Country music plays a huge role in Arizonan culture. If you have ever been to the Country Thunder music festival in Florence, AZ, then you know exactly what we’re talking about. On Saturday, June 30, the Musical Instrument Museum will be paying homage to the sounds of the southwest with its first ever Country Music Day. Yee-haw.

Arizona’s own country band, Chevellon, will be performing hit songs from the 1950s live at 11:30 a.m. MIM curator Cullen Strawn will be leading a gallery talk on MIM exhibits devoted to country music greats such as Marty Robbins, Buck Owens, Waylon Jennings, Toby Keith, and others at 1 p.m.

At 2 p.m., Pick & Holler is playing music from America’s past and keeping alive the sounds that have brought people together for centuries.

If you think this just an adult affair, think again. Kids and adults can enjoy the bolo tie drop-in craft activity from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In this class devoted to Arizona’s official state tie, guests will learn about the history of the shoestring necktie and will make their own…..with a musical theme, of course.

To top it all off, the MIM Café will cook some southwest inspired dishes like sweet potato soup, pork ribs with grits, greens, and cornbread, and pecan pie.

All events are free with normal admission to the museum.

MIM | 4725 East Mayo Boulevard | Phoenix, Arizona 85050  

Unless you know someone in the Valley with a time machine disguised as a 1981 DeLorean or plan on buying a pair of Nike’s $37,000 Marty McFly shoes, we recommend you celebrate the past as well as the future by attending “Mack’s Back to the Future” party Saturday.

The event, hosted by Iguana Mack’s in Chandler, will commemorate the staff, drink specials and games that made the East Valley roadhouse famous over the past 10 years, while welcoming a new menu and a new look under the new management.

Participate in live lizard races, beer pong, flip cup, beer chugging, cornhole and hoverboard racing (you wish) beginning at 11 a.m. Prizes will be given away all day. Live music by local bands (sorry, not The Pinheads) kicks off at noon, followed by a patio barbecue and drink specials beginning at 1 p.m. Guest DJ’s, drink specials and games will continue until close (which, of course, is when need the time machine).

So, set your Casio digital calculator watches because the past, er, the party is something you won’t want to miss.

The self-described “Middle Eastern-psych-snap-gospel” group from Brooklyn has been surprising and intriguing our ears since 2007. Check out their new single, “Longevity” and see what the fuss is about. Enjoy.

Get down with the sounds of Purity Ring before their first full-length album, Shrine, drops next Tuesday. The Canadian duo from Edmonton, AB, are young, talented and seriously about to blow your mind with this single. Enjoy.

Civic Space Park's summer concert series (and yoga) take place every Thursday through August. Photo courtesy of the City of Phoenix.

Hot summer evenings mix well with dinner out, shopping and, of course, music (not to mention cocktails). So, when the unforgiving sun begins to set and talk of dinner ensues, remember this season provides a unique opportunity to catch live music in a variety of unique venues. Behold the local concert series list:

Civic Space Park: Enjoy yoga and live music for free every Thursday through August. Yoga for all ages takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and live music from 7:30 to 9 p.m. June dates feature reggae, jazz and R&B.

Desert Ridge Marketplace: Artists perform Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 10 p.m. on the District Stage or from 7 to 9 p.m. at the AMC Fountain. With genres ranging from Irish celtic to alternative (and instruments including the accordion and keyboard) the variety here will suit even the most eclectic tastes.

Tempe Marketplace: Artists perform Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 10 p.m. on the District Stage or from 7 to 9 p.m. at the B&N Fountain. Whether it’s jazz, funk or acoustic guitar you’re after, you will find it here (and possibly discover a new favorite). »READ MORE

It’s no secret that America has always had somewhat of an infatuation with musical acts from across the pond. Whether they come over with a bang and subsequently legions of screaming girls or they sneak over quietly playing small shows and gaining more of a grassroots following, we firmly believe there is always room in the airwaves for a few more instrument wielding Brits.  Currently on the “Naked Feet” tour with indie rockers, Walk the Moon, Morning Parade is about to drop their debut album stateside and the five piece alt-rock group from Essex is anything but quiet. Check out their single, Headlights, and watch for the record out June 19th.

Some people have entirely way too much time on their hands, but we reap the benefits when little gems like this surface from the eternal abyss that is the world wide web. Watch Barack Obama cover “Call Me Maybe”, that infectious tune by one-hit-wonder in the making Carly Rae Jepsen.

You may remember Stephen Ashbrook from his days with his band Satellite and the release of their first full-length, self-titled studio album Satellite in the mid 90s.

Remembering where he started, as a “Bar Star,” playing various Mill Avenue bars in Tempe, Stephen Ashbrook will be returning to the Valley on June 8th to The Roxy Lounge bringing with him a tuned up live show and new songs he’s debuting for his Arizona fans. Doors open at 8 pm, show starts at 9 pm.

Recently, this local singer and songwriter  has released an awesome catalogue of songs that became hits with fans, including “Scotch and a Handgun”, “Rock-n-Roll” and “Good Life”.

