Multi-platinum recording artist Charlie Puth will bring the Voicenotes Tour with Hailee Steinfeld to Ak-Chin Pavilion on Tuesday, Aug. 21.
Tickets
Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22, at charlieputh.com/tour or LiveNation.com.
Citi is the official presale credit card for the Voicenotes Tour. Citi cardmembers have access to U.S. presale tickets 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21 at citiprivatepass.com.
About Charlie Puth and Hailee Steinfeld
The tour takes its name from Puth's forthcoming "Voicenotes" album, due next year on Atlantic Records. The album's second single, "How Long," has earned nearly 300 million streams worldwide, reaching No. 1 on many iTunes “Global Singles” charts and Mexico’s “Ingles Airplay,” while going gold in Australia and silver in the U.K. Named by Vanity Fair as one of the 17 Best Pop Songs of 2017, “How Long” has also earned more than 160 million views on YouTube.
The New Jersey neo-soul hitmaker broke through in early 2015 with a double-platinum hit called “Marvin Gaye” that also featured Meghan Trainor. That song topped the charts in several countries, from Australia to the U.K. But he may be better known here in the U.S. as the featured singer on the Wiz Khalifa smash “See You Again,” a tribute to the late Paul Walker. It enjoyed a 12-week stay at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 on its way to going six-times-platinum. His other U.S. hits include the double-platinum “One Call Away,” the triple-platinum "We Don't Talk Anymore" (with Selena Gomez) and the platinum "Attention," the first song released from his forthcoming album.
Steinfeld brings several hits of her own to the table, including her 2015 platinum debut, “Love Myself” and the double-platinum “Starving” with Grey [feat. Zedd].
2/20: G-Eazy
Multi-platinum rapper/producer G-Eazy brings "The Beautiful & Damned Tour," named for the album he released this week, to Comerica Theatre Feb. 20.
Tickets are now on sale at https://g-eazy.com/tour/ and ticketmaster.com.
Special guests include buzzy newcomer Trippie Redd, Phora and Anthony Russo. Through the years, G-Eazy has put some of the brightest up-and-coming artists on his tours, including Kehlani, Carnage, KYLE, Tory Lanez and Nef Tha Pharaoh.
2/9: Jerry Seinfeld
A second Jerry Seinfeld date has been added for Phoenix.
Both shows take place Friday, Feb. 9 at Comerica Theatre. The 7 p.m. show is sold out. Tickets for the 10 p.m. performance go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 18 at ticketmaster.com, the box office or by phone at 800-745-3000.
Best known for playing himself on "Seinfeld," the long-running sitcom he created and wrote with Larry David, Seinfeld specializes in observational comedy and was named the "12th Greatest Stand-up Comedian of All Time" by Comedy Central in 2005.
3/10: Steven Tyler at Celebrity Fight Night
Steven Tyler of Aerosmith will perform at Celebrity Fight Night on Saturday, March 10.
Sixteen-time Grammy-winning songwriter and producer, David Foster will return for his 19th year as Musical Director.
Tyler and his Nashville band, Loving Mary, will headline the event, which also features Smokey Robinson, Kristin Chenoweth, Matteo Bocelli, the London Essentials and the 10-year-old America’s Got Talent rising star, Angelica Hale.
More celebrities and entertainers will continue to be announced.
The 24th Annual Celebrity Fight Night will be hosted by Grammy-winning country singer Reba McEntire at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa starting at 5 p.m. to support the Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders Program at Barrow Neurological Institute, as well as other charities.
The Barrow program is actively involved in researching and testing promising new treatments; and is committed to providing continuing care and counseling to Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers. In addition, there will be a special presentation of the Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night Award by Lonnie Ali.
The evening will also be filled with live auction items.
"We are ecstatic to have such an influential artist like Steven Tyler performing at Celebrity Fight Night next year,” said Jimmy Walker, Founder of Celebrity Fight Night. “It is celebrities and friends like him who allow us to help so many local charities with the valued support of our donors."
Individual tickets for Celebrity Fight Night start at $1,500- $5,000. To purchase tickets or get more information please visit www.celebrityfightnight.org or call 602-956-1121.
6/6: Kesha and Macklemore
Kesha and Macklemore are joining forces on the Adventures of Kesha and Macklemore, a tour launching June 6 at Ak-Chin Pavilion in Phoenix.
Kesha topped the charts with "Rainbow," for which she earned two Grammy nominations. Macklemore debuted at No. 2 with "Gemini," his first solo effort in 12 years, which included the platinum single “Glorious,” a song whose viral video has been viewed more 95 million times.
Tickets go on-sale to the general public at noon, Friday, Dec. 15 at LiveNation.com.
One dollar from each ticket sold will be donated to charity. Kesha will donate her proceeds to RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network), the largest anti-sexual assault organization in the US. Macklemore will donate his proceeds to M Plus1, and organization that advances racial and social justice through the M&RL Equity Fund.
Rolling Stone called a recent performance by Kesha in Nashville “one of the most positively uplifting, inclusive concert experiences available in 2017.” Backed by a live band, Kesha will perform a set of her past global hits, her showstopping current single “Praying,” and other songs from "Rainbow."
Macklemore’s music videos have been viewed more than 2.7 billion times and he is one of only two rappers to have a Diamond-certified single. His breakthrough album ‘The Heist’ with producer partner Ryan Lewis earned the duo four Grammy awards, five MTV Awards, two American Music Awards and one BET Award. In 2016, Macklemore was featured in an MTV special with President Obama about the opioid epidemic in America and was the first US citizen ever to participate in the Presidential Weekly Address.
Kesha and Macklemore appear together on “Good Old Days” from the rapper’s latest album, "Gemini."
Citi is the official presale credit card for the ‘Adventures of Kesha and Macklemore. Citi card members have access to purchase U.S. presale tickets, which are available from noon Wednesday, Dec. 13 through 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14 through Citi’s Private Pass program. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com.
1/11-21: Tucson Jazz Festival
Valley jazz fans will want to consider a road trip in the new year when the fourth annual HSL Properties Tucson Jazz Festival gets underway, bringing in the likes of Sheila E., Arturo Sandoval and Spyro Gyra.
This year's Festival will run from Jan. 11-21 at assorted venues, presented in partnership with UA Presents, The Tucson Desert Song Festival, and the Tucson Symphony. Attendance is expected to hit 20,000, making the festival one of the major jazz destinations in the country. VIP Tickets for the entire festival line-up as well as individual concerts are on sale at tucsonjazzfestival.org.
The schedule is as follows. Service fees are not included in the listed price.
Thursday, Jan. 11: Hypnitic Brass Ensemble at Rialto Theatre. $25 adults/$20 seniors/$15 students.
Friday, Jan. 12: The Hot Sardines at Fox Theatre. $35/$45.
Saturday, Jan. 13: Matt Holman Group at Club Congress. $35-$45.
Sunday, Jan. 14: Sheila E. at the Rialto. $31-$46.
Monday, Jan.15: Downtown Jazz Fiesta with more than 10 bands on four stages in Fifth Avenue/Congress Street area.
Tuesday Jan. 16: Warren Wolf and the UA Studio Jazz Ensemble at University of Arizona Crowder Hall. $35-$45.
Wednesday, Jan. 17: Lew Tabackin Trio at Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral. $35-$45.
