Editors Note: We’ve made some changes to the ‘Best Things’ list by removing the ‘Event’s and ‘Concerts’ list. We moved both of the pages to new locations and the links to both of these pages can be found at the top of every page. Here’s the links to…

The AZ Vibe Events Listings

The AZ Vibe Concert Listings

We are going to continue to list the concerts and events for the coming week here (as you will note at the bottom of the page). However, all concerts and events that are off on the horizon will be posted on the pages above.

What’s the best way to sum up what’s fun to do this week? Fun. You can check out Oktoberfest at the Tempe Beach Park, First Friday, and a wide array of concerts. However, the one thing to be noted to check out is are the Haunted Houses that are open for the Halloween season!

Finally, don’t forget to check out ‘Ride the Divide’! A great documentary about the longest and toughest cycle race in the world.

1) First Friday – Downtown Phoenix – It’s that time of the month where the artists of Phoenix open their doors to the public. Since First Friday is one of the coolest and greatest cultural events that Phoenix has to offer it’s a must see event!

Don’t forget the Zombie Scavenger Hunt!!

2) Tempe Oktoberfest – October 1, 2, and 3 – Tempe Beach Park – More info in the coming days.

3) Carrie Underwood – October 3rd at 7:30 PM – Jobing.com Arena – Multi Platinum Recording Artist Carrie Underwood is bringing her highly successful ‘Play on Tour’ tour to the Jobing.com Arena in October. Ms. Underwood will be donating 36 cents from every ticket sold for this show to ‘Save the Children’s United States Program’. Billy Currington and Sons of Syliva will open the show.

For you Facebook Types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112735855423819

4) Rascal Flatts with Kellie Pickler and Chris Young – October 1st – 7:30 PM – Cricket Wireless Pavilion

5) The Australian Pink Floyd Show – Friday October 1 – Dodge Theater – Described by the London Times as “the best tribute show in the world,” The Australian Pink Floyd Show brings their tribute to Phoenix with the ‘Greatest Hits World Tour.’ The show will include jaw-dropping note-for-note musical excerpts from Pink Floyd’s legendary albums Wish You Were Here, Animals, Dark Side of the Moon & The Wall

6) Fashion Week 2010 – October 7th – 9th – W Hotel Scottsdale – The fashion event of the year is back and this year the festivities highlighing an emerging local fashion scene, decend upon the W Hotel in Scottsdale.

7) Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers w/Chuck Berry – September 26th – US Airways Center – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – New Show date AND new opening act!

8) Sheena Easton – October 1 – Mesa Arts Center

9) MADCAP Theaters – Tempe – Ongoing – I think by now everyone knows that MADCAP has earned a permanent spot on the best things to do list for the week for the wonderful selection of movies to choose from. Check their listings (click the link) for what’s showing for the given week. You just might find that gem of a movie, a classic or something new and original to watch. MADCAP has it all!

10) Benise – The Spanish Guitar – Chandler Center for the Arts – Sunday October 3rd at 7:00 PM – According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: BENISE, and his Emmy Award Winning Nights of Fire Cast, returns with a new World Music & Dance production "THE SPANISH GUITAR".In this new show Benise’s guitar becomes the keeper of stories of glory and tragedy through times and worlds gone by, a treasure chest of inspiration. His masterful and passionate playing, brilliantly choreographed dance numbers and orchestral pieces make this show a truly magical journey. Here’s a sample of what you can expect from the show:

11) Mercy Gilbert Auto Show – October 2 – Mercy Gilbert Medical Center – Kicking off Breast Cancer awareness month is a great fundraiser in Gilbert hosted by the by the Friends of Mercy. Cars, tucks, and motorcycles will be featured with all proceeds going towards breast cancer treatment.

12) ASU/U of A Hockey – September 30th and August 1st – The Arizona State Sun Devils

13) The Nest (Haunted House) – September 24th to October 31st – Rawhide in Chandler is host to what MSN called the #1 scariest haunt in America!  Back for another year, the Nest is ready to scare your pants off!

14) Chambers of Fear – Starting October 1st – Billed as Arizona’s Scariest Haunted House, Chambers of Fear is the first of many great haunted house destinations around the greater Phoenix area.

15) Young Frankenstein – ASU Gammage – September 27th through October – The Mel Brooks movie takes the stage at ASU Gammage

16) The Haunting Haunted House – Ongoing through Halloween – 2814 W Bell Rd (I-17 and Bell Rd.)

17)

Fear Farm – West Valley – 2149 N. 99th avenue 85037 – Phoenix

18) Ride the Divide – October 7th – MADCAP Theater -7:30 PM – Tempe – A great documentary of the longest and toughest bike race in the world!

19) Morgan Page – October 2 – The Venue of Scottsdale

20) Fuse Fridays — Bar Smith — Downtown Phoenix — Fun starts at 9:00 PM — Check out one of the best reasons to head to Downtown Phoenix on a Friday Night. Fuse Fridays is a great night of beats and is also a great place to see and be seen!

This week features:

Substation Live! Opening set by The Ariel

Substation
Incorporating an array of analogue and digital electronic instruments, on Friday, Oct. 1st, Substation will be performing LIVE at FUSE FRIDAYS with no records, cd’s or laptops! From the west coast thru the desert southwest, Substation is known as Arizona’s premier LIVE trance PA. On this night, the Substation sound could be anything and everything in between! Sometimes acid, sometimes electro, sometimes techno, but always focusing on the dance floor, the LIVE element of electronic dance music will be in full effect!

