Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres around the Valley. This week’s column features some musical anniversaries and milestones.
May 19
Tom Jones
Perhaps better known to modern audiences as the guardian angel of the square and proud Carlton Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the 83-year-old Welsh singer Tom Jones is cooler than the ’90s sitcom would have you believe. There’s the small matter of the more than 100 million records he’s sold over the six decades of his career (and that the “It’s Not Unusual” vocalist remains relevant over 60 years). His powerful voice and eternal good looks continue to make ladies swoon. He even has a James Bond theme song on his extensive resume (“Thunderball”), along with a fantastic cover of the Talking Heads hit “Burning Down the House” with The Cardigans. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Tom Jones is how effortlessly he pulls it all off. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
May 20
Khruangbin
Despite receiving a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 2025, the Texas-based psychedelic group, known for its eclectic sound and dedicated fan base that includes David Byrne, Questlove and Barack Obama, has been captivating music lovers for more than a decade. Maybe it’s time you became better acquainted with the trio. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
May 22
Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra
This local music collective, led by the great Camille Sledge, has been fashioning funky global rhythms for longer than The Rebel Lounge has been in existence. Now for the venue’s 10th Year Anniversary Series, they are performing an instrumental show with Giovanni Kiyingi and Hyperbella opening. 7:30 p.m., $20-$25, The Rebel Lounge, 2303 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, therebellounge.com
May 23
The Damned
Despite numerous lineup changes and the tragic passing of founding member Brian James earlier this year, the legendary “Neat Neat Neat” band continues to prove that punk rock will never die. The show starts at 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, 480-659-1641, livenation.com
May 25
Simple Minds
On the 40th anniversary of its still inescapable hit “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” the Scottish group is embarking on the largest tour in decades with Soft Cell and Modern English. 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-7200, livenation.com
