Every week, we present a curated list of live music across a wide range of genres around the Valley. This week features a country star posing as a dance rocker.
by Jason Keil | photo courtesy mau5trap
September 9
Nitzer Ebb
You know a band will be hard to pigeonhole when it can count both synth-rock princes Depeche Mode and funk god George Clinton among its list of collaborators. So it goes with U.K. outfit Nitzer Ebb, which emerged from the early ’80s Essex post-punk scene to help kickstart industrial dance as a worldwide music genre. More than 40 years later, the “Fun to Be Had” artists are bringing their high-octane live show to the cozy confines of Downtown’s Crescent Ballroom – minus original guitarist Douglas McCarthy, sadly, who passed last year. Crescent Ballroom, 208 N. Second Ave., Phoenix, 602-716-2222, crescentballroom.com
September 11-12
Goldrush: Midnight Ride
Are you ready for another long, strange trip… to Chandler? This year’s edition of local promoter Relentless Beats’ EDM festival includes Deadmau5 and Griz at the top of the lineup. There will also be some themed attractions and art installations to check out between sets. If you’ve not a big rave person but are looking for something semi-mainstream to break the seal, this is your jam. Check website for schedule and ticket prices. Rawhide Western Town, 5700 W. North Loop Rd., Chandler, goldrushfestaz.com
September 12
Godsmack and Stone Temple Pilots
The times certainly have changed. Twenty years ago, nu-metal rockers Godsmack would probably have been the openers for 1990s alternative legends Stone Temple Pilots. Now, it’s the other way around. But it doesn’t matter who plays first so long as the music is nice and loud, right? 7 p.m. Tickets starting at $28. Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, livenation.com
September 12
Buddy Guy
The influential blues guitarist, who just turned 90, won’t slow down. He still plays more than 100 shows a year and even made a brief appearance in the Oscar-winning film Sinners. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Showroom at Wild Horse Pass, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, playatgila.com
September 12
Alan Parsons Live Project
It was 50 years ago when Alan Parsons, an engineer at the Abbey Road studios, and his band released Tales of Mystery and Imagination, a collection of songs inspired by the works of author Edgar Allen Poe. The Alan Parsons Project would go to help pioneer the progressive rock movement, behind such classic tunes as “Eye in the Sky” and “Sirius.” Now, to celebrate his five decades as a frontman, Parsons is hitting the road to perform his hits. 7:30 p.m. $57.39-$278.94. Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, 602-267-1600, celebritytheatre.com