For you Facebook types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=157949844222872&ref=mf

21) Arizona State University Football – The Arizona State Sun Devils travel to Oregon State to take on the Beavers in front of a packed Reeser stadium. Kickoff is at 3:30 PM and the game will be carried on Fox Sports Northwest.

Local Farmer’s Markets to check out!

Don’t forget the Downtown Phoenix Public Market – Weekly on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to Noon.

Ahwatukee Farmers Market – 8 AM to Noon – 4700 East Warner Road, Phoenix, Az 85044

Scottsdale Old Town Farmer’s Market – Every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12 PM – Under the shade at Scottsdale Stadium Enter Through Gate

North Scottsdale Farmers Market – Every Saturday from 7 AM to 11 AM – Located at 94th Street and Shea Boulevard

Chandler Farmer’s Market is every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park (downtown Chandler) – Live music on the second Thursday of every month.

Weekly Art Walks

Scottsdale Art Walk – Every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 PM – FREE – Dubbed ‘America’s Original Art Walk’ art fans get the opportunity to browse through all the local art galleries.

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has free admission every Thursday

Downtown Chandler Art Walk – Every third Friday of the month – on Boston and Marcos Streets

NU – Native + You – Heard Museum – Third Friday of every month

21.5)New to the Concert/Event Calendar this week:

Tickets on sale now

Phoenix Symphony 2010-2011 Season – Various locations

Southwest Shakespeare Company’s 2010-2011 Season – Sept 9th – April 30th – Mesa Arts Center

New to the Concert Calendar

On sale Saturday October 2nd at 10 AM

Lady Gaga – Saturday March 26th – US Airways Center – The Pop Superstar returns to Phoenix!

 

Popularity: 11% [?]

Over the past few weeks there’s been some great concert news coming out that many of you may not have seen. We just wanted to provide you with an update on some great shows coming to town.

N.E.R.D. added as the opening act for Gorillaz – October 26th – Dodge Theater – Some of you were surprised when you found out that N.E.R.D. was opening for Gorillaz.  Well, they are and this announcement makes this show a MUST see event!

Here’s the tour promo to give you a small taste of what to expect:

The Vince Vaughn and Kevin James Comedy Roadshow – November 17th – Dodge Theater – You probably already know who the two actors are in the photo above.  However, why would you want to go see them at the dodge.  Well, they’re bringing a night of comedy and some special guests to the Dodge Theater. The comedians scheduled to appear on the tour are Richie Minervini, Owen Benjamin and Steve Byrne.

Here’s a sample of what happened the last time Vince Vaughn took his comedy road show on the road:

The Black Label Berzerkus Featuring Black Label Society, Children Of Bodom and Clutch – November 18th – Dodge Theater – This is just a quick note about the show. We’re going to do a full preview of the show as the show draws near.

Zappa Plays Zappa – December 6th – Dodge Theater – From the Live Nation Press release intended to be a direct quote from Dweezil Zappa “Has it really been 70 years? In honor of my dad’s 70th birthday which would have been December 21st 2010, we are celebrating with a special Dweezil/Zappa Plays Zappa musical tour in the fall 2010. One day is not enough so we are extending the birthday festivities from November through December.

Not only we will be performing with him once again via the technological wonderment of enhanced video during live performance but we will also be performing the works from one of his most well known albums. That’s right, Apostrophe, played in its album running order. It’s always been one of my favorites and it’s certainly a fan favorite as well.

Also we will be adding more new material that has not yet performed by us as a band on any previous tour. More textures, more tunes, more aural excitement! Come help us celebrate starting in November.”

Popularity: 14% [?]

Most casual and hard core sports fans have heard of the Tour de France and know it’s one of the hardest races in the world.

What if I told you that there’s a race that makes the Tour de France look like a leisurely ride around the block?

Ride the Divide is a documentary by Phoenix native Hunter Weeks that follows three racers who participated the most difficult bike race on the face of the earth. 

Ride the Divide is a 2700 mile race that starts in Banff, Canada follows the Continental Divide all the way to the Mexican Border.  The race covers over 200,000 vertical feet over the Rocky Mountains.  If racers finish they will have climbed and descended a distance equivalent to climbing and descending Mount Everest seven times.

One thing to keep in mind.  The racers participated in the race with no support at all.

According to the press release: “(Racers will) experience mental breakdowns, treacherous snow, hellacious blisters, and total fatigue. Above all, they’ll race with no support – at times in total isolation. The tests of endurance and the accomplished moments throughout Ride the Divide prompt us to reflect on our inner desires to live life to the fullest.”

On October 7th Ride the Divide will be screening at the MADCAP Theaters at 7:30 PM (tickets can be purchased below).  Don’t miss this chance to see one of the best biking documentaries ever made.

Official website:

http://www.ridethedividemovie.com/

Official Trailer:

Popularity: 3% [?]

PHOENIX – Last week, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers postponed their US Airways Center show due to Tom Petty’s illness. Live Nation has announced that the show has been re-scheduled to October 7th. Tickets purchased for the two previous Tom Petty shows (May 18th and last week) will be honored at the new date.

For those of you who can’t make the show, Live Nation has said that tickets can be refunded at the point of purchase.

To purchase tickets for the show, click the link below:

UPDATE! – October 1st – Live Nation released the following statement this morning:

Rock ‘n Roll Legend Chuck Berry has been added as Special Guest on the Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers show at US Airways Center This Thursday, October 7. Chuck Berry replaces ZZ Top who is unavailable for the rescheduled show due to prior tour commitments in Europe.

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers’ US Airways Center appearance is the final show on their Mojo Tour 2010. Tom Petty, who was unable to perform on the show’s previous date of September 26 due to sinusitis and bronchitis said, “I am feeling better and looking forward to our show in Phoenix. Thank you to everyone for being so patient and my apologies for the inconvenience.”

