May 13, 2024
By Jason Keil
Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres around the Valley. This week’s column features indie darlings and a hip-hop/classical mashup.
May 13
Waxahatchee
Kate Crutchfield’s band’s previous album, Saint Cloud, came out right as the pandemic was underway and proved to be a pleasant escape during an uncomfortable time. The follow-up, Tigers Blood, sounds even more optimistic and assured in what is already proving to be another heart-wrenching year. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, livenation.com
May 16
Alvvays
The sound of Canadian band Alvvays can be found somewhere between The Smiths’ Johnny Marr’s buoyant guitar on “This Charming Man” and the beautifully layered sound textures of My Bloody Valentine. It’s music that’s easy to get swept away by, as evidenced by their latest album, the critically-acclaimed Blue Rev. 8 p.m., $30, The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, livenation.com
May 17-18
The Resurrection Mixtape
You would be hard-pressed to find two rappers on higher pedestals than The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur. Composer/conductor Steve Hackman married the pair’s music to composer Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, which tackles life and death much like the ’90s hip-hop legends did, for a piece he calls The Resurrection Mixtape. Check website for times. $30-$60. Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd. St., Phoenix, 602-495-1999, phoenixsymphony.org
May 17-18
Pure Imagination Festival
The Pure Imagination Festival, an eclectic, eco-friendly event, will return to Prescott with a lineup that includes The Flaming Lips, Tanya Tucker, Ozomatli, and Sylvan Esso. Check website for schedule and ticket packages. Watson Lake Park, 3101 Watson Lake Park Rd., Prescott, pureimaginationfestival.com
May 18
Fayuca
The local reggae trio, known for their incredible live shows, has some new music to share, just in time for the summer months. 8 p.m., $20-$30, Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. 2nd Ave., Phoenix, 602-716-2222, crescentphx.com