The latest album from indie rock band,  The Walkmen, dropped last Tuesday, but we still can’t get enough of the title track off the band’s seventh studio effort. Check out the official video for “Heaven” and let the music take you away from the fact that it’s Monday.

Just because you missed South by Southwest and/or Coachella, that doesn’t mean the fun is over in terms of summer musical gatherings. In fact, we think the best might just be yet to come. Check out our list of the best summer fests still on the horizon just begging for your attendance. Lollapalooza not included simply because it’s already sold out (wah, wahh).

Bonnaroo – We are part of a camp that believes you can never have too much Thom Yorke in your life. This is why making the trek down to Tennessee to see Radiohead headline for Bonnaroo is a trip we deem worthy. You can also see the iconic Beach Boys and the Grammy’s least appreciative “Best New Artist”, Bon Iver, June 7-10th for $259 for four day admission.

Burning Man – While there aren’t technically big musical acts booked to bring in the masses, Burning Man’s community created and executed festival is more of a self-proclaimed “city” than anything else. Resurrected each year in Black Rock Nevada, this “city” brings together people who want to celebrate art, self-expression and self-reliance in a week long adventure. You’ve heard the stories, so mark your calendars for August 27 – September 3. »READ MORE

Happy Memorial Day to all. Get this party started with a new tune from Sweden’s Icona Pop entitled “I Love It.” Move over Robyn, there’s a new dance pop group in town and, after taking Stockholm by storm, they are ready to conquer the clubs stateside. This is the perfect song to add to your soundtrack for a day of poolside fun. Yeah, we love it.

Before ‘Sweet Disposition’ became the “it” song for every indie film, diet coke commercial and teenage girl’s “summer” playlist, it was just one of those great songs that made you smile from a formerly underrated new band. Now we can judge accordingly with a new track entitled “Trembling Hands” off their upcoming self-titled sophomore effort expected to drop June 5th. Here’s the tuneage.

Just in time for summer, Beach House is coming out with a new album to follow up 2010′s Teen Dream. Prepare yourself to get whisked away on an audio vacation with Bloom, which drops May 15th. Check out the single, Myth, below.

In honor of all the recent and soon-to-be graduates, here is a catchy and very upbeat song from a band whose name can totally be applied to post-grad life. That is, until you realize that the real world sucks and all those “summertime feelings” are fleeting. At least you can shake your case of the Monday’s while bopping along to the sweet sound of Eternal Summers new song, “Millions”. Adjust the base and let the alpine blast.

Okay, we admit it. We are obsessed with Jack White’s first solo album, Blunderbuss. With the success of Love Interruption, there was no doubting the final product would be something to listen to and listen we did. Please, don’t take our word for it, check it out for yourself. Here is the video for the second single off Blunderbuss, Sixteen Saltines, for your listening and viewing pleasure.

It’s Friday afternoon and that means it’s time for us to bring you some of this weekend’s best live entertainment. Let us get the Weekend Concert Roundup started.

It’s the weekend and we’re feeling a bit funky and if your are too, go see KC and the Sunshine Band tonight at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. Lovers of Ska or anyone who loves a great show, check out the Aquabats, playing tonight at Tempe’s Marquee Theatre. The Crescent Ballroom, one of Phoenix’s newest venues (and one of our personal favorites) hosts some amazing talent, especially tonight’s performance by MarchFourth Marching Band.

Who doesn’t love Kenny Loggins? If you’re in Glendale Saturday night, check out the legend himself. Tickets are only $1 – $5. No one appreciates a blast from the 90′s past quite like us. That’s why we’re definitely going to see Dru Hill Saturday night at the Celebrity Theatre. Festival season is just getting started. This Saturday the Chickstock Music Festival in Cave Creek celebrates women in music and will feature Grammy winning artist Lucinda Williams.

As always, we like to treat Sunday as a relaxing getaway. The MIM in north Phoenix will host Stephen Cook’s, an ASU School of Music Doctoral Candidate, “Picture Rachmaninoff.”

Sure, they’re no Beats by Dre, but we say personalizing your own earbuds by following these steps on BLDG 25 will give you the swagger you need while listening to all your favorite tunes. Easy as making a friendship bracelet and  about as time consuming, all this DIY project requires is a pair of simple headphones (which you can find at Target for around 10 bucks if you want to experiment), your favorite colors of embroidery thread and some scissors. Follow the steps on the website, or create your own pattern and rack up even more street cred. It’s like music to your eyes.

She’s been a bad, bad girl depriving the world of her haunting voice for nearly seven years, but now Fiona Apple is back with a new single, “Every Single Night” and an album, The Idler Wheel, which drops June 19th. Thoughts?

The weather is officially starting to heat up and so is the concert season. As summer draws closer, what better way to beat the heat than standing in the middle of a crowd where people are sweating more than you. We love concerts. Seeing how it’s Friday, it’s that time once again for the Weekend Concert Roundup.