Popularity: 3% [?]

Editors Note: We’ve made some changes to the ‘Best Things’ list by removing the ‘Event’s and ‘Concerts’ list. We moved both of the pages to new locations and the links to both of these pages can be found at the top of every page. Here’s the links to…

The AZ Vibe Events Listings

The AZ Vibe Concert Listings

We are going to continue to list the concerts and events for the coming week here (as you will note at the bottom of the page). However, all concerts and events that are off on the horizon will be posted on the pages above.

This is a HUGE week for concerts in the greater Phoenix Area! From the return of O.A.R. to the Phoenix Area, to the Pixies performing their landmark album ‘Doolittle’, to the Zac Brown Band’s first headlining tour, to Train’s fundraiser, to classic rock bands like KISS, Tom Petty and ZZ Top. There is literally a show for everyone to check out!

In addition check out the Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day! The Smithsonian Magazine gives everyone the chance to check out museums across Arizona! Also, this is the last homestand of the season for the Arizona Diamondbacks so make sure you get out and see the team before it’s too late!

Finally, check out Ballet Under the Stars this weekend. It’s the yearly kick off event for Ballet Arizona where they perform outdoors across the greater Phoenix area!

1) Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day – September 25th – Check out just about every major museum in the state of Arizona for free.

2) Arizona Restaurant Week – September 18-26 – Various Locations Around Phoenix – The Arizona Culinary world will put their talents on display for the week and offer specially priced three course meals for all to sample. You’ve heard some great things about a blossoming culinary community in Phoenix, come see why! **JUST TWO MORE DAYS LEFT!!!**

3) Phoenix Coyotes Training Camp – September 18th – 27th – Jobing.com Arena – Fans will be able to watch training camp as it progresses. See who makes the cut on the deepest and most talented Phoenix Coyotes roster ever!

4) KISS – September 24th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – (Details in the link)

For you Facebook Types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131254943551789

5) O.A.R. – September 28th – Celebrity Theater – See Link for full details and to purchase tickets

6) Arizona Diamondbacks 2010 Season – We’re down to the last homestand of the season people! Don’t miss out on your chance to see the new-look Diamondbacks in action.

Click here for tickets to the last Diamondbacks homestand of the season!

7) 2nd Annual Grand Avenue Festival – Grand Avenue – Downtown Phoenix – Saturday, September 25th

List of music during the fesitval | Map of the festival (JPG) | List of Art Studios open during the festival

8) Chris Issak – September 23rd – Celebrity Theater

9) MADCAP Theaters – Tempe – Ongoing – I think by now everyone knows that MADCAP has earned a permanent spot on the best things to do list for the week for the wonderful selection of movies to choose from. Check their listings (click the link) for what’s showing for the given week. You just might find that gem of a movie, a classic or something new and original to watch. MADCAP has it all!

10) Ballet Under the Stars – September 22-26 – Various Locations – Every year before Ballet Arizona’s season begins they perform outdoors at various amphitheaters around the greater Phoenix area.  This is a MUST see.  Schedule of appearances is in the link.

11)

Daniel Tosh – Tosh Tour Twenty Ten- Show #1 – September 25th – 7:30 PM- Dodge Theater | By popular demand! Daniel Tosh – Tour Twenty Ten – Show #2 – Dodge Theater – September 25th – 10:30 PM

12) Pixies with the Fuck Buttons – Friday September 24th – Mesa Amphitheater

13) The Nest (Haunted House) – September 24th to October 31st – Rawhide in Chandler is host to what MSN called the #1 scariest haunt in America!  Back for another year, the Nest is ready to scare your pants off!

14) Michael Franti & Spearhead – September 25th – Marquee Theater

Photo by Jeffrey Skillings

15) The Zac Brown Band – September 25th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – See Link for full details and to purchase tickets – The Zac Brown Band is on it’s first ever headlining tour!

16) Howie Mandel – Chandler Center for the Arts – Friday September 24th at 8 PM – While Howie has remained a constant force in show business for over 30 years, he has been thrust back in the spotlight as the host of what has become a national phenomenon “Deal or No Deal.” The show has become an instant hit. Howie Mandel’s versatile career has encompassed virtually all aspects of the entertainment spectrum, including television, film and stage. From his work on the Emmy-Award winning “St. Elsewhere,” to the international (and also Emmy nominated) “Bobby’s World,” Howie has become a mainstay of the American comedy scene.

17) Free Entrance Days in All US National Parks – September 25th – No fees will be collected on this weekend so people can enjoy their national parks. Check the link for the full list of parks participating in this offer.

18) Train with Gavin DeGraw – September 25th – US Airways Center

19) Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers w/ZZ Top – September 26th – US Airways Center – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – New Show date AND new opening act!

20) Fuse Fridays — Bar Smith — Downtown Phoenix — Fun starts at 9:00 PM — Check out one of the best reasons to head to Downtown Phoenix on a Friday Night. Fuse Fridays is a great night of beats and is also a great place to see and be seen!

This week features:

Drop the Lime w/ Opening Set by DJ Dwntwn

Drop The Lime’s influences range from Brian Eno to rockabilly (he’s well known for his doo-wop and soul sets) to Sonic Youth to Wu-Tang but things don’t stop there. Since 2006, he has also run Trouble & Bass, an influential New York club night and record label that is defining the new sound of New York, one heavy bassline at a time.

