LifestylePut Your Records On
Nikole TowerApril 1, 2018
Break out your vinyl for a blast from the past at Valley listening parties.
Nikole Tower, Author at PHOENIX magazine
Local author Amy Trueblood straps on her helmet and gets a bit daring with her debut young adult novel, “Nothing But Sky.” It features 18-year-old Grace Lafferty, a wing walker who stuns the crowds with dangerous acrobatics in the sky. The novel follows her chase to get to the 1922 World Aviation Expo until a stunt goes wrong. PHOENIX had the chance to talk to Trueblood before her novel came out on March 27.
Trueblood will be at Changing Hands in Tempe on March 31 at 4 p.m. for her book launch. For more information, go here.
Music5 New Bands, 15 New Songs Coming to Crescent with Phoenix Rock Lottery
Nikole TowerJanuary 26, 2018
The fifth annual Phoenix Rock Lottery returns to Crescent Ballroom on Saturday, Jan. 27. Twenty-five local artists will come together bright and early in the morning to form five bands. Then, they get less than 24 hours to write three songs and learn one cover to perform that night.
Stephen Chilton started the event in 2014 to provide a challenge to some of the local talent and a unique show concertgoers won’t find elsewhere. All proceeds will go to Rosie’s House, a nonprofit that brings music education to underserved youth.
This year’s artists includes Scott Hessel of the Gin Blossoms, Tom Linton of Jimmy Eat World, Mark Glick of AJJ, Nicole Laurenne of The Darts/The Love Me Nots and more. PHOENIX magazine got the chance to catch up with Chilton, Hessel and Laurenne about tomorrow’s show.
When you're in the mood for a night of live music, the West Valley doesn't come immediately to mind. But the entertainment tides may be changing for our west side neighbors with the addition of a 120-acre outdoor music venue. TopWater at The Landing, on the banks of the recently restored Hidden Lake in Buckeye, will be kicking off their inaugural event this Saturday, Novemnber 11, with a concert from local folk rock band Luxxe.
Arizona Musicfest has taken place in and around the North Valley every winter for the past 27 years, showcasing the best local classical and country talent. Some artists travel far to perform while others grew up honing their craft right here in Phoenix.
For the second time, Arizona Musicfest will hold a Fall Festival from Nov. 3 to Nov. 17 featuring acts like Dennis Rowland and Grammy Award-winner Mary Chapin Carpenter.
You spent about two years making your latest album. How did you know when it was finished? It definitely feels like a long time. I think there’s a little bit of an intangible feeling when something feels complete. On this record I wrote a lot more than I have in the past. I had a lot more options in terms of trying to craft what I thought would be the best story and best collection...
MusicLost Lake Festival Highlighted the Best of Phoenix
Nikole TowerOctober 23, 2017
Phoenix has successfully survived its first full-sized music, arts and culinary festival. Lost Lake Festival took over Steele Indian School Park Friday through Sunday with performances from Chance the Rapper, The Killers, Major Lazer and more. It modeled Superfly’s other events like Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, but there was an obvious emphasis on highlighting Arizona’s unique culture.
MusicLost Lake Festival Day Two
Nikole TowerOctober 22, 2017
The second day of Lost Lake Festival began a little slow like the day before, but it quickly picked up as more big name artists like Kongos, The Roots and The Killers. Three different local artists were showcased and I explored more of the park including The Lost Playground after dark and Found: The Lost Lake Marketplace.
The first day of the Lost Lake Festival kicked off on Friday afternoon. The crowd was slow to trickle in, but by the time the sun was going down the park was swarming with people dressed in Coachella-inspired garb. Lost Lake proved to be much more than a concert line up. Superfly, the organizers of this event, welcomed local chefs, artists and shop owners to contribute in the experience of getting “lost in the Valley of the sun.”
ArtsArt Break: Studio Snapshot – Fausto Fernandez
Nikole TowerOctober 1, 2017
Fausto Fernandez’s vivid collages swirl together paint and portraiture.
ArtsThe First Lady of Outlaw Country
Nikole TowerOctober 1, 2017
Country legend Jessi Colter ruminates on her life with late husband Waylon Jennings in An Outlaw and a Lady.
Deep in the heart of Detroit, the birthplace of motown, bluesy roots artist Samantha Fish recorded the first of two albums to be released this year. Out in March “Chills & Fever” strays from the 28-year-old's typical rock and roll/blues sound and itches a curiousity in soul music. November will see the release of her second album, “Belle of the West,” which is a return to Americana folk.
MusicU2 Ponders What’s Changed Since 1987 as Joshua Tree Anniversary Tour Comes to Phoenix
Nikole TowerSeptember 20, 2017
Last night's highly anticipated U2 concert at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale ushered in the official start of fall in the Valley. The roof, gleefully, was open, framing a few stars and washing the packed crowd with blessed late-September breezes. Bono and the band delighted, playing hits spanning their 41-year career – from “Sunday Bloody Sunday” to “Beautiful Day,” along with every song from the beloved Joshua Tree album.
What prompted you to make a live album? I was invited by Berklee College of Music [in Boston]. It was sort of an idea they had initially that we collaborated on to figure out how to use the talent they have in their students but to also do something that will have a real world release. While the students are still in school and haven’t graduated yet they can put out a record that will...
ArtsArt Break: Studio Snapshot – Sarah Madeline Jewelry
Nikole TowerSeptember 1, 2017
Sarah Morrison turned a middle-school passion for DIY projects into a thriving jewelry line.