Thursday Jan. 18: Diane Schuur Quartet featuring Ernie Watts/Bill Charlap Trio at Fox Theatre. $35/$45.
Friday, Jan. 19: Mingus Dynasty "Tijuana Moods" and the Tucson Jazz Institute Ensemble Band with Lew Tabackin and Dennis Roland at Fox Theatre. $35/$45.
Saturday, Jan. 20: Spyro Gyra at Rialto Theatre. $36.
Sunday, Jan. 21: Wycliffe Gordon and Jay Leonhardt at Club Congress. $35-$45.
3/14: A$AP Ferg
Harlem Hood Pope A$AP Ferg will bring his high-energy Mad Man Tour to the Van Buren on March 14 with Denzel Curry and IDK.
Tickets are on sale now at https://traplord.com/.
The Mad Man Tour is in support of “Still Striving,” an album released during A$AP Mob’s month of AGWEST earlier this year via A$AP Worldwide/Polo Grounds Music/RCA Records.
The critically acclaimed mixtape “exudes the kind of casual swagger that only the best rappers are able to master…” according to the New Yorker, with levels of energy” VIBE calls “explosive.” High Snobiety proclaimed, “With grit, guts, and heart, he’s always been one to be ahead of the curve – not riding the wave.”
Still Striving features Ferg’s hit single, “Plain Jane,” which has been streamed more than 100 million times worldwide. The track is currently rising on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and is taking over radio, nearing top 10 on the Urban chart and top 15 on the Rhythmic radio chart.
A$AP Ferg emerged on the music scene in 2012 as one of the leading members of the Harlem collective, A$AP Mob. In 2013, he released his debut project “Trap Lord,” which featured the breakout hits “Work REMIX” and “Shabba.”
Last year, Ferg released his sophomore album, “Always Strive And Prosper,” which hit the charts at No. 8 and included the gold single “New Level” featuring Future, receiving critical acclaim from outlets such as Rolling Stone, The New York Times, USA Today, SPIN and more.
12/11: Alt AZ 93.3 Ugly Sweater Party
The Alt AZ 93.3 Ugly Sweater Holiday Party on Monday, Dec. 11, has been moved from Mesa Amphitheatre to Tempe's Marquee Theatre.
The bill is topped by Rise Against with Sleeping With Sirens and the Struts.
Led by guitarist Tim McIlrath, Rise Against bring a string of alternative-radio hits to the table, including “Prayer of the Refugee,” “Re-Education (Through Labor),” “Savior,” “Help Is on the Way,” “I Don’t Want to Be Here Anymore” and this year's "The Violence."
Classic Rock magazine responded to their latest album, "Wolves," by nothing that "their strength is in their inclusivity – yes, they’re from a punk background, but this is melodic hardcore with killer choruses to stir the hardest of hearts, bursting with a positive energy that channels your adrenaline until passive listening becomes all but impossible."
5/12: Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
The Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness the Pen and The Piano Tour – an acoustic evening that also Allen Stone, Zac Clark and Bob Oxblood (formerly of Jack’s Mannequin) – will playthe Van Buren on May 12.
There's a presale going on now but the general on-sale starts at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 8 on McMahon’s website.
The once and (I’m assuming) future leader of Jack’s Mannequin and Something Corporate is touring on "Zombies on Broadway," his second release as the leader of Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. It's a contagious yet urgent recording whose poppier chorus hooks recall the effervescent curb appeal of vintage fun. And I mean fun., the band. Not fun, the concept.
5/4: Maks and Val
Maks and Val, the hottest stars of ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars,” will bring a brand new show called “Confidential” to Phoenix on Friday, May 4, for a Comerica Theatre date with Peta Murgatroyd, two time Dancing With The Stars Mirror Ball champion, actress and Mrs. Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at Ticketmaster.com and the box office. For up to date information and to purchase tickets go to maksandvaltour.com. VIP packages will be available through ticketmaster.com, giving fans the chance to purchase prime seats and meet and greet’s with the cast.
Maks, Val & Peta Live On Tour: Confidential is a dance show driven by a narrative of true family life and love stories. The stars are promising to share their closest secrets, hopes and dreams.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy says: “Our Way was just the beginning of the story. This time I’m a husband, a father, in the best shape of my professional career and still learning on and off the dance floor every day. I’ve had two of the most eventful years of my life and I can’t wait to use my favorite medium to express what’s on my mind and in my heart. Sharing a stage with my wife and my brother, what could be better than that!”
Peta Murgatroyd says; ”Usually I’m acting out a love story through dance. This time there will be no acting, and we have the unique opportunity to perform a genuine love story. I found the power of Our Way to be the relationship between Maks and Val, and this time I hope to cut in on that love story! What have I got myself into!”
Valentin Chmerkovskiy said “Performing on the Our Way stage with my brother and some of the greatest dancers in the world was the highlight of my career so far. This time we have set the bar higher, and given ourselves more time and freedom to create, rehearse and ultimately perform the show that we can honestly say is our very best. No excuses. We hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoy performing it for you.”
2/10: Pod Save America
Liberal political podcast, Pod Save America, co-hosted by Jon Favreau, Tommy Vietor, Jon Lovett, and Daniel Pfeiffer with special guests, is making a stop at Comerica Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 10. Pod Tours America is a live, no-nonsense conversation about politics, the press and the challenges posed by the Trump presidency.
Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com, ComericaTheatre.com or the box office.
Favreau served as Barack Obama’s head speechwriter from 2005 to 2013, a role that was far more senior and influential than Jon Lovett’s. Since leaving the White House, Favreau has spoken about politics and speechwriting to audiences throughout the world, written for publications like The Daily Beast and The Ringer, and started a political podcast with three of his Obama friends in the ideologically diverse bellwether of Los Angeles.
Lovett earned his reputation as a speechwriter for Hillary Clinton and as a presidential speechwriter in the Obama White House. Lovett has written speeches on a range of policy issues including the President's annual remarks to the White House Correspondents Dinner. Many people say Lovett is one of the funniest guys to do this. In the years since, he’s become a big-league writer in Hollywood. Lovett also had a hit sitcom on NBC titled “1600 Penn” but it was cancelled in 2013.
Despite several members of the “Morning Joe” panel calling for his firing, Pfeiffer served President Obama for eight years as his Communications Director on both the 2008 Campaign and in the White House and finally as Senior Advisor to the President. In addition to podcasting, he now works in Silicon Valley and like Jeffrey Lord, he is a CNN contributor.
Before seeking fame and fortune through podcasting, Vietor spent nearly a decade working as a spokesman for President Barack Obama. Vietor served as the President Obama’s National Security Spokesman, where he was the media's primary contact on all foreign policy and national security issues, and as Assistant White House Press Secretary, where he handled foreign policy, education and labor issues. In case you’re still reading, he was also Obama’s flak in Iowa during the caucuses and worked in his Senate office. Now he spends his days tweeting and getting interrupted by Lovett.
5/11: Juanes
The most-awarded solo act in Latin Grammy history, Juanes, is bringing his Amarte Tour with Latin alternative’s new leading-lady, Mon Laferte, and special guest Caloncho to Comerica Theatre on Friday, May 11.
Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m.Friday, Dec. 8 at LiveNation.com. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets from 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, through Citi's Private Pass program. For complete details please visit www.citiprivatepass.com.