Seemingly from nowhere like a stampede of dancing bulls, the newest Night Thieves Collective DJ/Producer has made it know that he means business. His tracks have recently been blowing up the Hype Machine charts and receiving praise on the blog circuit. As a DJ, DWNTWN’s sets feature tons of original tracks, remixes and edits, stylistically along the lines of discohouse, electrofunk, fidget, dustup and bassline, all with an original flair. Putting an emphasis on the performance aspect of things, live instrumentation such as cowbells, tambourines and various midi controllers keep regular rotation in DWNTWN DJ sets. According to the Phoenix New Times: “…the Night Thieves collective is slowly taking over the Valley’s electronic music landscape.” According to the Night Thieves, DWNTWN is the jewel-encrusted spearhead paving the way.

http://soundcloud.com/dwnt wn
http://night-thieves.com/

PLUS, DJ Casper will be doing a special birthday set!

For you Facebook types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=128808697168894&ref=mf

21) Arizona State University Football – The Arizona State Sun Devils take on their biggest challenge in the season as they host the #5 Oregon Ducks this Saturday. Kickoff is at 7:30 PM and the game will be carried on Fox Sports Northwest.

Local Farmer’s Markets to check out!

Don’t forget the Downtown Phoenix Public Market – Weekly on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to Noon.

Ahwatukee Farmers Market – 8 AM to Noon – 4700 East Warner Road, Phoenix, Az 85044

Scottsdale Old Town Farmer’s Market – Every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12 PM – Under the shade at Scottsdale Stadium Enter Through Gate

North Scottsdale Farmers Market – Every Saturday from 7 AM to 11 AM – Located at 94th Street and Shea Boulevard

Chandler Farmer’s Market is every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park (downtown Chandler) – Live music on the second Thursday of every month.

Weekly Art Walks

Scottsdale Art Walk – Every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 PM – FREE – Dubbed ‘America’s Original Art Walk’ art fans get the opportunity to browse through all the local art galleries.

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has free admission every Thursday

Downtown Chandler Art Walk – Every third Friday of the month – on Boston and Marcos Streets

NU – Native + You – Heard Museum – Third Friday of every month

21.5)New to the Concert/Event Calendar this week:

Tickets on sale now

Phoenix Symphony 2010-2011 Season – Various locations

Southwest Shakespeare Company’s 2010-2011 Season – Sept 9th – April 30th – Mesa Arts Center

New to the Concert Calendar

The National – October 14th – Marquee Theater

Nas & Daminan "Jr. Gong" Marley – October 15th – Marquee Theater

Paul Oakenfold – October 20th – Marquee Theater

Built to Spill – October 26th – Marquee Theater

Gov’t Mule – November 3rd – Marquee Theater

A Perfect Circle – Three Nights in Tempe – November 4th, 5th, and 6th – Marquee Theater

Night 1 – November 4th – A Perfect Circle perfoms their album "Mer De Noms" in its entirety – General Admission Tickets are SOLD OUT

Wine Tasting Tickets | Meet & Greet Tickets

Night 2 – November 5th – A Perfect Circle perfoms their album "Thirteenth Step" in its entirety – General Admission tickets are SOLD OUT

Wine Tasting Tickets | Meet and Greet Tickets

Night 3 – A Perfect Circle perfoms their album "Emotive" in its entirety

General Admission Tickets | Wine Tasting Tickets | Meet and Greet Tickets

Bad Religion – November 9th – Marquee Theater

Pepper and Fishbone - November 11th – Marquee Theater

Social Distortion w/Lucero and Frank Turner – November 23rd – Marquee Theater

Dark Star Orchestra – December 8th – Marquee Theater

New to the Events Calendar

Tempe Oktoberfest – October 1,2, and 3 – Tempe Beach Park – More info in the coming days.

ASU Homecoming Block Party – October 30th – In and around Mill Ave/ASU Campus

ASU Homecoming Parade – October 31st – 10 AM

Mesa Old West Days – November 20th and 21st – Downtown Mesa

2010 Tempe Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade – November 27th – Downtown Tempe – 6:00 PM – Free – According to the official website "Enjoy the beauty of the holiday season amid the glittering lights of the Mill Avenue District as we celebrate “Winter Wonderland”!

The Tempe Fantasy of Lights kicks off with the Opening Night Parade, when Santa Claus arrives as the parade’s finale to take his seat inMADCAP Theaters to hear children’s special gift requests.

Families, neighborhoods, and groups are invited to enter the parade with floats, bands, marching units, equestrian units, and other novelty marching units."

2010 Tempe Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade – December 11th – Tempe Town Lake – Free – Festivities start at 6:00 PM – According to the official website "Light up the night and be dazzled at the Valley’s most unique holiday event—the Tempe Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake, featuring as many as 50 festively lighted boats of all sizes, all celebrating “Winter Wonderland,” and special guest Santa Claus who will hear children’s gift requests in Tempe Beach Park.

It’s the only time of the year that motorized vessels are allowed on the lake. Individuals, families and groups are invited to add to Tempe’s holiday tradition by entering their people-powered, wind-powered, or motorized and festively decorated and lighted boats.  The METRO Tempe Town Lake Bridge’s 1,645-foot span, which connects the East Valley and central Phoenix portions of the light rail system, once again will delight audiences with its programmed LED display.

 

Popularity: 17% [?]

Full Audio of the Towers press conference can be heard here:

PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks today ended their lengthy search to find a new General Manager of the ballclub. During a press conference at Chase Field this afternoon the Diamondbacks named Kevin Towers General Manger which was, as Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick said, “a very, very intensive process”. Towers has signed a two year deal with club options for an extension on the contract.

