I think it’s fair to say that the secret is out when it comes to Crescent Ballroom, the newest and greatest venue in downtown Phoenix. I’ve yet to talk to a single person that wasn’t absolutely thrilled with the spot, and I’ve got to say I share the same opinion. From the sound, to the benches in the back, to the multiple bars and fantastic food, there isn’t much I can complain about. I would like the front lounge and outdoor bar to be a little bigger, but that’s just nitpicking at this point. I think one of the best uses for the main room is hosting massive 21+ dance parties, and luckily there’s a huge one coming on Saturday, November 26th. The one and only Switch will be doing a rare solo gig while he’s currently touring the world with Major Lazer. There will be more information on openers and such soon, but for now you can grab tickets.



MP3: Switch Ft. Andrea Martin – I Still Love You

Now that school is back in session, it’s time for the party season to kick into high gear in downtown Tucson. Luckily the fine folks at Opti Clubbin and Bang Bang have the perfect night lined up for all the co-eds to try to grind all over each other at. The party promoters are teaming up to bring LA’s Them Jeans to Club Congress for a free party on September 3rd. That’s right, as long as you’re 21 and don’t smell like you haven’t showered in a month, you’re getting into this party totally free. This doesn’t give you liability to be a cheap bastard of course. Tip your bartenders! Phoenix kids, don’t be shy. The party is happening on a Saturday night and would definitely be worth a drive down.



MP3: The Xx – Shelter (Them Jeans Drum Edit)

I’m pretty shocked by how fast time flew by, but it appears FilmBar is already celebrating their six month anniversary on Friday, August 19th. The independent movie theater, and beer and wine lounge, has quickly become my favorite spot in Downtown Phoenix. It’s the kind of place I could spend all day at, between seeing a flick and enjoying conversation with friends in the lounge. A lot of other people have become thrilled about the vibe at this new Downtown institution, as you can tell by the crowd that lines up at the bar most nights.

Since said fans have been good to the place, the theater is giving back on this night. They’ll be giving free popcorn and drink specials to anyone that buys a ticket to a screening that night, along with having giveaways, cake, and some special guests showing up. Chi Chi’s Tacos will also be on site for those of you looking for something a little more substantial to nosh on. The party is going from 6pm until 2am, so make sure not to check your energy at the door. Have a look at these two trailers for the films that will be screening on Friday evening.

You can be sure that if DJentrification shows up to rock a party, you’re in for a night of skillfully mixed music, most of which you’ve probably never heard. Alex digs for records with a passion that’s matched by few, and I always find myself relentlessly hunting down music after catching one of his sets. This Friday, Alex is going to be doing a special party at Lost Leaf that I’m really excited about. He’s dropping a two hour long set featuring Phoenix-only funk, soul, rock, Chicano soul, and some oddball selections. The party gets going at 9, with some special guests before Alex drops his history-spanning set at 11:30.

This show right here is definitely going to be one of the biggest parties of the summer. You’re going to want to wear some highly breathable clothing, as the A/C in Brick won’t save you from being drenched in sweat when this one is over. Big Freedia is the undisputed Queen of New Orleans bounce music, and every time she performs it is guaranteed to go off. You can catch her live on Friday, August 26th, and check out two of her brand new tracks down below.



MP3: Big Freedia – Look At Her
MP3: Big Freedia – Azz Everywhere

I am leaving for Thailand for a month on March 17th to celebrate my 25th year on earth. I am a combination of nervous, excited, and just a bit bummed about missing a few amazing and groundbreaking shows happening in Phoenix while I’ll be away. In particular there’s one show on my actual birthday, March 20th, that should not be missed by a single soul in the city. London’s hottest rising producer, SBTRKT, will be making an appearance on his way to Coachella.

This masked producer has me more excited than any electronic music has since Burial first came out. I know those are some bold words, but I truly mean them. If you haven’t listened to this guy yet, check out some the tracks below. He comes with a bass heavy mix of grime, dubstep, UK Funky, and even some crossover pop in some of his tracks. He’s absolutely guaranteed to blow the fuck up this year! The show is 18+ to party and 21+ to drink. It’s happening at Club Red and features some of the best DJs in Phoenix opening things up.



MP3: SBTRKT – Look At Stars
MP3: SBTRKT – Hide Or Seek
MP3: Little Dragon – Never Never (SBTRKT Remix)

YT057 – SBTRKT – Living Like I Do by Young Turks

The boys over at Cheap Thrills will be celebrating the birth of one of their own this evening. That’s right, Sean Watson was born on this day in history and one hell of a guest is going to be in the house at Brick tonight to celebrate. It seems like Pictureplane comes to town once every month or two, and I never get tired of seeing him do his thing. If you haven’t gotten a chance to see one of the most promising of developing artists in the electronic music scene, make sure you come out and catch the Denver native tonight. The weather is simply beautiful today, so you might even want to take a walk down there! The night will get going at 10 and all the regulars for the night will be opening things up. This event is strictly for the 21 and over crowd and cover is $5 all night long.

MP3: Pictureplane – Beyond Fantasy

Being a total hermit has caused me to miss a lot of great shows lately. I can’t really blame anyone but myself for a situation like that, but it’s the truth regardless. The show at The Clubhouse featuring The Black Angels and Black Mountain was the latest of my missed opportunities. I hear this one was really one I shouldn’t have missed. While I sit here and pity myself, at least you all can enjoy the pictures that the supremely talented Tyler Nevitt grabbed at the show. I’ll make sure I don’t miss these bands next time they come around!

This week is going to be a great one, as I’ve got a four day weekend lined up and plenty of options on how to spend it. I’m gonna get it all started by going to the Suns vs. Bulls game on Wednesday night and hope that D Rose doesn’t drop 35 on us again. Keep your fingers crossed! Regardless of the outcome of that game, I’ll be walking across the street to party at The Scenario, one of most talked about new nights in Phoenix. With the DJ talent that’s on display, and those killer drink specials, it isn’t hard to see why this night is getting all the hype. Come dance on the rooftop this Wednesday night and make sure you’re sufficiently hungover on Thursday. It will only make that turkey taste better!

2010 has been a very exciting year for the Phoenix arts/music scene. There are so many individuals and groups that are pushing really fresh events and working to further the feeling of community that is taking over what was once a land of disconnected suburbs. One event that I feel is a shining example of that is the monthly Civic Space Jam run by DJentrification and Hartbreaks. I can’t believe a whole year has flown by since they started the monthly party, but the one-year anniversary is here this Sunday. They managed to keep this event going even in the dead of summer, so come and enjoy the absolutely beautiful weather we’re having and celebrate the vibrancy of Phoenix.

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