It’s that time of the week again to bring you some of the best entertainment hitting the Valley this weekend. Let’s get the Weekend Concert Roundup started.

The one and only Red Hot Chili Peppers are in town tonight at Jobing.com Arena. It’s gonna be, well, hot. For tickets, click here.

Los Lonely Boys will be at Chandler’s Center for the Arts tonight at 8 p.m. This trio, made up of the Garza brothers, takes cues from classic rockers like Stevie Ray Vaughn and Santana. You won’t want to miss this night filled with rock and roll. For more info, click here.

If you’re feeling classy this weekend, check out the Phoenix Symphony on Saturday night at 8 p.m. Don’t forget your monocle and top hat for this concert at the Phoenix Symphony Hall.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, revolutionary punk band Agent Orange will be playing at Tempe’s Clubhouse Saturday, March 3 as well. And to top Saturday off, country music star Clay Walker, will be performing at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill at 8 p.m.

Indie rocker cutie Jenny Owen Youngs, famous for her song featured on the hit show Weeds, will playing at Crescent Ballroom on Sunday at 8:30 p.m. For more info click here.

The Sunday A’Fair concert series at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts continues this weekend with plenty of great acts to see.

Perhaps if the Academy Awards had more artists like Santigold writing original songs for movies, there would have been a more exciting showdown for Oscar gold last night. Alas, it seems the days of Eminem’s powerful  ”Lose Yourself” and the timeless “Moon River” are far behind us and we just have to get our fix from regular releases and singles like this one entitled “Disparate Youth.” The album is in talks for fingers crossed for a 2012 release. Listen and enjoy. The video is a little strange, so feel free to browse the internet while finger drumming.

With all the events going down this weekend and through May, it’s difficult to Make Up Your Mind, right? Fortunately, DJ William F-ing Reed makes it easy to make up your mind on some kick-ass tracks for the weekend no matter your activity. Listen. Enjoy. Repeat.

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Finally Friday is here and we are ready for the weekend, how about you? Well if you don’t have plans yet to Shop, there is plenty of great music in the Valley this weekend. Let’s get the Weekend Concert Roundup started.

Tonight South Mountain Community College will be hosting the SMCC Jazz Festival featuring Marion Meadows, the tenor saxophonist will be playing with feature student performers and ensembles, show starts at 7:00 p.m. and tickets $10. The Compound Grill will be home to Marmalade Skies tonight at 9:00 p.m. Marmalade is a musical tribute to the Beatles.

If you’re near downtown Phoenix Saturday night and ready to dance, be sure to check Boxcar Strainsun and Kip Killagain at the Modified at 9:00 p.m. If you’re feeling nostalgic for the 80s then Trilogy at Ecanterra in Queen Creek has the show for you, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo will be performing an intimate set together.

Relax on Sunday afternoon with the Bad Cactus Brass Band at the Desert Botanical Garden part of its Music in the Garden series, for more information click here.

Opening almost two years ago, The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix has brought music from all of the world to the Valley. The goal of the MIM is to collect and display musical instruments from every country, culture, and respected musicians. The museum wants to share the love, it preserves, protects, and shares beautiful music so that future generations can enjoy it too.

Opening this weekend, the MIM is celebrating the rich history of Arizona music with its newest exhibition, “I AM AZ Music.” With musicians from Canyon Records to Alice Cooper to Wallace & Ladmo, the exhibition open now until January 2013 is an interactive celebration of Arizona’s vast musical culture. Check the gallery of I AM AZ Music after the jump:

MIM | 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard | Phoenix, Arizona 85050 »READ MORE

Adele, we love you, but if we have to hear any one of your top hits on the radio, in the grocery store or blaring from someone’s iPod  at the gym on one more time, the rain won’t be the only thing mysteriously catching on fire. With that said, wouldn’t it be nice to hear some tunes free of  tear-inducing-post-break-up angst? Well, that’s going to be hard to come by in the music biz, but here is something just recent enough to be considered “new” from the band Cloud Nothings. Attack on Memory (which you should really listen to in its entirety)  is the latest effort from the indie foursome and you can see them in the flesh at Crescent Ballroom February 27th. Here’s the (rather disturbing) video for “No Future/No Past”. No arson necessary.

DJ William F-ing Reed is back this week with some more F-ing awesome music. This week’s selection is full of indie rock and chillwave goodness. Listen. Enjoy. Repeat.

Teen Daze – Brooklyn Sunburn 

Pretty Lights – We Must Go On 

Toro Y Moi – Dead Pontoon 

OOoOO -NoWayBack 

There is plenty of good music and entertainment going on in the Valley this weekend, including a tribute to honor the recently slain Deputy Sheriff William Coleman and other fallen officers killed in the line of duty.