Towers brings 14 seasons of experience as former General Manager of the San Diego Padres. Under his watch, and on a budget, Kevin Towers led the Padres five National League Pennants and a 1998 World Series appearance.

According to Diamondbacks President and CEO, Derrick Hall, here’s why Towers was hired:

- Has mid size market success
- Create and build a talented roster
- Build a solid bullpen
- Great passion for the game
- Great passion for scouting

“We are in a much better place today than we were three months ago because of the tremendous job performed by Jerry Dipoto, and now Kevin Towers comes in to continue climbing on this uphill path.” said Hall

The big concerns for Diamondbacks fans right now that can be taken away from this press conference are:

Gibson’s Status – Towers does not have a timeline or deadline for a decision on interim manager Kirk Gibson’s future. Towers thinks Gibson has done a great job so far.

Winning Philosophy – “We want to win next year” – Towers stated clearly. He does not believe in a five year rebuilding process. He wants to get the job done know.

The Bullpen – Towers has plans to build a better bullpen than what San Diego currently has.

Dipoto’s Status – Jerry DiPoto, who was the interim General Manger of the Diamondbacks for part of this season has not decided what he’s going to do moving forward. According to Hall during the press conference, “It’s really up in the air right now.”

Popularity: 5% [?]

We have just rolled out our new integrated Photo slide shows and what better way to show it off than some photos from this past weekend’s Uproar Festival at Tempe Beach Park. Bands featured in the slideshow are Airbourne, HELLYEAH, Halestorm, Stone Sour, and Avenged Sevenfold.

We’ll have our writeup of the event out in a bit. For now….enjoy.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Reporting/reported live from the Arizona Fall Frenzy.

Tempe Police have confirmed that they are investigating a suspicious package outside tonight’s Arizona Fall Frenzy at the Tempe Beach Park.

Earlier this evening the main entrance to the music festival was moved four times from the Corner of Rio Salado and Mill Avenue. The entrance now stands at the eastern entrance to the Tempe Beach Park.

More as it develops…

Update – 9:15 PM

Rio Salado is completely shut down East to Rural & W to the west exit to the Tempe Beach Park. The mill avenue bridge is also closed at this time Area Businesses have been evacuated…except for the Arizona Fall Frenzy.

update – 10:00

Police from other jurisdictions were brought in to help with traffic while the Tempe Police took care of the matter.  Light Rail is still operational but traffic is still shut down and being diverted away from the Tempe Beach Park.

Update – 12:15

Just received word from Tempe Police spokesman Charles Cobbs that all packages were checked and cleared.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Editors Note: We’ve made some changes to the ‘Best Things’ list by removing the ‘Event’s and ‘Concerts’ list. We moved both of the pages to new locations and the links to both of these pages can be found at the top of every page. Here’s the links to…

The AZ Vibe Events Listings

The AZ Vibe Concert Listings

We are going to continue to list the concerts and events for the coming week here (as you will note at the bottom of the page). However, all concerts and events that are off on the horizon will be posted on the pages above.

Two of the biggest events of the week are the Arizona Fall Frenzy which boasts one of the BEST ever overall lineups in local Arizona music festival history. The other big event this week is Arizona Restaurant Week where the Arizona culinary community creates special value priced three course meals for all to try. Arizona restaurant week is one of the most popular events of the fall season!

1) Arizona Fall Frenzy – September 17th, 18th, and 19th – Tempe Beach Park – One of the strongest local festival lineups in a LONG time decends on the Tempe Beach park for what will be a memorable festival. Scheduled to perform are: Stone Temple Pilots, Shinedown, The Cult, Sevendust, Weezer, Sublime with Rome, Primus, Devo, Blue October, The Dirty Heads, Disturbed, Avenged Sevenfold, Stone Sour, Halestorm, Hellyeah, Airbourne, Hail the Villan, and New Medicine. If you’re heading to the festival for one or all three days, you’ll want to read our guides to the festival:

Arizona Fall Frenzy – Cheat Sheet – Last Minute Ticket Deals – Contests – FAQ’s and more

Arizona Fall Frenzy Day 1 Preview

Arizona Fall Frenzy Day 2 Preview

Arizona Fall Frenzy Day 3 (Uproar Festival) Preview

2) Arizona Restaurant Week – September 18-26 – Various Locations Around Phoenix – The Arizona Culinary world will put their talents on display for the week and offer specially priced three course meals for all to sample. You’ve heard some great things about a blossoming culinary community in Phoenix, come see why!

3) Phoenix Coyotes Training Camp – September 18th – 27th – Jobing.com Arena – Fans will be able to watch training camp as it progresses. See who makes the cut on the deepest and most talented Phoenix Coyotes roster ever!

4) Modern English – September 17th – The Compound Grill

5) Margaret Cho – The Cho Dependent Tour 2010 – September 18th – Dodge Theatre

6) Arizona Diamondbacks 2010 Season – Another season of Diamondbacks baseball is well underway. New manager Kirk Gibson has the Diamondbacks ready to take on Major League Baseball’s best! Don’t miss the action this season as they challenge the best of Major League Baseball!

Ticketmaster has your individual tickets for all game this season:

http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=85&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/Arizona-Diamondbacks-tickets/artist/805895

7) Fuse Fridays — Bar Smith — Downtown Phoenix — Fun starts at 9:00 PM — Check out one of the best reasons to head to Downtown Phoenix on a Friday Night. Fuse Fridays is a great night of beats and is also a great place to see and be seen!

