There are many exciting things happening in Tempe this weekend, including live music performing right in your area. Whether you like rap, rock, pop, jazz, or indie Tempe’s live music scene has something for you. This article will help you weed through the madness and find an artist you never heard of that deserves a spot on your MP3 player.
The first artist in this list is a band out of Phoenix known for their soft rock sound with a Latin twist. The Veragroove, is one of the most talked about bands right now in the Phoenix and Tempe area. Their smooth mix of trumpets, guitar, and drums is simply amazing heard live. The lead vocals mix very well with the instruments and is refreshing to hear if you love live music. You can catch them tonight at Club Red in Tempe promoting their new CD, “Something like Seduction.” The event is all ages and tickets are $12 at the door.
The second artist on this list is an alternative rock band all the way from Australia named Atlas Genius. Their music is a laid-back blend of sounds with simple melodies and upbeat instrumentals it is definitely something you will enjoy any night. The vocals are not necessarily something you haven’t heard before, but it fits right in with the drums and guitar. If you like bands like Washed Out, Neon Indian, or Animal Collective, you will love Atlas Genius. You can catch them at 6:30 p.m. PST on Saturday at the Marquee in Tempe. Tickets to this all-aged event are $23 at the door.
The third event is a group of artists performing under Club Red’s 8th installment of Prove It. This event is simply for all the hip hop heads out there, if are not a big hip hop fan, this event is not for you. The Majority of the artists listed in this event are Arizona natives and are just trying to get their first shot at music. Upon researching the Prove It 8 event for this article, I found little published work put out by any of these artists, so you don’t really know what you are going to get. Everyone has to start somewhere. Come support Arizona’s new hip hop talent this Saturday, 7 p.m. PST at Red Owl. Tickets are $12 at the door and the event is all ages.
The next event is for those who choose to watch PBS over MTV, those who lean more heavily to the instruments rather than the vocals. The Tempe Songwriters showcase presents the Bob McCarroll lounge. A smooth jazz band with light vocals by McCarroll. If you like to hear a good saxophone, violin, or organ, this is definitely a show you should make. Unlike most of the shows listed earlier in this article, this show is more of an intimate event with the artist. There will not be any sweaty mosh pits or strong odors of cannabis here. The Tempe Songwriters showcase is simply for the music aficionados. Do not be surprised if you get the chance to have a light conversation with McCarroll during or after his performance. You can catch the show Friday at the Tempe Center for the Arts from 5 to 7 p.m. PST.
The last event is by far the most mainstream band in this article, if you haven’t heard of them you will very soon. From Long Beach, California, the Cold War Kids are a band to look out for. The band is supported heavily by their lead singer, but bass and drums is not something to be slept on either. The band uses a mixture of real and synthesized instruments to produce a unique sound while staying in the bounds of modern rock music. Coming off their MTV music award and David Letterman performance, they will be live at the Crescent Ballroom this Sunday. Tickets are $26 dollars at the door and the event is all ages.
Blog By Clarke Hall