The night before Warped Tour you might think I was preparing my body for one hundred and fifteen degrees. Instead, I was finding some killer music to watch. For this night it was two local bands I love, and a band that is a joint combination of two musical acts I’ve not seen before. Up first were the guys that open anything with a bang, Bear Ghost. I always describe them as if they were the Aquabats, but more rock and no super suits. If Bear Ghost wanted to add…
Read MoreTonight was a favorite pair of local bands. Both times I have seen Dent, it was with Twin Ponies. They are a great compliment to each other. Tonight I could boost that to say that all three bands, including Baked, were awesome together. They made for a fantastic night of music at the Rebel Lounge. Up first were the awesome guys of Dent. This was my first time seeing them without the projector of fun imagery. They didn’t need it, bringing a good rock and alternative blend to the stage.…
Read MoreThe Indie 500 is a special event. The first one took place on the Trunk Space’s tenth anniversary, and, if memory serves correct, a joint celebration of a new air conditioning unit that was public funded. However, that isn’t what makes it special. It is that it brings together a bunch of different musicians and genres that I don’t always get to make it to. Plus you can jump in and out of it, like I did last year, and catch a bunch of music at any time of the…
Read MoreCancer is a disease that is tragic for anyone to have. It is worse when it happens to a kid, who has to then grow up quickly when they should be enjoying their lack of responsibilities and dreaming about their future. You have seen me attend and bring it up on here before, when we had a benefit show for Hunter Keener. However, another family of a friend has had it strike for a nephew who is only eleven and now diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma Cancer. I tend to avoid…
Read MoreA great musician is a great musician no matter the genre. In this case, we have what most people have labeled a “super band.” Dreamcar is made up of Davey Havok, of A.F.I., and Tony, Tom, and Adrian of No Doubt. The magic is that they aren’t playing any genre most adoring fans are familiar with, and it comes together in magnificent form. Before we get to Dreamcar, however, there were the guys in Dear Boy opening up the show. They were the perfect complement to open. I would best…
Read MoreTwo people can make up a great band. I’ve had this discussion time to time since discovering both the Two Tens and In the Whale in the past two years. While it doesn’t tend to include a bassist, these bands have an energy and garage punk sound that is enthralling. Entering the night, I was actually most excited to catch the Two Tens again. Plus this would be my first time seeing the Dollyrots. What I didn’t expect was the excellent surprise with Shovel opening up. I haven’t listened to…
Read MoreFlogging Molly spent about one third of my life playing St. Patrick’s Day in Phoenix. They spoiled Phoenix with the best way to celebrate the holiday. A couple of those years they came through with their regular tour on top. Then after a long stint living in Los Angeles, they relocated the band to Detroit. This meant a harder trek than just four to five hours every year, and so the Phoenix tradition came to an end. In its ashes, they started doing the Salty Dog Cruise, which for some…
Read MoreI have had two discussions on what real Emo music is, and both times have been at Rebel Lounge this year. They have also occurred when I was catching a band or musician in a band that is Emo appropriately. While appropriate to describe Owen, and Mike Kinsella, I will stick to my guns that our two openers are not in that category. However, all of the music tonight was great. It kicked off with Celebration Guns, who I so far have lived up to my word to see more…
Read MoreLast night was like a show I used to see at Sail Inn. Made up of amazing musicians, some of the best female vocals, and watched Sara Robinson sing at Sail Inn before too. Tonight these super talented musicians and bands came out in celebration of Dani’s ten years with KWSS. It was a celebration and thank you for getting some great local music in front of people in the valley. The night opened up with the talented RUCA. This is going to be sentiments echoed a lot through this,…
Read MoreThere are some people in the Phoenix music scene that have had amazing impacts on it. One of those people is Ryan Avery, who I think in the mind of most people, he is a person that it is hard not to associate the Trunk Space with. He was one of the hardest working performers for the past couple Indie 500 events, performing in multiple bands of his creation. So when Ryan said he and his wife were moving to L.A. about a year ago, it was a blow to…
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