Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres around the Valley. This week’s column features tributes: one to a beloved local venue and another to a blues drummer like no other.
May 20-25
Trunk Space Closing Ceremonies
The nonprofit venue is preparing to bid farewell to its current Roosevelt Row location at Grace Lutheran Church this summer. But before it does, it’s organizing a marathon week of shows that promise to be unforgettable. The lineup includes performances by Playboy Manbaby, Mega Ran and Breakup Shoes. Check the venue’s website for the complete lineup, times, and ticket prices. The Trunk Space, 1124 N. Third St., Phoenix, thetrunkspace.com
May 21
Justin Timberlake
The former leader of NSYNC brought his old bandmates together to perform a song on his latest album, Everything I Thought It Was. Sadly, his old crew won’t be joining Timberlake in Phoenix. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, footprintcenter.com
May 24
decker.
When he isn’t performing mind-blowing shows in Phoenix or recording ambitious concept albums at the legendary EastWest studios in Los Angeles (Ouroboros, which came out last year), Sedona-based Brandon Decker, the psychedelic folk singer-songwriter behind decker., is founding and curating music festivals (Sedona’s VortiFest) and learning karate with his son. 8:30 p.m., $10-$15, Last Exit Live, 717 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, lastexitlive.com
May 24
Maggie Rogers
The indie singer-songwriter is coming to the Valley on a Friday night, but when writing her latest album, Don’t Forget Me, she was trying to evoke a “Sunday afternoon” feeling, per a letter on her Instagram page. 7:30 p.m., $29-$99.50, Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
May 24
Chico Chism’s Annual Birthday Bash
The legendary drummer, who resided in Arizona and played with everyone from Sonny Boy Williamson to Muddy Waters, started playing the Great Gig in the Sky in 2007. Down here on Earth, some of the state’s finest blues players, including Hans Olsen, Rocket 88’s and Bob Corritore, will pay tribute to him on what would have been his 97th birthday. 7:30 p.m., $20, Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 602-612-4981, rhythmroom.com
