Grammy-winning musician Anthony Hamilton, Morris Day & the Time and singer-songwriter Stephanie Mills will headline this fest. More than two dozen artists, whose work spans from modern jazz to R&B, will fill the promenade of North Phoenix’s High Street. And, proceeds from food and beverages will benefit Music Foundation of Arizona. High Street, 5415 E. High St., Phoenix, azjazzfest.com
Country Thunder
April 13-16
You might have a little dirt on your boots when you get to Canyon Moon Ranch, but, as Jon Pardi sings, you’ll dance the dust right off them. Pardi joins Luke Bryan, Cody Johnson and Dierks Bentley at the top of the bill. Also catch Ashley McBryde and Parker McCollum at this three-day festival, where camping (or glamping) is part of the experience. Canyon Moon Ranch, 20585 E. Water Way, Florence, countrythunder.com/az
Lizzo & Latto
May 24
Hot on the heels of her fourth Grammy, her disco-pop album Special and an HBO Max documentary, Lizzo will stop at the Footprint Center. This is the first time her arena tour has stopped in Phoenix, and we can all agree, it’s about damn time. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, footprintcenter.com/events/lizzo