For all of you born again hippies and hipsters, it is the final weekend for Coachella. If you’re lucky, you might be able to find cheap tickets somewhere. We really just want to see the Tupac hologram again. Tonight at Comerica Theatre in downtown, we highly recommend you check out Florence + the Machine. Florence Welch and the machine in the U.S. on 15-city tour. If you’re anywhere near Tempe tonight, make your way over to the Sail Inn to see The Love Me Nots. This rock band is playing in a fest to combat Coachella, cleverly called NOchella Fest.

On Saturday, as we previously mentioned this week, Four Peaks Randomonium will be happening all day at Tempe Beach Park. Enjoy live music from some awesome local acts. Our favorites: Black Carl. If you want to see an… interesting show, straight out of Japan, Guitar Wolf will be in Scottsdale Saturday night for some rock and roll.

After all of that partying and great music on Friday and Saturday, we’re fans of taking it easy on Sunday. It’s Sunday Funday right? Well if you want to class it up, The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses is performing at the Orpheum Theatre at 8 p.m. For those of you who don’t know, The Legend of Zelda is a series of video games that have been around for over two decades now. The music in each game is elegantly composed and worthy classical music lovers from everywhere.

This video for Paul McCartney’s new single, “My Valentine”, features Johnny Depp and Natalie Portman. Not that it really needs an introduction.

Watch Band of Skulls get after it at their Coachella performance this past weekend. The song, “Lies”, can be found on the most recent album from the British group, Sweet Sour, which was released earlier this year. We must warn you though, only listen to this song if you’re fully ready to rock out on a Monday because we know mopping up your face off the floor may be too intense before your morning coffee. Enjoy.

Friday the 13th is usually a day filled with the paranoid and superstitious being extra careful. The W Scottsdale wants you to forget all that and get your dance on. Tonight at 9 p.m. the W presents another installment of their Skam Artist DJ Series. Until 2 a.m. you can party with the hip and fashionable while listening to the beats of DJ Five, resident DJ at the legendary Tao Nightclub in Las Vegas. He brings his world class mixing skills for an amplified experience like no other. Tonight is for those over 21. So knock on wood, throw salt over your shoulder, or whatever it is to get your superstitions in order and come out and play at Shade Lounge at the W Scottsdale. For VIP table and cabana reservation information, call (602) 405-0099. Don’t forget your dancing shoes.

The Shade Lounge | 7277 East Camelback Road | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

Friday, our favorite part of the week. Now that the work week is over, you might be asking yourselves what to do with the weekend. Well, we’re here to help. Let us begin the Weekend Concert Roundup.

Country Thunder is back! From April 12 to April 15, make your way to Florence, AZ for a weekend filled with country music and beer. Headlining acts include Dierks Bentley, Big & Rich, Blake Shelton and Alan Jackson.

Grunge music legend Eddie Vedder will be playing at Comerica Theatre tonight at 7:30 p.m. Though his music style has changed over the years, Vedder is guaranteed to put on one amazing show. Suzanne Vega, 90′s music star, will be at the MIM tonight, performing some of her classics like “Tom’s Diner.”

Classic rock band Kansas, responsible for “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry On My Wayward Son” will be in the Valley Saturday night. Playing at Ovations Live! at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Kansas will go on at 8 p.m. Arizona’s version of a music fest, the McDowell Mountain Music Festival, will be happening this weekend, featuring over a dozen different acts and bands.

Calling all cool cats and jazz fans. The Arizona Jazz Festival starts this Saturday and will continue on through Sunday. Hosted at the Wigwam Golf Resort, you want to miss this fest.

Coachella is upon us and a summer of amazing festivals is sure to follow. If you haven’t got a road trip planned (or, let’s face it, a flight booked) for one of the dozens of epic musical gatherings around the country, the best thing to do is just listen to music in the comfort of your own home/car/office and that way, no one will judge you if you are loudly singing along to The Biebs or the five clones of him who flipped their hair on SNL this past weekend. Apparently boy bands are back? Only now they don’t dance, they just move around stage into various formations while clutching their chests in adolescent heartache. Really? That’s all beside the point. The point is, there is a new album from Icelandic band, Of Monsters and Men entitled My Head is an Animal that dropped last Tuesday and it’s infectious in its folky/poppy sound. Check out the single, “Little Talks” below and buy the full album for only 6.99 on iTunes. 

For all of you fans of the hit show The Voice, you’re going to want to make your to the Scottsdale W hotel on April 6. Starting at 9 p.m. in the Living Room at the W, The Voice star Justin Hopkins will be performing some of his favorites.

Hopkins has performed with many A-list stars like working with greats such as Carol Bayer Sager, David Foster, Jesse Velenzuela, and Joe Firstman, who invited him to became a member of the Last Call of Carson Daly House band in 2007. Currently, Hopkins is working on a new record with Grammy winner Jesus “Chuy” Flores and Scott Fisher.

The event is for guests 21 years of age and older.  For more information or for VIP table reservations, contact (602) 405-0099

The Scottsdale W | 7277 East Camelback Road | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251