Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres around the Valley. This week’s column features one of the biggest music festivals in Arizona.
April 7
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
There was plenty of misplaced buzz surrounding unworthy bands in the ’00s (Rogue Wave, anyone?). Yet, something was distinctly pop about the self-titled debut of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. From frontman Alec Ounsworth’s yelps on the track “The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth” to the playful instrumentation (is that a calliope?), it was a sincere effort that came out of nowhere, with everyone from David Bowie to David Byrne singing its praises and critics desperately trying to categorize it. For its 20th anniversary, the band is playing the landmark album in its entirety. 7:30, $27-$40, Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix, 602-716-2222, crescentphx.com
April 10
Amyl and the Sniffers
This buzzy Australian band is known for its raucous rock and punk-influenced albums and even rowdier live shows. If you grab a ticket, you better invest in some head protection. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, 480-659-1641, livenation.com
April 10
Always Music In the Air: A Tribute to David Lynch
Watching a David Lynch film was always as much an audio experience as it was a visual one (see the soundtracks to Lost Highway and Twin Peaks for evidence, or listen to one of his surreal blues-tinged albums), so it seems appropriate that the members of local bands Meet the Sun and Astrologer pay tribute to the man for whom the term “Lynchian” was coined. The folks at the podcast Wastoids have put together the visuals, and for all you Agent Cooper cosplayers out there, be sure to enjoy the coffee and donuts. Proceeds benefit Los Angeles wildfire victims. 7:30 p.m., $15-$30, Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix, 602-716-2222, crescentphx.com
April 10-13
Country Thunder Arizona
In a year when other music festivals are getting smaller, Country Thunder goes ginormous. Riley Green, Keith Urban and Bailey Zimmerman headline this four-day celebration of all things country and western. Check website for schedule and ticket prices. Canyon Moon Ranch, 20585 E. Water Way, Florence, countrythunder.com
April 13
Soulja Boy
The controversial rapper and producer appears to be at odds with everyone these days, from Marlon Wayans and Drake to Jake Paul. Whether this is a sign of Soulja Boy’s waning relevance or a means to generate income for his mounting legal expenses is uncertain. However, one thing is obvious: a man so desperate for attention will undoubtedly put on a spectacle of a show. 8 p.m., $29.50, Nile Theater, 105 W. Main St., Mesa, 480-559-5859, theniletheater.com
