Rock Allegiance Tour at Mesa Amphitheatre, 9/23/11

Rock Allegiance Tour Mesa Amphitheatre Friday, September 23 Buckcherry, Papa Roach, Puddle of Mudd, and P.O.D. all sharing the bill…what year is this, 2002? In spite of all four artists releasing their biggest hits about ten years ago, all continue to tour and record new music. I for one had…

Manu Chao in Arizona, 9/21/11

Manu Chao The Lot Across From El Portal Restaurant Wednesday, September 21, 2011 Last night’s Manu Chao appearance ended up being more than just a free concert on an empty parking lot across the street from a Mexican restaurant. I mean, those were definitely the basic logistics, but this wasn’t…

Mergence and Quick Henry Unite at Teakwoods Tavern Friday

According to the Facebook event page the bands created, this show is a few months behind, comparing it to, “a baseball rain delay game.” In that case, game on! Mergence and Quick Henry will be rockin’ Teakwoods at Phoenix this Friday, September 23. Lauded for their live performances and groovy…

Kesha at Comerica Theatre, 9/20/11 (VIDEO)

KeshaSeptember 20, 2011Comerica TheatreAfter Kesha’s strong show last summer at Marquee Theatre, it was exciting to see what the young singer would bring to a bigger venue and how she would change up the set. Her past performance had been so impressive, surely the larger space would give her even more to work with. For…

Weekend at Rhythm Room, 9/20/11

“Wait…you know it’s The Weekend, right? Not The Weeknd.” I had a couple people let me know, just to be sure. See, The Weeknd — the project name of Canadian soul singer Abel Tesfaye — has a plenty of hype, and the potential to bring elements of dubstep and chillwave…

Santana at Ashley Furniture HomeStore Pavilion, 9/18/2011

SantanaAshley Furniture HomeStore PavilionSunday, September 18Carlos Santana makes a great argument for vintage rockers. At the ripe age of 64, Santana doesn’t just continue to tour: it’s as though he gets better every year. Going to a Santana concert isn’t about getting crazy; it’s all about a strong appreciation for…

Peelander Z and The Aggrolites at Sail Inn, 9-18-2011

On the drive over to Sail Inn tonight, my roommate asked if he was going to understand Peelander Z. It was a fair question. Though the band formed in New York, it’s made up of four Japanese transplants. “Yes,” I said, they mostly sing in English. “Albeit, English with a…

Cheap Time at Yucca Tap Room, 9-14-11

Cheap Time, Vegetable, and Ryan Rousseau and his Desert Children Yucca Tap Room Wednesday, September 14 There are those who like to think of punk as an idea as much as a sound. I like to think I’m one of them, and seeing Tennessee-based rockers Cheap Time, and local bands…

You Me and Apollo at The Rogue

Power Hour. It’s a time-honored tradition that 20-year-old kids across the country look forward to with eagerness as they push the limits of blood-alcohol levels. In Tempe and Phoenix, most people target Mill Avenue as their destination for drunken debauchery, but when Tucson-based pianist/vocalist Steff Koeppen comes to town Saturday…

Hanson at the Marquee Theatre, 9/13/11 (VIDEO)

Hanson Marquee Theatre Tuesday, September 13 Hanson is way past “MMMBop.” The band of brothers has come a long way since their 1997 debut album Middle of Nowhere. The Hanson boys are all grown up, and their material has matured as both they and their fans did. Attendance was lacking,…

Foster the People at The Venue Scottsdale, 9/13/11

Foster the People The Venue Scottsdale Tuesday, September 13 Foster the People is the kind of band you hope to see when you shell out money for a concert. It’s just that seeing was the difficult part. The dance pop trio and creators behind the song of the summer, “Pumped…

Down at Marquee Theater, 9/11/11

Down Marquee Theatre Sunday, September 11 You have to feel bad for opening acts. Upon arriving at the Down concert last night, Ponykiller had just ended its set and In Solitude was in full force, playing their hearts out on the stage for a half-full Marquee Theater. A handful of…