This week features:

Mowgli w/ Opening Set by Zachary J

Italian born DJ and producer Mowgli (Michele Savasta), began his career humbly in the north Italian village where he grew up. With few nightclubs to really get lost in and no happening music scene, Mowgli felt compelled to make his own sounds and made do with a cheap keyboard and sampler. It wasn’t long before he discovered hip-hop, immersing himself in the lifestyle and culture before moving …to pastures new in Bologna. Once there, Mowgli indulged in all manner of illegal rave diversions until fixing up and making the move to the London in 2006.

Mowgli’s unrelenting ambition to find new directions and expand his musical boundaries saw him experiment with different musical genres, but his time spent producing Drum and Bass in Bologna left him with elements to his sound that made it instinctively recognisable. Mowgli’s first EP on Mantra really pricked the ears of the industry and grabbed the attention of the underground House scene. In the year that followed, Mowgli’s bootleg of the Chemical Brothers,” Do It Again”, led to an influx of remix requests, some of which include X-Press 2, Santogold, The Sugababes, Martin Solveig, Armand Van Helden, Tommy Sparks, Tricky and Simian Mobile Disco amongst others.

For you Facebook types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=117260938328044&ref=ts

8) Chris Issac – September 23rd – Celebrity Theater

9) MADCAP Theaters – Tempe – Ongoing – I think by now everyone knows that MADCAP has earned a permanent spot on the best things to do list for the week for the wonderful selection of movies to choose from. Check their listings (click the link) for what’s showing for the given week. You just might find that gem of a movie, a classic or something new and original to watch. MADCAP has it all!

10) NBC’s Last Comic Standing Live Tour: 2010 – September 17th – Mesa Arts Center

11)

RADIO PHOENIX POOL PARTY FUNDRAISER – Saturday September 18th:  2PM – 8PM – Clarendon Hotel – (All Ages) – Not only is this a great pool party but it’s a fundraiser for Radio Phoenix, the Valley’s only community radio station.

12) Chandler Center for the Arts Free Concert Series – Every Friday until September 19th, the Chandler Center for the Arts will have a series of concerts that is open to the public (seating is on a first come, first served basis).

Here’s the lineup of concerts that you can see for no charge:

Sunday, September 19, 2010 – 3pm – Calo Flamenco – CUADRO

13) Yoga in the Park – Biltmore Fashion Park – Every Sunday in the Center Lawn at 10:30 AM is a free 60 minute Yoga session.

14) Scottsdale Art Walk – Every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 PM – FREE – Dubbed ‘America’s Original Art Walk’ art fans get the opportunity to browse through all the local art galleries.

15) Arizona State University Football – This week marks the opening of the 2010 Arizona State Football season. The Sun Devils hit the road and play at Wisconsin on National TV (ABC). Kickoff is at 12:30.

16) The BIG Men of Comedy Tour – The Comedy Spot – Old Town Scottsdale – Friday, Saturday & Sunday September 17, 18 & 19 – SHOWTIMES: 8:00 & 10:00 p.m.(Fri & Sat) & 7:00 p.m.(Sunday) – Tickets $10 – $12

17) Downtown Chandler Art Walk – September 17th – on Boston and Marcos Streets

18) Mesa Arts Center Season Kick off Party – Friday, Sept. 10 – 6 – 10 p.m. – Free – from the Mesa Arts Center press release "Experience the rhythms, the beats, the sights and the theatrics as the fall season kicks off at Mesa Arts Center. New exhibitions open at Mesa Contemporary Arts (MCA) which will feature artwork by contemporary American Indian artists. Festivities include free live performances by Mesa Arts Center’s Founding Resident Company organizations in the four theaters along with Art Studios activities and demonstrations. The unforgettable night will begin at 6 p.m. on the Shadow Walk, located in the heart of Mesa Arts Center, awakening the rest of the gorgeous complex with the native music styling of the GRAMMY winning R. Carlos Nakai, William Eaton & Will Clipman: The R. Carlos Nakai Trio."

19) Southwest Shakespeare Company’s 2010-2011 Season – Sept 9th – April 30th – Mesa Arts Center

20) The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has free admission every Thursday

21)Black Pearl Poetry Phoenix Friday’s – Fair Trade Cafe – 1st and Roosevelt – Downtown Phoenix – Check out some great open mic poetry!

Local Farmer’s Markets to check out!

Don’t forget the Downtown Phoenix Public Market – Weekly on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to Noon.

Ahwatukee Farmers Market – 8 AM to Noon – 4700 East Warner Road, Phoenix, Az 85044

Scottsdale Old Town Farmer’s Market – Every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12 PM – Under the shade at Scottsdale Stadium Enter Through Gate

North Scottsdale Farmers Market – Every Saturday from 7 AM to 11 AM – Located at 94th Street and Shea Boulevard

Chandler Farmer’s Market is every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park (downtown Chandler) – Live music on the second Thursday of every month.

21.5)New to the Concert/Event Calendar this week:

Tickets on sale Friday September 17th at 10 AM

Usher with Trey Songz and Miguel – Friday November 19th – Jobing.com Arena (Show details in the link)

Zappa Plays Zappa – December 6th – Dodge Theater – According to the press release voiced by Dweezil Zappa: “Has it really been 70 years? In honor of my dad’s 70th birthday which would have been December 21st 2010, we are celebrating with a special Dweezil/Zappa Plays Zappa musical tour in the fall 2010. One day is not enough so we are extending the birthday festivities from November through December.  The tour stops in Phoenix on Monday, December 6th at Dodge Theatre.  Tickets go on sale Friday, September 17th at 10am.   