The Los Angeles Times says his live show "confirms Juanes as the rare artist — in company with the likes of Bono, and Bruce Springsteen — with the power to inspire beyond the arena walls.”
ABC News says, "Without exaggerating, I can say that Juanes and his bandmates have never sounded tighter… he has strived for (and undoubtedly reached) a new level of musicianship... Whatever you do, don't miss the chance to check Juanes out when he comes your way."
The tour announcement follows Latin Grammy wins for both artists. Juanes’ critically-praised and chart-topping "Mis Planes Son Amarte" (Latin music’s first major visual album) received two new awards this year, increasing the Colombian superstar’s career tally to a staggering 25 combined Grammy & Latin Grammy Awards. With a rare five-star Rolling Stone review and pick as “One of the best albums of 2017,” "Mis Planes Son Amarte" also just earned a 2018 Grammy nomination for Best Latin Pop Album. Hailed by TIME as “one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World,” and The New York Times as “Latin America's soulful poet,” Juanes has built a distinctive sound that fuses his love of rock & pop, with multi-layered songwriting, and a deep reverence for the traditional folk and other indigenous rhythms of the continent.
Following the release of her new album “La Trenza,” MTV named Mon Laferte as this year’s Best Artist In Mexico, while NPR, All Music, the New York Times and more have applauded the album. Most recently, “La Trenza” received an impressive five Latin Grammy nominations, with Mon Laferte taking home the award for Best Alternative Song” for “Amárrame,” her hit duet with new tour partner Juanes.
4/22: Dixie Dregs
The reunited Dixie Dregs, known for their musical chops and a sound that features elements of hard rock, southern rock, progressive metal, jazz and classical, are playing Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Reserved tickets go on sale 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 8 at scottsdaleperformingarts.org.
Dregs bassist Andy West says, “This tour is the result of the overwhelming requests we’ve received from a loyal audience of diehard Dregheads, and new fans who have never seen us perform live, but discovered the band for the first time through Steve’s membership in Deep Purple, or Rod as the drummer for Winger. We can’t wait to play for them all.”
2/9: Jerry Seinfeld
Jerry Seinfeld brings his stand-up tour to Comerica Theatre on Friday, Feb. 9.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at ticketmaster.com, the box office or by phone 1.800.745.3000.
Best known for playing himself on "Seinfeld," the long-running sitcom he created and wrote with Larry David, Seinfeld specializes in observational comedy and was named the "12th Greatest Stand-up Comedian of All Time" by Comedy Central in 2005.
1/20: Big Boi and Cool Kids
Māyā Day + Nightclub and Steve LeVine Entertainment & Public Relations have announced a very special date with Big Boi and the Cool Kids on Saturday, January 20.
For tickets, visit MayaClubAZ.com or SLETickets.com.
Big Boi, of course, rose to fame as a member of Outkast. A seven-time Grammy winner and diamond-certified artist, his music has dominated the airwaves and topped the charts. He come to Maya as part of his Daddy Fat Saxxx Tour in support of his album, “Boomiverse,” which released earlier this year.
3/30: Dweezil Zappa
Danny Zelisko Presents will bring Dweezil Zappa to Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, March 30, to launch his latest U.S. tour with a 7:30 p.m. concert, promising a "protein enriched program designed to create new awareness of the depth and variety of my dad’s music."
Reserved tickets are $38-$79, going on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., in Scottsdale, or online at scottsdaleperformingarts.com. To charge by phone, call 480-847-4681. All tickets are subject to facility and ticketing surcharges. All ages welcome.
For more than a decade, Zappa has been honoring his father’s legacy, touring the world with his Grammy-winning project. The Choice Cuts! Tour is an all-new show filled with some of Frank Zappa’s boldest compositions or as Dweezil says, “A collection of the meatiest tracks.”
Dweezil says of the musicians joining him on this tour, “For me, it has always been important to carry the music forward for a new generation of fans but with a new generation of musicians.”
New faces include Adam Minkoff on lead vocals and rhythm guitar. “Adam is incredibly well suited to perform this music,” Dweezil says. “His skill set and vocal abilities open up a huge range of possibilities for us.” Cian Coey,” he says, “is another secret weapon!”
The rest of the stage is filled out with core members, Ryan Brown (drums), Kurt Morgan (bass), Chris Norton (Keys) and multi-instrumentalist Scheila Gonzalez, who has been in Dweezil’s band since its inception in 2006.
1/27: Brad Paisley
Brad Paisley brings his Weekend Warrior World Tour to Gila River Arena Jan. 27, with Dustin Lynch, Chase Bryant and Lindsay Ell.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at BradPaisley.com.
American Express Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public from 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, through 10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30. A limited number of exclusive VIP Packages will also be available for sale starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28
One of country's most consistent hit machines, Paisley scored his first of 18 chart-topping country hits, "He Didn't Have to Be," in 1999 and sent a record-breaking streak of 10 consecutive releases to the top from 2005 ("When I Get Where I'm Going," a duet with Dolly Parton) to 2009 ("Then"). His biggest hits include four double-platinum singles — "Whiskey Lullaby," "She's Everything," "Then" and "Remind Me," a duet with Carrie Underwood.
3/16-18: Pot of Gold Festival
Phil Lesh & the Terrapin Station Family Band, Russ and Rebelution will headline the Pot of Gold Festival lineup on the weekend of March 16-18 at Rawhide Event Center.
Russ is the only act announced so far from Friday, March 16. But Saturday looks great, especially for jam-rock fans, with the Dead bassist headlining a bill that also features Sturgill Simpson, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, the Infamous Stringdusters, Midnight North and Kalu & the Electric Joint, with a midnight performance by Boombox.
Sunday, Rebelution headlines over Dirty Heads, Pepper, Magic!, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, G. Love & Special Sauce, Donavon Frankenreiter, Felly, Tauk, Ballyhoo!, Con Brio.
There’s also an Arizona local artist stage but no acts have been announced for that yet.
Buy tickets fo rthe Pot of Gold Festival at potofgoldaz.com.
5/30: Ian Anderson presents Jethro Tull 50th Anniversary Tour
Ian Anderson brings his Jethro Tull 50th Anniversary Tour to Comerica Theatre on May 30.
Jethro Tull are among the biggest-selling progressive-rock acts of all time, performing a blend of folk, blues, classical and heavy rock. The anniversary concerts will feature a broad mix of material, some of it focusing on the earlier formative period through to the “heavy hitters” of the Tull catalog from the albums "This Was," "Stand Up," "Benefit," "Aqualung," "Thick As A Brick," "Too Old To Rock And Roll: Too Young To Die," "Songs From The Wood," "Heavy Horses," "Crest Of A Knave" and even a touch of "TAAB2" from 2012.
Anderson says: “I am not usually a birthday or anniversary kind of guy but, just for once, I won't be a party-pooper either! I treasure the memories of the earlier years of Jethro Tull repertoire, associated as it is with the adventures of visiting so many countries for the first time to connect with new fans around the world. And this is a celebration of all the 33 band members who graced our ranks - musicians who brought their talents, skills and styles to bear on the performances live and in the studio. Join me and the current band for a nostalgic evening of varied music, representative of my ever-changing songwriting as our careers progressed through the years.”
Ian Anderson is accompanied by Tull musicians David Goodier (bass), John O'Hara (keyboards), Florian Opahle (guitar), Scott Hammond (drums) and surprise virtual guests
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at Ticketmaster.com and the box office.
