I feel like a kid on Christmas day every time I hear about a great touring band announcing a show at Yucca Tap Room. How could I not get excited about the possibility of seeing a band for free at one of my favorite venues, filling myself with cheap booze the whole time? I love seeing all the local bands that often get their start at the infamous bar, but it’s extra special when an established national act comes through. That brings me to The Henry Clay People, who have just about the perfect sound for this bar, and will be coming to play a loud and booze-filled set on September 12th, right before embarking on a nationwide tour with Drive-By Truckers (who won’t be at this show).

These guys play indie-rock that is solely focused on the power of the riff, sprinkled with lots of influences taken from classic rock songs. You would never assume these guys were so young (22 and 23) from the sounds that they produce, which should lend itself nicely to the wide range of people that call Yucca home. They quietly released one of my favorite albums of the year with “Somewhere On The Golden Coast” back in June. If you haven’t heard it, you’re definitely missing out. So run out and get the album now and make sure you experience them play these songs live. Don’t forget to pound a few PBR’s!

MP3: The Henry Clay People – Something In The Water

FUSE Fridays has become an institution in the Phoenix nightlife scene since bursting out of the gate nearly two years ago. The night is well known for bringing world class talent to Downtown Phoenix, often snagging guests that you would probably assume would never make it to AZ. Even though it’s been an incredibly hot and humid summer, they still pack the rooftop of Bar Smith on a weekly basis and make people dance like it’s the first time they learned how. They’re getting ready to celebrate their two year anniversary in October, and the rumors are they have some pretty amazing nights lined up that month. However, don’t think they’re going to be skimping on the guests until then.

This Friday will see NYC-by-way-of LA house queen Gina Turner turn the rooftop out with her high energy set filled with big room house. When she gets going, you’re likely to feel like you’ve been transported to a dimly lit club in Europe instead of a downtown rooftop. Besides Gina, the night will also feature a set from Chicago’s Dani Deahl, who will come with a set of high energy house music herself. The opening set will be provided by Arizona’s own Turner & Heit. It usually gets very packed at this venue, so I’d recommend getting there early, plus admission is free if you show up before 10:30. Come dressed to dance and sweat, because I have a feeling it’s going to be hot as hell.

MP3: Gina Turner & Dan Oh – Cane Che Abbaia Non Morde

I think I do a pretty good job of covering the local music scene, but I have been lacking big time on the coverage of the rest of the arts and culture of this beautiful city. Consider this the beginning of my efforts to give you readers a more rounded guide to what’s happening in Phoenix. If there’s one event that you need to mark down on your calendar right now, it’s the return of the annual Grand Ave. fashion show. Last year the event took place at Paisley Town and I had a blast DJing the runway show for the girls over at Butter Toast Boutique. However, I hoped that they would get a bigger space and more designers involved this year. Well it seems luck is definitely on my side.

This year’s show features more boutiques and designers than last year, including some love for men’s fashion with the boys from Phoenicia Association. Not only will we have a lot more fashion to see, but we also get to experience it all in the beautiful and unique Bragg’s Pie Factory. This is one of the best mixed use venues in town and I’m sure that it will be sparkling and full of beautiful people on this evening. So, bring a date and look sharp, and come prepared to celebrate the unique and stylish boutiques and designers that are making the Phoenix DIY fashion scene so exciting to witness lately.

It would be a major understatement to say that the release of a new Deerhunter album is big news in the indie world. In fact, few bands have received as much praise or garnered as much fan attention as they have managed to since forming in 2001. So when news broke that the group would release their new album “Halcyon Digest” on September 28th via 4AD, you better believe quite a few fans started hunting to hear it as quickly as they could. While a leak doesn’t seem to exist as of yet, four new tracks were played at a recent live set at Pier 54 in NYC. Luckily for us all, the infamous bootlegger NYCtaper was there to capture the full set and has shared it with us all.

After you’ve digested this live set, you should race to get your tickets to see the band play at The Clubhouse on November 3rd with Casino Vs. Japan. The last time that I had the pleasure of seeing Deerhunter, they put on one of the loudest and most powerful sets I’ve ever seen at Modified. Judging by the sound of this recording and their new muscular lineup, they will likely top the absurdity of that performance this time. Tickets are available for the show right here at a cost of $15. Download their full set at Pier 54 at the link below.

Deerhunter live at Pier 54 in NYC (Download Link)

If you caught Surfer Blood’s debut show in Phoenix at The Trunk Space, I know you’ve been anxiously anticipating a return visit from them. After they canceled one show here and then completely skipped us on the next tour, I was beginning to think they may have something against us. Even though I had a great conversation at Bikini with a few of the guys from the band after that show and highly doubt that’s true, I’ve still been feeling a bit slighted. So, you can probably picture me jumping up and down in my office when I read the news that they would be coming to town with another favorite of mine, The Drums.

My excitement level came down a bit when I realized that the show was taking place at The Clubhouse, which is consistently the worst venue in town, but I’m still totally thrilled. Plus, some friends have said they actually have working A/C at that shithole now. If you’re counting down the days until September 27th like I am, you should check out this remix by Philly-based dreamwaver Golden Ages. If you like what you hear of the remix, he has a free EP and some more remixes available here. Hurry up and get your tickets for this show and cross your fingers that the atrocious sound at this venue doesn’t fuck up this show.

