Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley, and this week’s column features music from films.
August 7
The English Beat
The influential ska band, known for the hits “I Confess” and “Save It for Later,” is returning to the Valley to make the Musical Instrument Museum shake. You may recall hearing their biggest hit, “Mirror in the Bathroom,” during a key scene in the John Cusack comedy Grosse Pointe Blank. 7 p.m., $44.50-$49.50, Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, 480-478-6000, mim.org
August 11
Beck and Phoenix
After releasing the folksy “Thinking About You” earlier this year, rumors started circulating that Beck would be releasing his 15th album in the near future. We’re still waiting for confirmation, but the Odelay artist, who also contributed to the Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World soundtrack, will be touring with the French electronic band Phoenix to help tide fans over until new music arrives. 5:45 p.m., $40-$145, Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, footprintcenter.com
August 11
Dogstar
Unless your name is Flea or Paul McCartney, bass players don’t get much attention. Dogstar started to change that when the grunge band formed in the early ’90s, as the core duo are Hollywood actors. And now that the bassist’s action movie franchise John Wick is on hold, the Los Angeles-based band is hitting the road again after a 21-year absence. Fine, enough dancing around the fact that the bassist is Keanu Reeves. You can see Keanu Reeves in person at an intimate venue. But remember, this is supposed to be about the music. 8 p.m., $35-$285, Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. 2nd Ave., Phoenix, 602-716-2222, crescentphx.com
August 12
Post Malone
When the heavily tattooed rapper behind the hit from the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack “Sunflower” announced his “If Y’all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying” tour, he encouraged fans to come out to help him “put a baby through college” and see “a very, very handsome man up on stage.” Consider our ticket purchased. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-7200, livenation.com
August 13
ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd
Since they came up during the MTV era, it doesn’t seem right that ZZ Top, who makes a cameo appearance in Back to the Future Part III, has been around for more than 50 years. But before they hit the mainstream with hits like “Sharp Dressed Man,” the trio was a down-and-dirty blues band with rhythmic hits like “La Grange.” 6:30 p.m., $29.50-$349.50, Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-7200, livenation.com