1/28: Adam Ant
Adam Ant will bring Anthems the Singles Tour to Phoenix Sunday, Jan. 28 for a 7:30 p.m. show at the historic Celebrity Theatre.
Reserved tickets ($35, $55 and $75) go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 17th at CelebrityTheatre.com and Celebrity Theatre’s box office, 440 N. 32nd St., in Phoenix. To order by phone, call 602.267.1600. All tickets are subject to facility and ticketing fees. All ages welcome.
I caught his previous tour in Tucson earlier this year and it was everything a fan could hope to witness in 2017
As I wrote at the time: “Few relics of the New Wave era have held onto the eccentricities that made them matter in the first place with more style or substance than the album that made Adam and the Ants perhaps the most unusual overnight sensations of their generation, the colorful “Kings of the Wild Frontiers.”
“That made the prospect of seeing Ant perform the U.K. version of the album live in its entirety well worth a pilgrimage to Tucson for a sold-out concert Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, at the Rialto Theatre.
“And as tempting as it may have been to make some sort of reference to “Stand and Deliver” here, I will say that he did deliver, but he didn’t do much standing, dancing and working the stage with a youthful exuberance most entertainers half his age would do well to aspire to in his black leather pants and dashing pirate garb.”
As the title of this tour suggests, it’s more a greatest-style show, he’s promised to sprinkle in an assortment of rare singles, B sides and personal favorites. For more information, visit http://www.adam-ant.com.
1/31: Florida Georgia Line
Florida Georgia Line are set to headline the opening night of next year's Coors Light Birds Nest concert series at the Waste Management Phoenix Open on Jan. 31. Chris Lane opens.
Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 at all Ticketmaster outlets, including 800-745-3000 and ticketmaster.com.
The country duo's 10-times-platinum breakthrough single, "Cruise," topped Billboard's country chart while becoming the fastest-selling single by a country duo in digital history, inspiring a remix with rapping by Nelly.
“We’re thrilled to have such a popular duo like Florida Georgia Line join our concert series lineup,” said Birds Nest chairman Dodge Earnhardt. “Great music acts like these are the reason why the Birds Nest has become such a popular venue, not just for fans of the golf tournament, but for music lovers as well. Last year we sold out all four nights of the Birds Nest, and with our scheduled lineup we expect that again this year, so we encourage fans to get their tickets early.”
Coors Light Birds Nest general admission tickets start at $65, while VIP tickets are available starting at $300 each and provide exclusive access to the Jameson VIP area where guests are treated to a complimentary catered dinner, complimentary drinks and access to a premium viewing area for the shows.
The Coors Light Birds Nest is located directly across from the main Waste Management Phoenix Open tournament entrance at 82nd Street and Bell Road. The entertainment venue opens at 3:30 p.m. and closes at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Acts will take the main stage each evening at approximately 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The Coors Light Birds Nest is a 21-and-over venue. For more information about the Coors Light Birds Nest visit coorslightbirdsnest.com.
The 2018 Waste Management Phoenix Open Presented by the Ak-Chin Indian Community will be held at TPC Scottsdale January 29 – February 4, 2018.
7/20: Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill are returning to Phoenix as their critically acclaimed Soul2Soul The World Tour 2017 extends into 2018 with additional dates including Talking Stick Resort Arena on Friday, July 20.
American Express card holders have first crack at tickets from 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10, through 10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16.
Tickets for the general public go on sale Friday, Nov. 17, the same day McGraw & Hill’s first album together, “The Rest of Our Life,” arrives. Each ticket purchased includes a copy of the album.
Also Nov. 17, the tour film “Tim & Faith: Soul2Soul” will premiere at 9 p.m. on Showtime. The film includes live footage from the Soul2Soul tour plus interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
The Soul2Soul World Tour – which is approaching 1 million in attendance – was hailed in Rolling Stone, whose critic wrote, “The show’s tightly executed production was upstaged only by the couple themselves, who are undeniably at their best when collaborating.”
Based on Pollstar mid-year reports, the tour – which kicked off in April – ranks 1 for Average Grossing Country Tour worldwide and in the U.S.
8/12: Weezer/Pixies
Two legendary acts whose music helped define the sound of the ‘90s alternative-rock explosion – Weezer and Pixies – are set to wrap their summer co-headlining tour with a concert at Ak-Chin Pavilion in Phoenix Sunday, Aug. 12.
Although they have shared stages in the past, this is the first full tour they’ve ever done together.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10. Weezer fans can sign up now at weezer.com for their email list now for access to a special Weezer pre-sale set to begin at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 6.
“We’re all big Weezer fans,” says Pixies’ Black Francis, “so we’re really looking forward to this summer. We have a lot of respect for Weezer. They’re not afraid to take risks with their music.”
The tour announcement arrives on the heels of last Friday’s release of “Pacific Daydream,” Weezer’s acclaimed 11th studio release, which sent the single “Feels Like Summer” to the top of the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.
Their tour with Pixies will see them playing a mix of new songs and classics from their 25-year catalog, featuring countless chart-topping hits.
Pixies’ live shows are the stuff of legend and they sounded great at last month’s Lost Lake Festival, making our list of the festival’s five best performances.
2/22: Styx
STYX return to the Celebrity Theater for the first time in 15 years at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22.
They’re touring a new album called “The Mission.”
“The planets truly aligned for The Mission, and I couldn’t be prouder,” says STYX vocalist-guitarist Tommy Shaw, who co-wrote the album’s storyline with longtime collaborator Will Evankovich (Shaw Blades, The Guess Who). Continues Shaw, “It’s our boldest, most emblematic album since ‘Pieces of Eight.’”
Adds STYX co-founding guitarist/vocalist James “JY” Young, “This album is an incredible artistic expression that resonates with the best parts of our past, but is intended for modern-day consumption. I’m very excited about it.”
Shaw says, “It’s been so long since we made a STYX album like the ones we did before, because so much has changed. We are rough-edged and badass when we’re out on the road, and we know it. But, to a man, while we were making this record, everyone got very real and dug down deep in unfamiliar territory, and gave the performances you hear. Anything we can do to make the songs better — that’s what we do. It was all hands on deck, and it’s such a cool thing after all these years to still have that together. To have this album come out now, when the brotherhood of the band has never been stronger, well — it’s the sweet dream we never imagined. The truth is, it is a dream fulfilled.”
As excited as they are about the new release, the concert will cover a wide range of stylistic cornerstones, from “The Grand Illusion” to “Blue Collar Man,” from “Lady” and “Come Sail Away” to “Renegade.”
Tickets ($45, $75 and $110) go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 13 at Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., in Phoenix, or online at www.celebritytheatre.com. To charge by phone, call 602-267-1600 ext. 1. All tickets are subject to facility and ticketing surcharges. All ages welcome.
6/7: Maroon 5
Maroon 5 bring their tour in support of a highly anticipated new studio album, “Red Pill Blues,” to Talking Stick Resort Arena on June 7.
Tickets for the multi-city tour are set to go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4 at Ticketmaster.com. American Express card members can purchase tickets before the general public from noon Monday, Oct. 30, through 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3.
U.S. and Canadian residents who purchase tickets online between Oct. 30 and Nov. 10 will be able to redeem one physical or digital copy of “Red Pill Blues,” out Friday, Nov. 3. All albums must be redeemed by 11:59 on the day of release.