Not only we will be performing with him once again via the technological wonderment of enhanced video during live performance but we will also be performing the works from one of his most well known albums. That’s right, Apostrophe, played in its album running order. It’s always been one of my favorites and it’s certainly a fan favorite as well. “

Vince Vaughn and Kevin James Comedy Roadshow – November 17th  – Dodge Theater – According to the press release “Hollywood funnymen Vince Vaughn and Kevin James are set to embark on a 14 city national tour of the “Vince Vaughn and Kevin James Comedy Roadshow,” featuring live sketch comedy by Kevin James, Vince Vaughn and surprise guests, as well as standup comedy performances by national recognized comedians Richie Minervini, Owen Benjamin and Steve Byrne. “

Tickets on sale Saturday September 18th at 10 AM

Megadeth – November 6th – Arizona State Fair – Free with admission to the fair

Tickets on sale now

Phoenix Symphony 2010-2011 Season – Various locations

 

New to the Events Calendar

Ballet Under the Stars – September 22-26 – Various Locations – Every year before Ballet Arizona’s season begins they perform outdoors at various amphitheaters around the greater Phoenix area.  This is a MUST see.  Schedule of appearances is in the link.

The Nest (Haunted House) – September 24th to October 31st – Rawhide in Chandler is host to what MSN called the #1 scariest haunt in America!  Back for another year, the Nest is ready to scare your pants off!

Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day – September 25th – Check out just about every major museum in the state of Arizona for free.

2010 International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival – October 14th – 17th – MADCAP Theaters – Tempe

Scottsdale Fashion Week – November 4th – 6th

Arizona Wine Growers Festival at the Farm – November 6th – Farm at South Mountain – Shake hands and drink the juice of Arizona’s own wine grape farmers and wine producers in the picturesque setting of Phoenix’s historic Farm at South Mountain this fall. Nearly all of the state’s top wine growers will gather to showcase their finest wines at an interactive event where guests will learn about Arizona wine production, walk through an exhibit of the state’s wine growing regions, participate in fun and educational wine seminars and taste dozens of wines!

2010 Indian School Corridor Block Party – November 7th – Noon to 5 PM – Indian School Road between 32nd Street and 38th Street – A great yearly festival that shows the greater Phoenix area what the all the businesses in the Indian School corridor offers the community.

5th Annual Arizona Walk-n-Roll – November 21st – 10AM to 4PM – Chapparal Park -  A great fundraiser for the Families of SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy)

A John Waters Christmas – December 10th – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts – The ‘Pope of Trash,’ John Waters is best known as the director of such classic cult movies as Pink Flamingos, Polyester and Hairspray. Placing the ‘X’ firmly in X-Mas, he shares some of his favorite holiday traditions in this heartfelt and eccentric one-man show that celebrates the season’s profane orgy of shopping and gift giving. Includes adult content.

New to the Concert Calendar

Doc Severinsen & El Ritmo de la Vida – October 14th – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts – According to the promoter’s website “Doc Severinsen’s virtuosity on the trumpet is rivaled only by his unforgettable stage presence. This Grammy Award winner has toured with the Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman bands, recorded more than 30 albums — from big band to classical — and worked with major orchestras throughout North America, including 22 seasons as the Phoenix Symphony’s principal pops conductor. Of course, he will forever be known as Johnny Carson’s witty and wildly dressed band leader on The Tonight Show.

Now living in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Doc maintains a busy performance schedule with his innovative and aptly named trio, El Ritmo de la Vida (‘the rhythm of life’), featuring guitarist Gil Gutierrez and violinist Pedro Cartas. “I came to Mexico with retirement on my mind, but when I heard them play I knew that I would be playing with them for some time to come,” notes Doc. “Latino music, along with the blues, has always been among my favorites, and Gil and Pedro do it along with a European style that I love and so do our audiences.”

Gorillaz – October 26th – Dodge Theater – Scheduled to perform with Gorillaz – Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Bashy, Little Dragon, De La Soul, Bobby Womack, Roses Gabor, Bootie Brown, Kano – *UPDATE* N.E.R.D added as opening act!

Popularity: 16% [?]

PHOEINIX-From Saturday September 18th through September 26th, the greater Phoenix Area culinary community will be on display for Arizona Restaurant Week. Over 150 participating restaurants will be offering a special three course menu that will showcase the best of what Arizona Chefs have to offer. The special pricing on the menus will be $29 and $39 (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity) and will give Arizona residents a first hand opportunity to explore the amazing local culinary scene that is growing and flourishing right before our very eyes.

Arizona Restaurant week is designed to not only get you to try new places to eat but to dive into the amazing things that the culinary world is presenting to customers on a nightly basis.

Here you can find the full list of Phoenix Area restaurants that are participating in Arizona Restaurant Week:

http://www.arizonarestaurantweek.com/phoenix_restaurants.php

The Wine glass next to the restaurants in the list signify that a beverage will be included in the special pricing. The ‘GF’ in a circle indicated that Gluten Free selections are offered.

It is STRONGLY recommended that you make reservations in advance as Arizona Restaurant Week is an extremely popular event.

We also found two great sites that have come up with some great recommendations on restaurants to try.

1) Foodies Like Us Blog – The great people at Foodies like Us have come up with some amazing recommendations on some of the restaurants

http://www.foodieslikeusblog.com/tag/arizona-restaurant-week/

The people at Beer PHXation have come up with an impressive list of Arizona Restaurant Week recommendations along with Beer parings:

http://www.beerphxation.com/2010/09/our-top-picks-for-arizona-restaurant.html

Tweeting

Follow @azrestaurantwk for all the updated info and some chances to win dinner at participating restaurants.

I personally would recommend Tweeting your experiences if you do participate in Arizona Restaurant Week. If you do tweet, make sure you use the #ARW2010 hashtag with every tweet.

