Every week, we present a curated list of live music across a wide range of genres around the Valley. This week features the swan song of a legendary hip-hop group.
by Jason Keil | Photo courtesy Capitol Records
September 29
Empire of the Sun
Combine the ’70s adult-contempo stylings of Fleetwood Mac with the blissed-out synth-pop of MGMT and divide by Disney on Ice, and you might have something that sounds and looks like Empire of the Sun. A festival juggernaut since their 2008 debut album, Walking on a Dream, the Australian duo of Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore are known for their flamboyant stage outfits, bodycon-wearing backup dancers and highly-danceable grooves. It’s quite a live show – in this case, an all-ages show at the Valley’s largest outdoor venue. Tickets starting at $35. Talking Stick Amphitheater, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-7200, talkingstickresortamphitheatre.com
September 30
Ghostbusters In Concert
If you’ve somehow gone through this life having never seen Ghostbusters, you may be approaching this event with some trepidation. But to paraphrase the lyrics of the title song, no need to be afraid of these ghosts. This is one of the funniest films of all time, and a live orchestra will perform composer Elmer Bernstein’s score to give fans a new way to see and hear this classic. 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
October 2
Paula Cole
The income generated by Paula Cole’s song “I Don’t Want to Wait,” the theme song to the teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has allowed the singer to keep the lights on at her independent record label. The song first appeared three decades ago on Paula Cole’s breakthrough, This Fire, so she is also taking a victory lap of sorts and performing the album in its entirety. 7:30 p.m. $64-$153. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale, 480-499-8587, scottsdaleperformingarts.org
October 3
Jack White
Jack White is arguably Detroit’s best export since the automobile, even though the prolific guitarist currently lives in Nashville. The former White Stripe will be coming to the Valley to perform songs from his latest album, the raucous Frozen Charlotte. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, livenation.com
October 4
Wu-Tang Clan
RZA, the founder of the Wu-Tang Clan, had a five-year plan to set straight the history of the legendary rap group, including a documentary series, a dramatic mini-series, and a Las Vegas residency. Now that those have been checked off his list, it’s time for the members of Wu-Tang to get together for one last tour, which RZA promises will be “unlike anything you’ve ever seen.” Bone Thugs-n-Harmony will open the show. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, livenation.com
