Take heed, party people: The Waste Management Phoenix Open doesn’t end at the 18th hole. Here’s a night-by-night roundup of the talent at the tournament’s signature after-hours music venue.
IF YOU GO
Where: The Coors Light Birds Nest tent near the main entrance.
When: February 9 to February 12. Doors open at 3:30pm.
How Much: GA, $75 and up; VIP, $285 and up
Info: wmphoenixopen.com
DOS & DON’TS
- DO double-check the schedule. You don’t want to be a Kygo fan and show up the night Miranda Lambert is headlining.
- DO consider buying a VIP ticket if you covet a spot in the pit in front of the stage. Costly? yes ($285+), but it includes free food and drinks… and room for line-dancing to Dierks Bentley.
- DO have patience when you head in there — you’ll be joined by up to 10,000 of your closest friends.
- DON’T forget your ID. You won’t get in without one. No matter how old you are. Seriously.
- DON’T drive home. Uber and Lyft pickup points are right behind the Birds Nest.
- DON’T ask your Thunderbird friend for free tickets. They have to pay for their tickets like everyone else, and are not issued freebies.
Wednesday
“He’s a Little Bit Country, I’m a Little Bit Deep House”
- Diplo: Call it the “Old Town Road” effect: Last year, the Los Angeles-based producer/DJ released Chapter 1: Snake Oil, his first country album. It went gold.
- Cole Swindell: A golf tournament concert habitué, the “You Should Be Here” songwriter warmed up the crowd at the 2020 QBE Shootout in Naples, Florida, for headliner Thomas Rhett.
- You Might Like This Show If: You’re a fan of 2021’s Waste Management Phoenix Open winner Brooks Koepka, who not only loves hip-hop but sang along to Jon Pardi for a Michelob Ultra Super Bowl commercial.
Thursday
The “Sensitive Redneck” Show
- Sam Hunt: After the college quarterback unsuccessfully tried out for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008, he pursued songwriting. His then-girlfriend inspired his breakthrough country album Montevallo. Naturally, she became his wife.
- Russell Dickerson: Chances are you’ve heard the Nashville singer’s breakthrough “Yours” at the last wedding reception you attended.
- You Might Like This Show If: You’re a fan of British linksman Tyrrell Hatton. Once known for his short temperament, he’s softened up on the green, accounting for his rise in the standings.
Friday
The “Bargain Bling” Show
- Macklemore: Paraphrasing the Seattle-based rapper’s chart-topping hit “Thrift Shop,” look for a “come-up” – i.e. a nice deal – before seeing his headlining show on Friday, and help make Goodwill cool again.
- Quinn XCII and ayokay: Lifelong friends and collaborators, the duo wrote and perform the laidback hip-hop single “Kings of Summer,” which perfectly captures the carefree feeling of warm nights under the stars.
- You Might Like This Show If: You love John Daly, whose distinct sartorial sensibilities suggest he’s picked through a few thrift-store clothing racks himself.
Saturday
“Let the DJs Revolve It”
- Kygo: The Norwegian producer is best known for putting his spin on the divas of yesteryear with hit remixes of Tina Turner, Donna Summer, and Whitney Houston singles.
- Sam Feldt: The Dutch artist, known for his activism and heartfelt sound, will end this year’s festivities on an uplifting note.
- You Might Like This Show If: You’re a Rickie Fowler fan. The 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open winner collaborated on a Puma Golf clothing line with Kygo last year.