Executive produced by J. Kash and Adam Levine, and featuring special guest appearances by SZA, Julia Michaels, A$AP Rocky and LunchMoney Lewis, the album will include both a 10-track standard edition and a deluxe.
3/4: Demi Lovato and Dj Khaled
Demi Lovato and DJ Khaled are joining forces on a tour that makes its way to Talking Stick Resort Arena March 4.
Citi is the official presale credit card for the tour, giving Citi cardmembers access to presale tickets from 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 30 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2 through Citi’s Private Pass program. For complete presale details visit citiprivatepass.com.
To ensure fans gain access to tickets, Fan Registration for the U.S. and Canadian tour dates will be available through Ticketmaster's Verified Fan program. Additionally, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and Fabletics presales begin Oct. 31. JBL and Ulta presales follow on Nov. 1 along with a YouTube presale on Nov. 2.
Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 3, at LiveNation.com.
3/23: Kid Rock
Kid Rock will bring his Greatest Show on Earth Tour to Phoenix on Friday, March 23, for a show at Talking Stick Resort Arena in support of a forthcoming album called “Sweet Southern Sugar.”
This is Kid Rock’s first album recorded in Nashville and features his spontaneous summer releases “Greatest Show On Earth” and “Po-Dunk,” as well as recent single “Tennessee Mountain Top.” The album ranges from country to classic rock, with a little rap sprinkled in between. In other words, it is a Kid Rock album.
Tickets and VIP packages for the tour will go on sale to the public the day “Sweet Southern Sugar” is released, Nov. 3, at www.LiveNation.com.
Fan Club members will be able to purchase tickets beginning 10 a.m., Oct. 31 and fans who pre-order the album through www.KidRock.com will be eligible for a special pre-sale beginning at 10 a.m. Nov. 1.
2/27: Above & Beyond
Relentless Beats with host Above & Beyond on Feb. 27 at the Rawhide Event Center in Chandler. Following their sold out ABGT250 show at The Gorge Amphitheatre, Above & Beyond will undertake a massive tour in support of their forthcoming album, “Common Ground,” which hits the streets in January.
General Admission tickets will be available at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, but fans can score pre-sale tickets Tuesday Oct. 24, by signing-up at aboveandbeyond.nu/commonground. This event is for fans 16 years and above.
4/13: Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah of “The Daily Show” brings his tour to Comerica Theatre on Friday, April 13.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at ticketmaster.com or the box office.
Noah is the most successful comedian in Africa and the host of “The Daily Show,” which has been nominated for a Writers Guild Award (Comedy/Variety Series). Noah joined “The Daily Show” in 2014 as a contributor.
Noah debuted his 9th comedy special “Afraid of the Dark” in February 2017 on Netflix. The special was shot before a packed house at the Beacon Theatre in New York City last November. Last year, Noah debuted his one-hour stand-up special, “Trevor Noah: Lost in Translation,” on Comedy Central.
Noah was also the subject of David Paul Meyer's award-winning documentary “You Laugh But It's True,” which tells the story of his career in post-apartheid South Africa. He won "Personality of the Year" at the 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards.
5/8: 'Weird Al' Yankovic
“Weird Al” Yankovic is bringing the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour – a stripped-down, no-frills production – to Mesa Arts Center on May 8.
Tickets go on sale at noon, Friday, Oct. 20 at Ticketmaster.com.
After his highly successful Mandatory World Tour (200 dates including the Hollywood Bowl and Radio City Music Hall), Yankovic decided he wanted to take a break from the high-octane theatrics that he’s known for and go bare-bones – no costumes, no props, no video screens… just Al and his band of three decades hanging out on stage, playing music. Because of the nature of the show, Yankovic will be performing exclusively in intimate theatres and settings.
Drawing from a back catalogue of 14 studio albums, Weird Al promises a different set list every night. No two shows along the tour will be the same. And rather than focusing on the hits from his career, the show will feature Yankovic’s non-parody material – the deep cuts and obscure tracks.
According to Al: “After 35 years of big productions, I just wanted to take it down a few notches and have a little musical palate cleanser. This show will be loose, unpredictable, and maybe a bit sloppy – we’ll be making it up as we go along!”
Opening the show each night will be Al’s long-time friend (and UHF cast member), the legendary comedian Emo Philips.
“Weird Al” Yankovic is the biggest-selling comedy recording artist of all time. His most recent release “Mandatory Fun” (2014) was the first comedy album in history to debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top 200. In November 2017, Legacy Recordings will release the career-spanning “Squeeze Box: The Complete Recordings of ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic,” including all 14 of his studio albums re-mastered for vinyl and CD, plus a rarities album and 120-page book of photos from the archives, all housed in a replica of his signature accordion.
8/31: Sam Smith
Sam Smith will play Gila River Arena in Glendale Friday, Aug. 31, on a tour in support of “The Thrill of It All,” his sophomore album due Nov. 3.
A 24-hour presale for fans begins at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, at samsmithworld.com. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, at ticketmaster.com and the box office.
Smith performed on “Saturday Night Live” Oct. 7.
The singer recently gave fans a taste of his new album during a series of intimate shows in London, New York, Los Angeles and Berlin. “The Thrill Of It All” finds Smith once again working with close friend and long-time collaborator Jimmy Napes plus Timbaland, Malay, Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd and Stargate.
“Too Good At Goodbyes,” the album’s first single, topped the U.S. iTunes chart and Billboard digital song sales chart while becoming his sixth chart-topping U.K. single. Rolling Stone hailed “Too Good At Goodbyes” as “poignant” while Time observed, “Cue the swelling violins, gospel chorus and Smith’s inevitable return to dominance.”
Released in June 2014, Smith’s “In The Lonely Hour” is the biggest selling U.K. male debut in the SoundScan era and has sold 13 million adjusted albums worldwide.
Smith set a Grammy record in 2015, winning the most awards ever received by a U.K. artist following the release of a debut. He was named Best New Artist while “In The Lonely Hour” won Best Pop Vocal Album and “Stay With Me” won both Record and Song of the Year. Smith has also earned an Oscar and a Golden Globe award.
Bob Seger postponed for medical reasons
Bob Seger announced today that he will have to postpone upcoming tour dates, including Phoenix, upon receiving doctor’s orders to attend to an urgent medical issue concerning his vertebrae.
No further details are available at this time.
Seger commented “I’m so disappointed to have to suspend the tour as the band is on a great roll. It’s a privilege to play for our amazing fans. Hoping to be back out on the road very soon.”
Seger and his Silver Bullet Band played the 13th sold out show of their 2017 Runaway Train Tour last Thursday in Pittsburgh. On Saturday, Seger had to postpone his 14th show in Columbus. Rescheduled dates will be announced when available. Tickets sold for concerts that are being rescheduled will be honored at the new dates
MIM Music Theatre fall concert series
The MIM Music Theater has announced its Fall 2017 Concert Series sponsored in part by Sanderson Lincoln. It includes more than 45 concerts from September through December, spanning multiple genres from across the globe.
Highlights include a soulful performance by Irma Thomas and the Blind Boys of Alabama with the Preservation Hall Legacy Quintet, who are touring together for the first time. Wu Man will help celebrate MIM’s new exhibition opening in November by performing traditional, ancient, and historic music of China. The Sachal Ensemble, inspired by the acclaimed documentary film of the same name, merge Eastern and Western sounds while confronting terrorism in their native homeland of Pakistan.