MP3: Surfer Blood – Twin Peaks (Golden Ages Remix)

The citizens of Tucson are doing their best to make sure that us Phoenicians spend the entire Halloween weekend down South, and I must say they’re doing a damn good job at it. I was already decided that I’d be spending Halloween night at the Rialto seeing Of Montreal play, but a whole weekend spent at Hotel Congress seems pretty likely after the news I heard today. That’s right.. there’s a huge party happening the Friday night before Halloween, and with a 30 Rock inspired name to boot! Werewolf Bar Mitzvah is also going down at The Rialto and I’ve heard they’re planning such a massive event, that a second outdoor stage had to be added. There’s also some incredible talent performing.

If you thought the organizers were just going to book some local acts and call it a day, well you majorly fucked up on that one.The promoters just announced that they booked two of the bigger names in electronic music right now, Bart Bmore and Designer Drugs, to make sure you have a bloody good time. Don’t even pretend like you’re going to be able to walk straight after this one, much less drive back to Phoenix. Book a hotel and play it safe kids! Stay the whole weekend and get ready for Of Montreal’s show on Sunday night. Also, keep an eye out as there will be many more acts announced very shortly.

MP3: Bart Bmore – Make Some Noise
MP3: Hail Social – Heaven (Designer Drugs Remix)

I can’t tell you the last time I was as excited about seeing a band live as I am about seeing The Budos Band tomorrow night. I’ve been looking for an opportunity to see them for years now and never managed to find one. They haven’t even played at one of the countless festivals I’ve attended since I first discovered them. Well, tomorrow night that dream is finally coming true and I only have to drive ten minutes from my house to get there! The thirteen-piece “Afro Soul” band from Staten Island is going to put on what will no doubt be the biggest party of the summer. They’ll be joined by local favorites Black Carl and Hot Birds and the Chili Sauce, along with DJ Seduce on the ones and twos.

The party is happening at The Sail Inn and showtime is listed as 7:30. I wanted to point that out because I know you’re probably planning on showing up late, as we all know shows rarely ever start on time. However, due to the noise curfew for the outside stage, you really want to show up on time if you’re interested in catching the opening acts. Tickets are $14 at the door and make sure to bring your dancing shoes, as you’re not going to be able to stand still.

MP3: The Budos Band – Ghostwalk



Since I know a lot of you are going to want to keep the party going long after this show lets out, here’s a nearby dance night that should satisfy all your carnal desires. DJ Epidemic and guests in the mix all night.

Yucca Tap Room has easily become my favorite place in the city to be on a Thursday night. If you’re like me and like to get your weekend started early, there’s no better place to be tomorrow. As you probably know by now, Blunt Club has found a new home at Tempe’s best dive bar and I think it’s the best spot the long-running club night has chosen so far. The combination of no cover charges, cheap drinks, and a central location add up to make this a can’t miss event. The addition of the new lounge connected to the main room at Yucca makes it all the more appealing. They have one of the best selections of whiskey you’ll find around here, including some great craft choices. Try the High Point whiskey from SLC. I’m pretty sure you’ll be thanking me later.

Tomorrow night’s edition of Blunt Club has me extra excited, as my favorite Phoenician DJ will be holding down the corner of Southern and Mill. If you’ve never caught a DJentrification set before, get ready for a globe-spanning mix of music you’ve probably never heard before (but will instantly fall in love with) combined with some seriously skilled scratching and MC skills. Alex is a force to be reckoned with and you’re missing out on the best that Phoenix has to offer if you don’t know his name yet. Get there early for the ridiculously cheap drink specials, and stay late to have your mind blown wide open by music from India, Thailand, Cambodia, and wherever else Alex decides to take us on his journey.

One of the biggest and most pleasant surprises of the year for me has been Fol Chen’s stellar album “Part II: The New December”. This album is avant-pop at it’s finest and will make you want to dance to sounds that are rarely used in dance music. It’s a challenging album that manages to be fun without losing it’s quirkiness and experimentation. The band just released a free EP of the lead-off track from the album, “The Holograms”, including four remixes. My personal favorite is from one of my favorite names in electronic music right now, Primary 1. Here’s the original and that remix. Download the full EP here.

MP3: Fol Chen – The Holograms
MP3: Fol Chen – The Holograms (Primary 1 Remix)

I won’t lie… Phil’s just might be the hottest bar I’ve ever set foot in. I had sweat dripping off my face before I even got my first drink the last time I went to this dive bar that clearly doesn’t believe in Phoenician’s rights to A/C. But I can also tell you that I stuck around regardless, because the place was packed with friends I hadn’t seen for awhile and the music was loud and mixed well. By the end of the night I was converted to Phil’s fan-club. So when you’re asking yourself if there’s somewhere to go tonight where you can dance and enjoy yourself free of pretension, this is definitely the spot I’d recommend.

Tonight is a special edition of their Friday night party Ransom that will feature guest DJ Epidemic and the residents spinning a mix of 90’s classics and I’m sure a few obscure ones as well. Epidemic just returned from an East Coast tour where I’m sure he gained a legion of fans with his sets that know no limits of where to go and how to rock a party. I have a feeling that it’s going to get extra hot in this bar tonight, and though I’ll probably bitch for awhile, I have a hunch that it’s going to be so worth it. Here’s an edit that Epidemic just released to get your blood pumping a little in the middle of a Friday afternoon.

MP3: Green Velvet feat. Kid Sister – Shake ‘N Pop (DJ Epidemic Edit)