Tonight will be a night filled with laughter with Kathy Griffin performing at Comerica Theatre in downtown Phoenix and funny man Tom Green performing at the Tempe Improv Comedy Club. Friday night will also feature Toni Braxton singing her heart out at Talking Stick Resort at 8:00 p.m. and 90s sensation Boyz II Men will be singing their hits and new material at Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino at 8:00 p.m. as well.

Featuring multiple great local bands, The Heroes Music Festival will be held at Brix Wine Spot at Stagecoach Village Saturday from noon – 5:00 p.m. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the family of Deputy Sheriff Coleman through the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Memorial Fund. If you like good music and want to give back, this is the perfect fest for you.

Local music legend Walt Richardson will be featured at San Tan Brewing Company’s Acoustic Sundays this Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Nothing’s going to stop British glam rockers, The Darkness from rocking out at the Celebrity Theater Sunday night. Show starts at 7:30.

In honor of their Grammy win (despite Justin Vernon’s very vocalized adverse feelings towards the awards show) here is the video for Bon Iver’s “Holocene”. Bon Iver also won for Best Alternative Album, but the show doesn’t broadcast those awards because, let’s be real here, who wants to see the likes of Radiohead, My Morning Jacket or Death Cab for Cutie?

Still in shock from the sad news of Whitney Houston’s abrupt passing over the weekend, we are rockin’ to the amazing voice and legacy of the late singer/actress. Here are a few of the tribute mashups we found.

For more on tributes to Whitney, her final moments and the latest, click here to visit USA Today’s Whitney Houston Tribute Page.

Ian Beers of “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” by Whitney Houston and “The Devil’s Den” by Skrillex & Wolfgang Gartner.

Image via USA Today

Watch the awesome 80s homage in Sleigh Bells new video for their single “Comeback Kid.” The album, Reign of Terror, drops February 21 but you can pre-order it and get this tune now. Fist pump now.

It’s that time again for this weekend’s concert roundup. Let’s take a look at some of the great music being featured in the Valley.

Forming in 1978, punk rock legens Social Distortion will playing Tempe’s Marquee Theatre tonight at 6:30 p.m. As we reported earlier this week, the Blake Eyed Peas’ own Will.i.am will be performing at the Phoenix Open’s Birds Nest tonight as well. Or if you feel like having a calm Friday night, head over to ASU’s Gammage Theatre in Tempe to check out Menahem Pressler, German-American pianist who will be playing with the ASU Chamber Orchestra at 7:00 p.m.

Release your inner Irish this Saturday with Celtic Nights: Journey of Hope, playing at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts at 8:00 p.m. Local singer-songwriter Courtney Marie Andrews will be performing at the Crescent Ballroom, for more info click here. Don’t forget to check out the closing band of the Phoenix Open, 80s cover band Flashback Heart Attack, playing Saturday night. Take a load off this Super Bowl Sunday and head over to the Sail Inn for their weekly Reggae Party at 8:00 p.m.

Be prepared for a great mood lifter with this new song from Chairlift. It just makes you want to dance carefree through a library just like the cast of Breakfast Club. Catchy, poppy and the perfect way to kick off your work week, here’s “I Belong in Your Arms”

Our big mouth’s are back this week with another Mix Tape by DJ William F-ing Reed. These five songs of the week will get your big mouth smirking and your fist a pumpin’. Listen. Enjoy. Repeat.

Santigold – Big Mouth
Sleigh Bells – Comeback Kid
Miike Snow – Paddling Out
Apparat – Ash/Black Veil
Lower Dens – Brains

It’s that time again for the greatest show on grass. Sure we’re excited about the 16th hole, but the Waste Management Phoenix Open offers much more than cheering for our hometown hero Phil Mickelson from Monday, January 30 – February 5. For a guide to all official daytime golf events, click here.

For those 21-and older swing into the Coors Light Birds Nest, just across from the Open’s grounds. This after-tournament tent party opens at 3:30 p.m. each day February 1 – 4 with multiple bars and a giant stage for acts that include The Goo Goo Dolls and Will.i.am this year. Admission is $25 – $35, and $120 for VIP. For tickets and more info, click here.

Here’s what’s rockin’ the Birds Nest:

Wednesday, February 1: Slightly Stoopid will kick off the four days of concerts, entertaining fans with their reggae rock fusion. Local band Elvis Before Noon and DJ Ronnie G will also perform. Show begins at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 2: The Goo Goo Dolls will slide into the Birds Nest to perform some of your favorites like it was 1998 again. DJ Ronnie G and Kelly James will also perform beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Friday, February 3: Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas will be spinning records. Check out his DJ skills before his electro-dance album drops later this year. Also performing, The Chadwicks, Kelly James and yep, DJ Ronnie G beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 4: What PGA Tour wouldn’t be complete without an 80s cover band? Flashback Heart Attack, from southern California, performs with Champagne Tap, Smasht and DJ Ronnie G beginning at 6:00 p.m.

