Walesch shares a bit about his musical background, vision for the future of the MIM Theater and the scoop on the upcoming 2023 Spring and Summer concert lineup.
Spring is here and the Arizona temps are superb. Whether you spend the day catching rays at a spring training game or catching your favorite artist at a local music festival, a live show at the Musical Instrument Museum’s intimate, acoustically superior theater is a surefire way to ignite a spark into your evening. Here are five shows to expand your musical horizons, no matter the season. Tickets to all events can be purchased at...
Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley. This week, there are Christmas concerts, New Year’s Eve music events and more. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Tuesday, December 28 at ASU Gammage Chip Davis brings this vaunted musical holiday tradition to Tempe. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 28 at ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, asugammage.com. Tickets cost $40-$125.50. Injury Reserve Wednesday, December 29 at...
Alice Cooper | Photo by Robin Looy Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley. Ska punk, country, classic and indie rock are on tap this week, including Alice Cooper’s annual Christmas Pudding extravaganza. The Toasters Tuesday, November 30 at Yucca Tap Room Ska band The Toasters has been playing its brand of reggae-infused pop-punk since 1981. 2 Tone Lizard Kings and...
Jake Shimabukuro | Photo by Van Fletcher Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley. Multiple virtuosos play the Valley this week, including classical guitarist Esteban and ukulele sensation Jake Shimabukuro. Superstition Jazz Orchestra Wednesday, November 24 at The Nash Led by multi-instrumentalist Mike Crotty, the Superstition Jazz Orchestra will perform classic jazz standards as well as modern music. The set includes...
Dar Williams | Photo by Ebru Yildiz Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley. This week brings everything from a folk singer and a 1990s alt. rock giant to a session saxophonist and underground house music DJ. Dar Williams Friday, November 19 at Musical Instrument Museum Singer-songwriter Dar Williams performs songs from her 31-year career as a folk musician, plus new...
Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra | Photo courtesy phoenixafrobeatorchestra.com Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley. This week’s shows veer slightly off the mainstream path and down many different side streets, with everything from EDM and African folk-funk fusion to alt. rock godfather Elvis Costello and gypsy jazz. Negativland and Sue-C Tuesday, November 9 at The Rebel Lounge Since forming in the San...
Big & Rich | Photo by Tom Frisch Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley. A cadre of indie artists hits local stages this week, along with some country music legends and a sultry jazz singer. Julien Baker Monday, November 1 at The Van Buren Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Julien Baker, known for being one-third of supergroup boygenius, performs in support of...
Fairy Bones | Photo by Jim Hesterman Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley. The fall concert season rolls out this week with a reunion show of local rock favorites, country music stars, a progressive classical clan and a Texas rock trio now touring as a duo. Emmylou Harris Thursday, October 7 at Mesa Arts Center Singer-songwriter Emmylou Harris has...
Get Tangled Up in a Murder Mystery Agatha Christie delivers tension and laughter in equal parts in Spider’s Web, through July 11. The comedy thriller boasts an intricate plot of murder, police, drug addicts, invisible ink, hidden doorways and secret drawers. Friday, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 3 p.m. Call for ticket prices. Desert Stages Theatre, 7014 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale, 480-483-1664, desertstages.org. Start Your Day with a Good Sweat...
Best of the Valley Editors' picks of festivals, museums, live music and yoga.
Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley. Our roundup this week starts with some keen Gen Z pop rock, continues with contemporary blues rock, glam punk, and big-name country, and wraps up with local hip-hop. Veronica Everheart Wednesday, July 7 at The Rebel Lounge At just 18 years old, local sensation Veronica Everheart makes mature indie pop rock that belies her years....
Photo courtesy andywarpigs.com Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley. This week, we’ve got American roots music, reggae, rock and a tribute to late Phoenix punk musician Andy Warpigs. The Sugar Thieves Friday, June 25 at the Musical Instrument Museum Following the release of two new albums, Phoenix-based American roots music band The Sugar Thieves will bring their bluesy brand of...
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.
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...