Jason Keil, Author at PHOENIX magazine

Shania Twain performs at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre on Tuesday. 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 throwback acts. May 30 Shania Twain Love or despise her – the queen of country music is worthy of your respect and admiration. The numbers don’t lie: The “Don’t Impress Me Much” singer has sold more than 100 million records,...

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 based in the blues. May 23 Dreamer Isioma Winning the approval of Pitchfork, Lizzo and Kali Uchis are damn good reasons you should listen to the Chicago singer/songwriter. But the viral artist’s (2020’s “Sensitive”) thoughtful (and occasional confrontational) lyrics set against funky R&B and Afropop beats is why you have to...

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 acts with longevity. May 9 Lil Wayne Keep your McDonald’s away from Lil Wayne’s tour bus. The rapper recently explained to Apple Music One’s Zane Lowe that a personal chef prepares meals for him on tour, which he’s done since he was 19. Maybe that’s why he’s one of the...

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 for LGBTQ+ audiences. May 4 Haley Heynderickx The Oregon-based singer-songwriter hasn’t discussed her sexuality in interviews. However, many fans of the Filipino American folk artist have pondered if the song from her 2018 record I Need to Start A Garden titled “Jo,” with the chorus “Oh I slept like a baby/With...

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 acts enjoyed while under the influence, if you know what we mean. April 19 Willie Nelson and Family Far be it from us to make an obvious joke about the outlaw country singer and his infamous inclination to toke up, but we can’t resist. Now that Arizona has legalized weed,...

M83 | Photo by Ella Here 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 acts who know how to write an ode. April 10 M83 The French electronic band’s 2008 record, Saturdays=Youth, is an ode to growing up in the ’80s and the music that was part of the decade. They will be kicking off their latest tour in...

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 musicians considered the best at what they do. April 5 John Mayer Despite what you may think of his song “Daughters,” John Mayer has grown into quite the accomplished guitarist, evidenced by his continued association with the Grateful Dead offshoot Dead and Co. But before he heads out with his...

Billy Idol | Photo by Michael Muller 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 musicians with side hustles. March 29-April 2 Arizona Bike Week 2023 Rev up your engines! Billy Idol (who’s appeared in a movie or two), Staind, and Megadeath are scheduled to perform at one of the nation’s largest bike rallies. In addition to the...