Guests can look forward to the return of several MIM favorites, including American cellist and folk singer Leyla McCalla, Grammy winner Loudon Wainwright III and singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin celebrating the 20th anniversary of her debut, “A Few Small Repairs.”
New performers include acoustic-electronica trio GoGo Penguin, Galician singer Xabier Díaz & Adufeiras de Salitre, jazz quartet Fourplay, multiple award-winning Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis and Americana roots-rock band Donna the Buffalo.
The MIM Music Theater presents more than 250 concerts per year and has had more 150 Grammy-winning artists perform on its stage. Within the span of seven years, the theater has been recognized as one of the top music venues of its size. It has received praise from audiences and musicians for its unparalleled intimate atmosphere and acoustically superb sound quality.
Tickets for the 2017 Fall Concert Series will go on sale at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 20. Circle of Friends donors who give $250+ annually are eligible for pre-sale tickets on Monday, July 17. Additional artists will be added to the lineup throughout the season. To get the latest information on these announcements, visit MIM.org and sign up for their concert newsletters.
Here's the schedule as it stands:
Sharon Isbin and the Pacifica Quartet -- Thursday, Dec. 7
The Mike Stern Quartet with Tom Kennedy, Randy Brecker and Dave Weckl -- Friday, Dec. 8
Phoenix Boys Choir -- Thursday, Dec. 14
Cherish the Ladies: Celtic Christmas -- Tuesday, Dec. 19
Jim Brickman -- Saturday, Dec. 30 and Sunday, Dec. 31
2018 concert announcements
1/3: Willie Nelson & Family
Willie Nelson & Family will play the Celebrity Theatre on Wednesday, Jan. 3.
Tickets are $67, $97 and $127, going on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 21, at the venue box office (440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix), online at celebritytheatre.com or, by phone, at 602-267-1600 ext. 1. All tickets are subject to facility and ticketing surcharges. All ages welcome.
Nelson, of course, is a piece of American history. And he's not finished adding to that history. Earlier this year, “God’s Problem Child,” which featured seven new song co-written by Nelson and producer Buddy Cannon, became his second album in the past four years to top the Billboard country charts.
Of course, he'll probably just play some subtle variation of the set he always plays, but it's a good one, from "Crazy" and "Funny How Time Slips Away" to "On the Road Again." Nelson also is known for such classics as "Red Headed Stranger," "Hello Walls," a heartbreaking cover of "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" and the great Waylon Jennings duets "Good Hearted Woman" and "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys."
1/9: Markiplier
Youtube star Markiplier is bringing his You’re Welcome Tour to Comerica Theatre on Jan. 9.
The YouTube personality, whose channel has more than 18 million subscribers and 6 billion video views, is mixing improv games, sketches and a cast of characters to create an on-stage adventure with the help of fellow YouTubers LordMinion777, Muyskerm, Tyler Scheid and CrankGameplays.
1/19-20: Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons return to the Celebrity Theatre for two shows – Friday, January 19, and Saturday, January 20.
Tickets are $66-$126, going on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 24, at the venue box office (440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix), celebritytheatre.com or 602.267.1600.
Valli, who rose to fame in the early '60s as the lead singer of the Four Seasons, is a hotter ticket that he's been in decades thanks to the success of "Jersey Boys," the Tony-winning musical that chronicles the life and times of Valli and his group. The Four Seasons had 40 singles go Top 40 in their prime, including "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man," "Rag Doll" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You."
The Four Seasons were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. Valli is the only original member still touring, but the show is being billed as Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
1/18: Joe Satriani's G3
Joe Satriani is bringing his G3 tour with Dream Theater's John Petrucci and Def Leppard's Phil Collen to Mesa Arts Center on Thursday, Jan. 18.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 6. To get in on the presale, sign up for the mailing list at dannyzeliskopresents.com.
Since its debut in 1996, the G3 tour has featured the world’s greatest guitarists (everyone from Steve Vai and Eric Johnson to Steve Lukather and Robert Fripp).
“I could say that I’m surprised at the durability of G3 and how much it’s grown, but in a way I’m not,” Satriani says with a laugh, “I think part of its charm and its mojo is in the chemistry of having three top guitarists share what they do on stage. It’s fun, it’s unpredictable, it’s wild – it’s everything you could want in a show.”
The tour is also partly in support of Satriani's 16th solo album, "What Happens Next," set for release on Jan. 12, which features Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple on bass and Red Hot Chili Peppers' drummer Chad Smith, who previously worked with Satriani in Chickenfoot.
1/19: Katy Perry
Katy Perry is bringing her tour in support of “Witness” to Gila River Arena in Glendale Jan. 19.
“Witness,” due June 9, finds the singer reflecting on the changes in her own life and the world around her. The lead single, “Chained to the Rhythm” with Skip Marley, hit the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. A second single, “Bon Appetit” featuring Migos, was released last month.
Each ticket purchased for Witness: The Tour includes a pre-order for “Witness: The Album.”
Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Monday, May 22, at ticketmaster.com. A presale powered by Ticketmaster Verified Fan runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursday, May 18.
Tickets for the tour will be available through registration using Ticketmaster Verified Fan, a fan-first technology that helps artists combat bots and get tickets into the hands of fans. Registration is open now and continues through 10 p.m. Tuesday, May 16. For more information and to register, visit katyperry.com.
Citi is the official U.S. credit card of Witness: The Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to U.S. pre-sale tickets from noon Thursday, May 18 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 20, through Citi’s Private Pass program. For complete pre-sale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com.
Witness: The Tour follows Perry’s sold-out, 151-date Prismatic World Tour, which concluded in 2015 and was hailed by Rolling Stone as "a show to damage retinas and blow minds."
Katy, who will be the musical guest on “Saturday Night Live” on the May 20 season finale, made her Capitol Records debut with 2008’s “One of the Boys” after signing to the label in 2007. She cemented her status as a global superstar with the follow-up album, “Teenage Dream,” in 2010. “Prism,” her 2013 album, debuted at No. 1 on iTunes in 100 countries and has sold more than 12.5 million adjusted albums worldwide. With the singles “Firework” and “Dark Horse” each surpassing the 10 million threshold, including song sales and streams, Perry is the first female artist to earn two RIAA digital single Diamond Awards. In her 10 years with Capitol, she’s racked up more than 18 billion streams alongside worldwide sales of more than 40 million adjusted albums and more than 125 million tracks. She is the most-followed person globally on Twitter.
We spoke with the star when she headlined the Super Bowl halftime show in 2015 and she talked about her Scottsdale roots.
“I used to live in Scottsdale,” Perry said. “So I have little hometown vibes there. I went to Paradise Valley Christian School in kindergarten and first grade. Mrs. Dalton was my first-grade teacher and that's when I started becoming a conscious adult. (laughs). So yeah, I have a lot of memories there. I remember it always being so extremely hot. But I also lived in Lake Havasu, actually. So I've lived in a couple places in Arizona. But Scottsdale has always been a really beautiful place in my mind. I have hiked Camelback Mountain. You are talking to a Super Bowl performer who has hiked your mountain. So I know about you guys a bit."
