MusicThe PHiXWATCH NOW: Brian Lopez Debuts Stripped-Down Home Sessions Series to Accompany New Album
Madison RutherfordSeptember 15, 2023
MusicThe PHiXLargest Free Music Festival in the Southwest Returns to Mesa This Weekend
Jr De ChavezApril 12, 2023
The sixth annual Mesa Music Festival is making a major post-pandemic comeback. After a three-year hiatus, the free-to-the-public, three-day festival returns to downtown Mesa Thursday, April 13 through Saturday, April 15. A truly jam-packed weekend, the event will feature more than 200 performances by local and international artists and offers food and art from local vendors along the block of Main and MacDonald streets. The festival has a freewheeling structure, where attendees can hop from...
MusicpodcastDeep Cuts Episode 3 with ReRuns
Madison RutherfordSeptember 8, 2022
Phoenix indie band ReRuns joins us to debate an array of pop culture phenomena.
Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley. A diverse lineup this week includes African interpretations of bluegrass music, a celebration of Motown, psychedelic rock, regional Mexican music, and off-the-cuff country. Pascal Bokar Afro Blue Grazz Band Monday, August 9 at The Nash Wednesday, August 11 at Ottowa University Musician Pascal Bokar, born in France and raised in Senegal, West Africa, leads eleven...
MusicThe PHiXMusic Notes: Spirit Adrift
Jason KeilAugust 26, 2019
Nate Garrett devoted himself to metal after seeing a clip of Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” on VH1 in middle school. More than two decades later, Divided by Darkness, the second album from his band Spirit Adrift, was awarded an 8.1 rating on Pitchfork (trust us, that’s good). The Phoenix-based guitarist and songwriter spoke with us about the record. You grew up in Oklahoma and lived in Arkansas. How did you find your way to Arizona? I...
Phoenix native Taylor Upsahl recently signed to a major label and booked a gig at Lollapalooza. She's also had some work done – on her name, that is.
Looking for some live music to enliven your pre- and post-Fourth of July revelry? Here are some weeknight options to weigh.
In March, The Rolling Stones canceled their North American tour. We speculate on the Stones' fallback careers if touring is off the table.
MusicInterview with a Bluesman
Ethan MillmanFebruary 28, 2019
Big Pete Pearson has long been known as Arizona’s King of the Blues, but these days, he says his kingdom is dwindling.
This Wednesday marks America’s biggest annual national party, and one of the ways we’ve always celebrated is with music. Here are some song choices that will freshen up your cookout or fireworks-viewing playlist, while still giving you that love-of-country tingle.
For a truly low-budget Mother’s Day outing that you can be reasonably sure Mom’s never been offered before, why not take her to a free, sing-along version of Mamma Mia! at Harkins Camelview at 10 a.m. this Sunday, May 13? The Scottsdale multiplex is one of 25 theaters around the country to show the special version of the 2008 “jukebox musical,” showcasing the songs of ABBA.
World Record Store Day is this Saturday, April 21. Locally-based Zia Record Exchange, which opened its first store in Phoenix in 1980 and now has eight locations across the Valley, Tucson and Nevada, is set to throw its biggest celebration ever as records continue experiencing a phenomenal resurgence in the popular zeitgeist.
Zia is throwing a week-long celebration to keep the WRSD party going, with live music at all locations on Saturday, plus DJs, giveaways, exclusive offers and rare LP releases. Check back in throughout the week for more special discounts and deals. All Zia locations are also collecting donations for the Boys & Girls Club through May 9, and entering donors into automatic raffle.
In honor of World Record Store Day, the PHOENIX mag editorial team picked our favorite albums. Check out our selections below and read on for a chance to win a $50 gift card from Zia Records.
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.