Don’t doubt things that aren’t familiar. This week, numerous Phoenix figures are bringing the supposedly “dull” and old media of lectures, American history, classical music, blues and jazz into relevance for people of all ages and interests. Marshall Shore, Mark Dix, the Phoenix Blues Society, Arizona Curriculum Theater and BlackPoet Ventures are making sure that history remains vibrant, constantly innovating while preserving the traditions of the past. Even if you can’t possibly stand to attend these events, take the safer route, and see returning Phoenix champions Miniature Tigers tear the roof off the Crescent Ballroom, the new hub of the Downtown music scene. But truly, don’t be shy this week. Take a chance.
Marshall Shore: Retro Spectacular
- Thursday, March 8
- 7 to 9 p.m.
- Phoenix Metro Retro: 708 W. Hazelwood St.
- Getting there: Rail, then Walk—Seventh Avenue and Camelback Road stop, then walk to Seventh Avenue and Campbell Street
- Price: $7 at the door
Recommended if You Like: Durant’s, Phoenix lore, retro kitsch
Marshall Shore’s Retro Spectacular revs up tonight at the mid-century furniture haven Phoenix Metro Retro. The monthly series is best-known for providing far more than the purely intellectual entertainment of a normal lecture. The exuberant Shore’s historical “digs” at the Phoenix Public Library and thrift stores across town have led to innumerable discoveries on the quirky history of Phoenix since the arrival of the automobile, including rare photos, stories, 8mm film and other strange artifacts. In addition to his own lectures, most months Shore brings along a special guest of honor. This month he has tracked down Mabel Leo, author of the Jack Durant Series, which chronicle the sketchy history of Phoenix’s most notorious business owner (of the famed Durant’s steakhouse) and public figure. Following Leo’s talk, Shore will perform his latest “Spectacular,” this time sharing the roller-coaster history of Tovrea Castle. The Washington Street icon has captured the hearts and minds of Phoenicians for decades, and in a few short weeks, the structure and grounds will be open to the public for the first time ever.
- Thursday, March 8
- 6:30 p.m. Doors, 7:30 p.m. Show
- Crescent Ballroom: 308 N. Second Ave.
- Getting there: Walk—Second Avenue and Van Buren Street
- Price: $13 in advance at crescentphx.com, $15 at the door
Recommended if You Like: modern psych-pop, Back Ted-n-Ted, Animal Collective
Much-loved Phoenix expatriates Miniature Tigers return to town tonight for what’s sure to be their biggest gig yet. In 2009, the rapidly-evolving indie/pop/psych group left the security of Arizona, following their locally-founded label Modern Art Records to the music mecca of Brooklyn. In the time since, the Tigers have released two critically-lauded albums, toured with Ben Folds, and performed at countless CMJ and SXSW showcases. This past Tuesday, the group released their long-awaited third album, riding the new wave of Brooklyn success led by the Walkmen and others, while not forgetting their Phoenix roots. For this latest tour, the Tigers will be joined by their friends and labelmates the Chain Gang of 1974, Geographer (of indie heavyweights Animal Collective), SPEAK and Pretty & Nice. To sweeten the welcome-home vibe sure to be present, the band will perform an afternoon acoustic show at music wonderland Stinkweeds, at the corner of Central Avenue and Camelback Road in midtown Phoenix.
- Saturday and Sunday, March 10 and 11
- 7:30 p.m. Doors, 8:00 p.m. Show
- Legend City: 521 W. Van Buren St.