New to this year, with crowds reaching the thousands, cell phones are permitted. No more hiding that Droid in your sock! And speaking of socks, check out our Tee Time: A Gentlemen’s Guide To Dressing at The Open.

Image via WM Phoenix Open

This past week was a big one for music. The legendary Etta James passed away, Cults made their TV debut on everyone’s favorite talk show, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, and the impending SOPA and PIPA bills had all of the best download websites sweating bullets about not being able to share amazing tunes with the general public and vice versa. How does one cope with such a roller coaster of emotions? Listen to music, of course. Here’s the latest from Canadian artist, Grimes, and her song “Genesis” from the Yours Truly video series.

This weekend’s mix tape. It’s for you, for you, it’s all for you from our resident mix master DJ William F-ing Reed. This is our idea of fun. Listen. Enjoy. Repeat.
Apparat – Ash/Black Veil by Mute UK

Steve Aoki – Ladi Dadi feat Wynter Gordon (Part II) by steveaoki

The Maccabees – Pelican (Official Audio) by leonardalbert

Ana Tijoux – Shock by evolucionproducciones

Lana Del Rey – Video Games by Ella Corneea

It’s that time again for another weekly Weekend Concert Roundup and we’re pretty excited about all the shows going on in the Valley this weekend.

Legendary funk band War will be hitting up the Celebrity Theatre tonight at 8:30 p.m. War, what is it good for? Great music, that’s what. For tickets click here. Get your laugh on Friday and Saturday night with Steve Rannazzisi, of the popular FX show The League, performing at Phoenix’s Stand up Live, show starts at 9:45 p.m. Friday and 7:00 p.m. Saturday.

Saturday is a great night for some rock ‘n’ roll. Local bands Black Carl and KNESSET will be playing Tempe’s Sail Inn, starting at 10:00 p.m. you won’t want to miss this one. Wilco will be in Tempe Saturday as well, at ASU’s Gammage Auditorium, show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Head to the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Sunday to relax with the Virginia G. Piper Piano Series featuring Simone Dinnerstein.

Image via War

In its 41st season, Arizona Opera proudly presents Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. This melancholy classic tells a story of love, betrayal, regret and attempted redemption. Set in Nagasaki, Japan, the opera follows the story of a young geisha who falls in love with and marries an American sailor. Will love clip the young geisha’s wings? Will Madama Butterfly find the love she is looking for?

Playing in both Phoenix and Tucson, Shu-Ying Li will sing the title role of Puccini’s beloved opera. The most sought-after interpreter of Madama Butterfly in North America, Li brings joy, heartbreak and full-throated passion to one of opera’s most iconic roles. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

To purchase tickets starting at $25, click here.

Phoenix Symphony Hall
January 27 and 28, 7:30 p.m.
January 28, 1:00 p.m.
January 29, 2:00 p.m.

Tucson Music Hall
February 4, 7:30 p.m.
February 5, 2:00 p.m.

Image via Arizona Opera

We fell in love back in 2004 when Natalie Portman shoved a pair of headphones on Zach Braff and the theater flooded with the soothing sounds of The Shins in the musically gifted movie, Garden State. Now they are back with a new single and album, ‘Port of Morrow‘ which we can expect on March 20th. Check out the audio for “Simple Song” and bust out that Garden State soundtrack if you are jonesing for some good tune-age while you wait.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts presents red, black & GREEN: a blues by Marc Bamuthi Joseph mixes hip-hop music, poetry and movement to jumpstart a conversation about environmental justice, social ecology and collective responsibility in the climate-change era. Joseph is the recipient of the United States Artists Rockefeller Fellowship recognizing the country’s “greatest living artists.” The single show event will take the stage Friday, January 20 at 7:30 p.m.

National Slam Poetry champion, Broadway veteran, artist and national award winner, Joseph collaborated with other prominent artists to bring their research to life. With a stage set by artist Theater Gate and adorned with vivid films and vibrant graffiti murals by Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi, you won’t want to miss this edgy, kinetic performance.

Take part in a creative dialogue with artists Marc Bamuthi Joseph and Theaster Gates on the subject of art making, community building and how they work together. Admission is free and open to the public at 6:00 p.m. on Friday before the show.

Post show, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art invites audience members enjoy a sneak preview the upcoming economy of means: toward humility in contemporary sculpture, exhibition opening January 21 and includes a sculpture by Theaster Gates. Tour begins at 9:00 p.m. and admission is free for ticket holders.

Tickets to red, black & GREEN: a blues are $29 and $39 and can be purchased by clicking here.

Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts | 7380 East Second Street | Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Check out a video documenting the creation of red, black & Green: a blues after the jump:

»READ MORE

Lana Del Rey last night on Saturday Night Live. Her performance is getting mixed reviews. What do you think?

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