1/26: The Temptations and Four Top
The Temptations and Four Tops will bring their co-headlining tour to Comerica Theatre on Friday, Jan. 26.
Inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, the Temptations are among the biggest-selling singing groups in history. They topped the Hot 100 with four Motown classics – “My Girl,” “I Can’t Get Next to You,” “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” and placed 12 other singles in the Top 10, including such timeless recordings as “(I Know) I’m Losing You,” “I Wish It Would Rain,” “Cloud Nine” and “Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World Is Today).”
Fellow inductees the Four Tops also bring a string of Motown classics to the table, from their breakthrough hit “Baby I Need Your Loving” and “It’s the Same Old Song” to the chart-topping “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There.”
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22, at Livenation.com, Ticketmaster.com and the box office.
2/3: Shakira
Shakira brings her El Dorado World Tour to Talking Stick Resort Arena on Saturday, Feb. 3.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, June 30, but there are plenty of presales you can take advantage of.
There’s a Citi presale from 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 27, to 10 p.m. Thursday, June 29, and a Viber presale beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 28. Live Nation also has a presale starting at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 29.
The tour is in support of “El Dorado,” which topped the Billboard Latin charts in early June, topping the iTunes charts in 37 countries.
The 12-time Grammy winner has issued a statement that says, “Thank you all so much for listening to my music in so many places around the world. I can’t wait to be onstage again singing along with all of you, all of your favorites and mine. It's going to be fun! The road to El Dorado starts now!”
Shakira’s biggest U.S. hits include the double-platinum “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Beautiful Liar,” “She Wolf” and “Empire.”
2/7: Walk the Moon
Walk the Moon will bring their Press Restart Tour to town on Feb. 7 for a show at the Van Buren. You can register for presale tickets through Tunespeak on Facebook. With Tunespeak, fans can earn points by doing a number of free actions such as pre-saving "What If Nothing" (an album due Nov. 10), streaming the just-released single "One Foot" and sharing with their friends. Fans will receive their presale codes Oct. 2. The public on-sale for the tour is Oct. 6 at walkthemoonband.com.
Billboard praised the single, writing that "The bouncy track that mixes a disco-like groove with a tribal chant chorus custom-made for shouting along to at shows is the perfect distillation of the band’s signature foot-stomping sound.”
2/13: Lana Del Rey
Fresh from topping Billboard’s album chart with “Lust for Life,” Lana Del Rey has announced that she’s launching a La to the Moon tour with a stop Talking Stick Resort Arena on Feb. 13, with an opening set by Kali Uchis.
Anyone who purchases an item or music from shoplanadelrey.com before 8:59 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28 will qualify for access to an exclusive pre-sale for the tour, which starts Friday, Sept. 29 on her website, LanaDelRey.com. Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 2. at Livenation.com.
“Lust for Life” includes collaborations with The Weeknd, A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti, Stevie Nicks and Sean Lennon.
“Throughout this accomplished, assured new record,” writes the Line of Best Fit, “Lana manages to repeatedly freeze time and capture those fleeting cinematic moments that make us who we are, while reminding us of who we could be.”
The 405 called it “the next electrifying, dramatic and essential scene in Lana Del Rey: the motion picture.” And Prefix raved, “Although the reinvention teased before release never materializes, Lust for Life is still a return to form which should cement Del Rey’s status as the queen of femme fatale pop.”
Del Rey rose to fame on the strength of a self-directed viral video for a bittersweet ballad called "Video Games." Posted in October 2011, that clip has been viewed more than 172 million times. And that was just her first move.
Del Rey's musical identity is unlike any other platinum-selling pop star's of her generation. And her persona is just as distinct. It's as though she walked out of a Leonard Cohen song convinced that what this world really needed was a new Brigitte Bardot. Or was it more a Serge Gainsbourg song wearing Nancy Sinatra's boots? She's covered Cohen's "Chelsea Hotel No. 2" and "Blue Velvet," a standard done by everyone from Bobby Vinton to the Clovers but sounds like it was written for Del Rey.
Her hits include "Summertime Sadness," Young and Beautiful" and "West Coast."
2/17: Miranda Lambert
Miranda Lambert is bringing her Livin' Like Hippies tour to Talking Stick Resort Arena on Saturday, Feb. 17. The tour takes its name from a line in Lambert's "Highway Vagabond," a highlight of her latest album, "The Weight of These Wings," a two-record set that's been certified platinum.
She'll be joined by Jon Pardi and Lucie Silvas.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 6, at livenation.com or ticketmaster.com.
2/24: Bill Maher
Enjoy an Evening with Bill Maher at Comerica Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 24.
For more than 20 years, Maher has pushed the boundaries of political correctness while weighing in on matters of the day, occasionally courting controversy in the process.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22 at ticketmaster.com, the box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge by phone call 800-745-3000. All tickets are subject to applicable service charges and fees.
2/26: Robert Plant
Robert Plant will play Symphony Hall on Feb. 26 in support of the soon-to-be-released “Carry Fire.”
In an effort at getting tickets into the hands of fans and not scalpers or bots, the singer is collaborating with Ticketmaster to sell presale tickets through its Verified Fan program. Fans can visit robertplant.tmverifiedfan.com to register for Verified Fan Presale access now until registration closes at noon Eastern time on Wednesday, Sept. 27. Those verified and selected will receive a text invitation two to four hours before the Presale begins at noon Eastern time on Thursday, Sept. 28. The general public onsale will be Friday, Sept. 29.
All online tickets purchase include either a CD or digital copy of the new release, which Nonesuch/Warner Bros. will release on Friday, Oct. 13. It’s now available for pre-order at all digital music retailers and via www.robertplant.com. All pre-orders include instant downloads of "The May Queen," "Bones of Saints" and the just-released recording of the Ersel Hickey classic "Bluebirds Over The Mountain” with Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders. In addition, all pre-orders made through Nonesuch or robertplant.com will receive an exclusive limited edition print inspired by the album's cover art.
Rolling Stone praised "The May Queen" for its "winsome guitar melodies and rhythms" and the "thunderous" "Bones of Saints" for its "rustic guitars and thumping tom-toms." Consequence of Sound said "Eastern rhythms are given a warm vibe with the psychedelic leanings of guitar." And NPR Music said, "Using American folk instrumentation to play altered versions of foreign melodies creates an intoxicating mood, Plant continues to explore his love of the blues and global music on a beautiful new single called 'The May Queen,' further hailing the track as "a sweetly innocent reflection on aging and the undying power of love to inspire and give life."
His eleventh solo album and first full-length release since 2014's acclaimed “Lullaby and...The Ceaseless Roar,” “Carry Fire” was produced by Plant and features The Sensational Space Shifters: Justin Adams on guitar, acoustic guitar, oud, E-bow quartet, percussion, snare drum, tambourine; John Baggott on keyboards, moog, loops, percussion, drums, brass arrangement, t'bal, snare drum, slide guitar, piano, electric piano, bendir; Billy Fuller on bass, keyboards and drum programming; Dave Smith on bendir, tambourine, djembe, drum kit; and Liam "Skin" Tyson on dobro, guitar, acoustic guitar, pedal steel, twelve-string.
In addition to Hynde, guests include Albanian cellist Redi Hasa, and Seth Lakeman, who contributes viola and fiddle to three tracks. Lakeman will join the Sensational Space Shifters on all upcoming tour dates.