- Getting there: Walk—Fifth Avenue and Van Buren Street
- Price: Free with RSVP to 602-254-1491 and valid student ID
Recommended if You Like: new classical, the perfect mix of elegance and grit, Ravel
Classical music has never been so accessible. Mark Dix and the Downtown Chamber Series crew return to Legend City, the famed Van Buren studio space home to the studios of many of Phoenix’s best artists. Enter through the alley to find the gorgeous red brick and sealed concrete floors of the gallery, and feel transported to the hip, secretive underground of New York, where chamber groups perform constantly amid the pontificating masses of local art aficionados. But no, this is Phoenix, and here things are done a bit differently. Started in 2000, Phoenix Symphony violist Mark Dix wanted to create something unique in the burgeoning Downtown arts scene, bringing the so-called “high art” of the symphony to the patrons of the First Friday art walks. Ever since, he has hosted the near-bimonthly series, featuring the best Phoenix Symphony musician, alongside the works of the city’s most innovative artists. For this month’s edition, a quartet of alto saxophone, cello, piano and violin will showcase pieces by Franck, Ravel, Ryo Noda and Piazzolla, paired with the massive pop-style works of the legendary 3carpileup art collective, featuring Randy Slack, James Angel, and David Dauncey.
- Saturday, March 10
- 10 a.m. Doors, 11 a.m. Show
- Margaret T. Hance Park: 200 E. Moreland St.
- Getting there: Walk—Central Avenue bridge between Roosevelt Street and McDowell Road
- Price: $20 in advance at bluesblast.eventbrite.com
Recommended if You Like: The Rhythm Room, Those Lowdown Blues, Howlin’ Wolf
Begun in 1992, the Blues Blast has become a Phoenix institution. For the first time, the festival will take place in Hance/Deck Park, bringing the family-friendly blues event right to the city’s core. Sponsored by the Phoenix Blues Society, the event aims to preserve and expand the influence of blues in the city. Over the years, the festival has played host to legends and up-and-comers from around the world, including Chico Chism (former drummer for Howlin’ Wolf), Joe Louis Walker, Guitar Shorty, Keb’ Mo, Candye Kane and John Mayall. More recently, the festival has gained recognition for bringing substantial attention to Phoenix blues veterans like the Sugar Thieves, who have appeared twice at Memphis’s famed International Blues Challenge. This year, every minute of the festival will be packed with entertainment, featuring headliner Sugar Ray & the Bluetones, and duo performances between acts by Valley blues legends Bob Corritore (founder of the Rhythm Room and “Those Lowdown Blues” radio show) and Dave Riley.
- Friday and Saturday, March 9 and 10
- 7:30 p.m. Doors, 8:00 p.m. Show
- Soul Invictus: 1022 NW Grand Ave.
- Getting there: Bike—Grand and 11th avenues
- Price: $12 in advance at showuptickets.com, $20 at the door
Recommended if You Like: World War II history, immigrant courage, real-life drama
Arizona Curriculum Theater performs all of its shows inside the tiny Soul Invictus theater on Grand Avenue. But based on their choices of shows, one would assume far differently. For the troupe’s latest production, they will present Letters From Rito, a play adapted from the actual letters of an immigrant U.S. soldier during World War II. The group brings Rito’s work to the forefront, using his letters to his mother and sister to tell a story of courage and duty under duress. The story provides a ripe, riveting portrait of American life in the 20th century, but gains added relevance for its immigrant perspective. In today’s divisive climate, Rito’s story would do well to be heard by all for its portrayal of a Resident Alien whose only aim is to serve his country, regardless of his background.
PHX:fringe — Cool Like That: A Tribute to Miles Davis
- Saturday, March 10
- 8:00 p.m. Doors, 8:30 p.m. Show
- Warehouse 1005: 1005 N. First St.
- Getting there: Walk—First and Roosevelt streets
- Price: $20 in advance at phxfringe.org and at the door
Recommended if You Like: classic jazz, The Cool, theater across all media
For the final weekend of PHX:fringe, the festival is pulling out all the stops. Saturday night only, BlackPoet Ventures tells the story of jazz legend Miles Davis in a fresh, innovative production combining spoken word, music, vocals and dance. The self-proclaimed “multimedia performance arts and entertainment company” is known for its adventurous productions, and its Fringe show is no exception. Presented in association with the Miles Davis Foundation, the show seeks to unravel the power and mystery of Davis and his music, translating his smooth jazz sound to the 21st century. The production’s particular style is that of the “choreopoem,” which brings together vibrant choreography with rhythmic speech, hypnotizing the audience and bringing them in time with the performers.
Events compiled by Connor Descheemaker.
