Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley, and this week’s column features art-pop artists.
May 17
First Aid Kit
For the Swedish country folk duo’s latest album Palomino, the “Emmylou” singers took inspiration from some of the artsiest divas of all time, including “Running Up That Hill” singer Kate Bush and Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks, signifying a pivot away from Americana toward a more rock-oriented sound. 8 p.m., $34.99, The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, 480-659-1641, livenation.com
May 18
The Cure
The goth band behind “Boys Don’t Cry” and “Friday I’m in Love” has enjoyed a sudden reemergence since their long overdue induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This year brings fans a new album, tour, and a lot of over-dressed fans waiting in the hot Valley sun to get inside. 7:30 p.m., $20-$220, Desert Diamond Arena, 29400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale, 623-772-3200, desertdiamondarena.com
May 20
Pure Imagination Festival
The eclectic family-friendly festival, which debuted last year, is coming back to Prescott for an encore with a lineup that includes Lucinda Williams, Ziggy Marley, Capital Cities and Los Lobos. Check website for schedule. $85-$175, Watson Lake Park, 3101 Watson Lake Park Rd., Prescott, pureimaginationfestival.com
May 20-21
Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band
The Beatles’ drummer always manages to put together a backing band that rarely disappoints. For their two-day stint in the Valley, Starr will be joined by Toto’s Steve Lukather and Warren Ham, Men at Work’s Colin Hay, Edgar Winter, Average White Band’s Hamish Stuart, and accomplished session drummer Gregg Bissonette. 7:30 p.m., $70, Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, 602-267-1600, celebritytheatre.com
May 21
Echo and the Bunnymen
Take out your hair spray and put on your Doc Martens. With The Cure descending upon the Valley earlier this week, the arrival of the beloved Liverpool-based “Lips Like Sugar” band unofficially makes it Goth Week in Phoenix. 8 p.m., $59-$119, Showroom at Wild Horse Pass, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, 800-946-4452, playatgila.com
