It’s festival season! Now this is just a personal preference, and in no way do I mean to diminish anyone else’s experience, but for me, festival season is less about the festivals and more about the amazing bands that are crisscrossing the country, playing more intimate shows in a setting that is maybe a little less hectic than a festival, on their way to the big show. These shows are where the magic happens. So yes, pay the hundreds of dollars to see your favorite bands with a million of your best friends, but don’t forget to give those bands love where they need it most.

Here are just a few of those smaller shows that we’re excited about! Not included in any of our lists is our big Record Store Day party on April 21st at Stinkweeds! We’ll have live music from local bands and all the other treats that come with Record Store Day at Stinkweeds. Check out our RSD event page for info and updates.

And, as always, check out Silverplatter.info for a complete listing of local shows happening in the Valley and stinkweeds.com for a list of all the tickets we’re selling at the shop.

Dario

Loma @ Valley Bar – April 6th

Been loving Loma’s new album and can’t wait to hear the songs live. Also, a special treat to have Jess Williamson on tour with this band. Not a bad way to spend a Friday. Especially if it’s your birthday weekend 😉 No presents, please.

War On Drugs w/ Califone @ Van Buren – April 18th

I’ve never seen War On Drugs live but boy have I heard a lot about their shows! But, in all honesty, I’m eager to jump on this one because of the opener! Califone is joining War On Drugs for a big leg of their tour and the band will be made up of some local Phoenix musicians of note! Namely, Wally Boudway, Ross Andrews & Christian Reeb ( of Slow Moses), Michael Krassner (Lowlands), and Josh Hill (The Hill in Mind).

Six Organs of Admittance @ Valley Bar – April 27th

It’s been since the Modified days that I’ve seen Six Organs of Admittance. Since then, Chasny has not strayed from his journey through the depths of music. I’m very interested to hear where he’s landed, these days.

Lindsay

Dustbowl Rival @ Musical Instrument Museum – April 17th

Colter Wall @ Crescent Ballroom – April 27th

Paula

Moonchild @ Vally Bar – April 5th

I new arrival to my listening queue, Moonchild has quickly proved themselves to be both fun and intellectual to me. I have an appreciation for their musicianship and harmonic ideas as well as a need to dance around or tap my foot at the very least to their music. I can’t wait to see what they bring to the stage!

2018 Kick Ass Spring Concert @ Trunk Space –April 5th

Yes, another April 5th show! If my Moonchild show pick didn’t grab your attention then perhaps this one will! A local line up featuring a hot up and coming band: Elna Rae. This show is free to ASU students and a mere $3 to everyone else! It will be a real party and the music will be as fresh as the BBQ they’ll be serving that night.

Kate Nash @ Crescent Ballroom – April 14th–

I’ve been listening to Kate Nash for years now and she seems to be just as full of life as ever now! Though I’ve never seen her live before, I’ve heard that she makes an effort to empower the females in her audience. She is a force to be reckoned with and I’m positive her performance will be highly entertaining.