Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres around the Valley. This week, we feature a NSF-named synthpop quartet and an unplugged rock legend.
August 19
Noah Kahan
Noah Kahan is having a moment right now, and he’s using his considerably large platform to take on some Goliaths of business and politics. At a recent show in Denver, the mandolin-strumming singer-songwriter told Vail Resorts to “go f***” themselves for buying up independent, family-owned ski resorts, including some in his home state in Vermont. This came shortly after the White House used his single “American Cars” in a social media video, prompting Kahan to stipulate he “would never approve” of the song being used to support the Trump Administration. It has us wondering what he has planned for Phoenix. 6:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-514-8400, dbacks.com
August 20
Atmosphere
Composed of rapper Slug (Sean Daley) and DJ-producer Ant (Anthony Davis), this seminal 1990s rap duo helped pioneer an entire musical subgenre: “Midwestern hip-hop,” known for its fast-paced “chopper” style and eclectic musical influences. Now chopping into middle-age, the “Yesterday” and “GodLovesUgly” duo is taking a break supporting the 311/Dirty Heads-fronted So Glad You Made It Tour to headline their own show in Downtown Phoenix. Tickets start at $51. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, 480-659-1641, livenation.com
August 20
STRFKR
Formed in Portland, Oregon in 2007, this four-piece synth-pop outfit has quietly fashioned a formidable body of work over its near-20-year career – as quietly as any band named STRFKR can, anyway. Danceable, groove-driven, neo-psychedelic ear-worms are it forte – the kind of songs you know from national-rotation TV ads and premium-cable bumper tunes, but never knew the name of. See them in their element at Downtown Phoenix’s most intimate and audience-friendly midsize venue. Crescent Ballroom, 208 N. Second Ave., Phoenix, 602-716-2222, crescentballroom.com
August 23
Tori Amos
Given some of the subject matter of her songs, a Tori Amos show can be an emotional affair. But her performances need to be seen to be believed. The “Silent All These Years” songwriter often makes jaws drop when she plays two pianos at the same time. And when she comes to Valley, she’ll perform songs from her latest album, In Times of Dragons. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
August 23
Roger Daltrey
The Who frontman has been performing for over 60 years, which means he has plenty of songs to sing and stories to tell. He’ll sit down and share a few when he comes to the Valley for a semi-acoustic show filled with both classic hits and deep cuts. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Ikeda Theatre at Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa, 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com
