Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres around the Valley. This week, we feature a lot of yacht rockers and stars on the mend.
August 11
Megan Moroney
The “Wish I Didn’t” star shocked concertgoers when she ended a show in Denver early last month. The reason? It was apparent to everyone in the audience that Moroney was under the weather. However, she bounced back quickly, telling her social media followers that you “can’t keep a diva down.” Hopefully, this means the country star’s Glendale show will be nothing short of unforgettable. 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Desert Diamond Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale, desertdiamondarena.com
August 11
Lionel Richie with Earth, Wind and Fire
When the “Dancing on the Ceiling” legend kicked off his tour with Earth, Wind and Fire in Minnesota last month, an illness cut the show short and caused him to postpone his next two appearances. Thankfully, Richie is now at full strength and doing what he does best: performing his decades of hits with the best party band in the business. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, ticketmaster.com
August 11
Toto and Christopher Cross
Why is Toto’s “Africa” considered to be yacht rock’s peak? It obviously doesn’t take place on a boat. Most yacht rock hits don’t. However, this seemingly eternal hit has a laid-back quality that has resonated with listeners for over 40 years. It has also inspired countless covers, including one by Weezer. Sharing the bill with Toto is songwriter Christopher Cross, who is perhaps best known for the hit “Run Like the Wind,” which, despite its title, is not as breezy as “Africa,” but has a jazzy sound that is a hallmark of the easy-listening genre. 6:45 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
August 14
George Thorogood and the Destroyers
The “Bad to the Bone” singer is swaggering into the Valley with his band for The Baddest Show on Earth tour. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Showroom at Wild Horse Pass, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, playatgila.com
August 14
Santana and The Doobie Brothers
Speaking of yacht rock, the genre’s patron saint, Michael McDonald, who famously sang backup for Cross on “Run Like the Wind,” is performing with the Doobie Brothers this week. Joining the group is one of rock’s most legendary guitarists, Santana. This lineup will certainly go down “Smooth” for fans of classic rock. 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, mortgagematchupcenter.com