Plant and The Sensational Space Shifters spent nearly two years on the road together supporting “Lullaby and...The Ceaseless Roar.”
"It's about intention," Plant says of the new release. "I respect and relish my past works but each time I feel the trawl and incentive to create new work. I must mix old with new. Consequently the whole impetus of the band has moved on its axis somewhat, the new sound and different space giving way to exciting and dramatic landscapes of mood, melody and instrumentation."
3/1: P!NK
Pink has announced that her Beautiful Trauma Tour will launch in Phoenix with a Talking Stick Resort Arena concert on Thursday, March 1.
American Express cardholders can purchase tickets before the general public from 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct.10 through 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 13.
U.S. and Canadian residents who purchase tickets online between Oct. 10 and Oct. 20 will get a physical copy of Pink’s new album “Beautiful Trauma,” out Friday, Oct. 13.
Pink last hit the road on The Truth About Love Tour which saw her play 142 sold-out shows across 13 countries. The Los Angeles Times said, “Pink remains perhaps the most gifted and imaginative physical performer in pop right now,” while Rolling Stone claimed, “The singer had demonstrated an epic workout of vocals, stagecraft and stunt-work without missing a note” and The Hollywood Reporter raved, “she still is one of pop's most powerful vocalists.”
3/9-11: Cirque du Soleil
The Cirque du Soleil tour is headed to Talking Stick Resort Arena for six shows from March 8-11.
Crystal is the 42nd production from Cirque du Soleil and the first time they’ve done it on ice. World-class skaters and acrobats will “challenge the laws of gravity with a flurry of unexpected acrobatics.”
According to the press release, “Crystal, the show’s main character, sets out on a quest to fulfill her destiny as she dives into a world of her own imagination. She soars through this surreal world at high speed to become what she was always destined to be: confident, freed, empowered.”
Daniel Fortin, the show’s executive director of creation, says, "Crystal breaks the codes of the traditional ice show by creating a unique form of entertainment. To reach this objective, we brought together the best experts in their respective worlds. With this new show, the audience will discover the infinite possibilities that ice adds to the prowess of circus arts."
Tickets for performances in Phoenix are on exclusive pre-sale online for Cirque Club members now at www.cirquedusoleil.com/crystal. General on-sale begins Friday, Sept. 22, at ticketmaster.com.
Originally composed of 20 street performers in 1984, Cirque du Soleil completely reinvented circus arts while performing for more than 180 million spectators with 42 productions that have taken place in close to 450 cities in 60 countries.
3/16: Lorde
Lorde will bring her “Melodrama” world tour to Gila River Arena in Glendale on March 16.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, June 23, at the arena box office, 800-745-3000 or gilariverarena.com.
Fans can sign up for Lorde’s email list for first access to pre-sale tickets and find more info on tour dates at https://lorde.co.nz/melodrama-tour.
The tour is named for Lorde’s new album, which arrived today. Ahead of the release, fans were given a preview of her studio album in the form of “Green Light,” “Liability,” “Sober” and “Perfect Places,” the last of which became the singer’s latest track to make our monthly playlist.
The songs I’ve heard so far from her “Melodrama” have already made it clear that 2013’s “Pure Heroine,” the singer’s platinum debut, was no fluke.
The star was all of 17 when "Royals" spent nine weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100, selling 7.5 million copies worldwide. And she scored a second multi-platinum U.S. hit with “Team” from that same debut album. She hasn’t toured since late 2014, but I did just see her at Coachella, where she was amazing. You can read the full review here.
3/23: Johnny Mathis
The legendary Johnny Mathis brings his Voice of Romance Tour to the historic Celebrity Theatre on Friday, March 23.
Tickets are $35, $65, $109 and $127, going on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 18 at celebritytheatre.com, the venue box office at 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, or by phone, at 602-267-1600 ext. 1. All tickets are subject to facility and ticketing surcharges. All ages welcome.
As Barbra Streisand once remarked, “There are a number of good singers, a smaller handful of truly great singers, and then there’s Johnny Mathis.”
Celebrating his 62nd year in the music industry, Mathis has performed songs in an incredible variety of styles and categories – from music composed for stage and film to golden-era jazz standards, contemporary pop hits and holiday music, all of which has assured his reputation as one of the most enduring vocalists in music history.
Best-known for hits like “Chances Are," "It's Not For Me To Say," and "Misty,” Mathis has recorded close to 80 albums, had three songs inducted to the Grammy Hall of Fame, achieved 50 hits on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Chart, and ranks as the #6 all-time album artist in the history of Billboard’s pop album charts. In 2003, he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. He also received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from his Alma Mater San Francisco State University in 2017.
“I don’t think about retiring," Mathis says. "I think about how I can keep singing for the rest of my life. I just have to pace myself.”
9/12: Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience
The critically-acclaimed “Game of Thrones” Live Concert Experience Featuring Ramin Djawadi brings the world of Westeros to Gila River Arena on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018.
Season 7 of Game of Thrones won't be out till next year but there is a cure for the Westeros withdrawals. The show's musical composer Ramin Djawadi announced that he will be bringing a full orchestra with him on a concert tour across the United States, featuring the music from the fantasy series from HBO. Wochit
Using state-of-the-art technology, “Game of Thrones” composer Djawadi will take fans of the Emmy-winning HBO show through the seven kingdoms spanning seven seasons in a new immersive experience.
The famed composer will lead an orchestra, choir and soloists in a concert that also promises a new custom stage design and “mesmerizing” visuals.
An HBO presale has already started, with general public on-sale to follow at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 29. Citi is the official pre-sale credit card of the tour, which means that Citi cardmembers will have access to a pre-sale from 12 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28. For complete pre-sale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com.
The inaugural run of the Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience Featuring Ramin Djawadi began in February after being conceived by Djawadi three years ago.
The Guardian described the show as “Westeros brought to dazzling life.” Mashable called it “an epic musical journey,” while the New York Times praised it as “a symphonic spectacular.”
“Bringing the Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience to audiences earlier this year was a dream come true, dating back to an idea hatched over three years ago,” says Djawadi. “The scale and spectacle of the production brought the world of Westeros to life in a truly immersive fashion, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share the experience with fans not only in North America again, but also to cross the narrow sea for the first time and bring the show to Europe.”
Concerts coming in 2017
12/15: Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker
The Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker returns to Comerica Theatre on Thursday, Dec. 14.
Tickets are $10-$70, on sale now at livenation.com, ticketmaster.com or the box office.
Celebrate Christmas with the Moscow Ballet company of almost 40 ballerinas and dancers on their 25th Anniversary Tour of North America.
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is known for its award-winning principal dancers, lavish costumes, backdrops created by “La La Land” set designer Carl Sprague and its Russian focus, including life-sized matryoshka dolls, Russian folk legends Ded Moroz (Father Christmas) and Snegurochka (Snow Maiden) and the troika sleigh.
The family-friendly show also is known for its special effects, like the Dove of Peace with a 20-foot wingspan, and of course, the leaps, spins, and extraordinary moves of the company all performed to Tchaikovsky’s complete and incomparable score.
The Phoenix Children’s Chorus (PCC) returns to once again be part of the show, having been an integral part of the Phoenix music community since 1984.
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Reach the reporter at ed.masley@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4495.Twitter.com/EdMasley.
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