Popularity: 8% [?]

For those of you who are heading to the Arizona Fall Frenzy, we whipped up a quick cheat sheet with info and other goodies about the festival.  This article will be updated during the festival as needed.

Festival Previews

Arizona Fall Frenzy Day 1 Preview | Arizona Fall Frenzy Day 2 Preview | Arizona Fall Frenzy Day 3 (Uproar Festival) Preview

Last Minute Ticket Special

$10 off tickets at the door (All three days): The first 250 people each day who bring five non-perishable items with them to Arizona Fall Frenzy, Sept. 17 and 18, 2010 and to Rockstar Energy Drink’s UPROAR Festival on Sept. 19, 2010 will receive a certificate good for $10 off the price of one event ticket (there is a limit of one ticket per person).  Anyone who brings ANY donation, be it on more non-perishable item, may register to win some fun prizes, including posters autographed by various artists/bands from the festival lineup, CDs, tickets to some fantastic upcoming Marquee Theatre shows, etc.  Food donations should be brought to the media tent at the main box office and will be donated to St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance.

Contests

Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Mega Rockstar Prize Pack – A chance to win – a Rockstar Energy Drink Skateboard, a Rockstar Energy Drink Wakeboard, a 1 year supply of Rockstar Energy Drink and a $100 gift certificate to Ding Life.

Main Ticket Window (All Three Days): Anyone who brings a non-perishable item food item, may register to win some fun prizes, including posters autographed by various artists/bands from the festival lineup, CDs, tickets to some fantastic upcoming Marquee Theatre shows, etc.  Food donations should be brought to the media tent at the main box office and will be donated to St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance.

ZOOM Booth (Day 3 inside the Uproar Festival): UPROAR and Zoom will also sponsor a contest in which five lucky winners will become “pit reporters” receiving a limited edition Zoom Q3 Video Recorder, a ticket upgrade with press pit access to film the show up close, a limited edition tour poster, a signed program from all the bands and more.

Marines Booth (Day 3 inside the Uproar Festival): Enter to win prizes such as ticket upgrades.

Jagermeister Booth (Day 3 inside the Uproar Festival): A chance to win a Jagermeister Tap Machine.

Arizona Fall Frenzy FAQ

ARIZONA FALL FRENZY FAQ’s

---

Where is event located?

Main entrance for TEMPE BEACH PARK is located on the NW corner of Mill Ave and Rio Salado Parkway in Downtown Tempe, Arizona.

How do I get there?

From Phoenix:  Take the 202 east and exit Priest. Go south until Rio Salado Parkway and turn left and proceed to parking areas.

From Scottsdale: Take the 101 south to the 202 west and exit Scottsdale Road. Go south until Rio Salado Parkway and turn right. Proceed to Mill Ave and turn left for downtown parking.

From Mesa: Take 60 west to 101 north to 202 west and exit Scottsdale Road. Go south until Rio Salado Parkway and turn right. Proceed to Mill Ave and turn left for downtown parking.

From Ahwatukee:  Take 10 north to 143 north to 202 east and exit Priest. Go south until Rio Salado Parkway and turn left and proceed to parking areas.

By Lightrail:  Come to the festival from anywhere the light rail travels throughout the valley dropping you off conveniently 1 block from main entrance at Mill Ave and 3rd Street.

By Taxi:  Have your taxi cab drop you off at the main entrance at Mill Ave and Rio Salado.

By peddle taxi: Numerous peddle taxi operators will be available throughout downtown Tempe.

By foot: Site is convenient to ASU dorms and downtown Tempe apartments/houses.

Where can I park?

There is plenty of parking in downtown Tempe.
West of site: on Rio Salado/Hardy
East of site: on Rio Salado/east of Mill in parking structure
South of site: US Airways parking structure
North of site: Papago Center parking structure next to Marquee Theatre
(Prices vary)
Also, peddle taxi operators will be available all around the event site to help patrons get to the site easier from anywhere in downtown Tempe.

Can I ride the light rail to the event?

A light rail stop is conveniently located 1 block away from the main entrance on Mill Ave and 3rd Street. For more information, contact www.MetroLightRail.org

What are the festival hours each day?

Fri., Sept. 17:  4 p.m. – midnight | Sat., Sept, 18:  Noon until midnight | Sun., Sept. 19:  1 p.m. – 10 p.m.

What can I bring into festival?

2 sealed one-liter plastic water bottles per patron, small backpacks (no frames), sunscreen, personal cameras.

What can I NOT bring into festival?

Any beverage and/or container (other than sealed plastic water bottles), alcohol, food, blankets, umbrellas, chairs, glass containers, picnic baskets, backpacks, tents, drugs and drug paraphernalia, weapons, fireworks, bikes, skateboards, scooters, pets, baby strollers, professional cameras, video cameras, recording devices.

What will be for sale at Festival?

Food (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian), water, sodas, energy drinks, beer, alcoholic beverages, artist t-shirts, event t-shirts, novelty items.

What is your re-entry Policy?

NO re-entry on both days days.

What is the age limit?

Arizona Fall Frenzy is an all ages event.

Children under the age of 5 are free with a paid adult. Proper I.D. is required to purchase alcohol.

Any other things I should know about?

• There will be a wide variety of food vendors on site
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be served
• ATM’s will be available inside the venues
• All bands performing during the festival will have merchandise available to sell
• Mister tents and fans will be available to cool off from the sun

Nearby Hotel Recommendation:

Tempe Mission Palms

60 E. 5^th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281

480-894-1400; www.missionpalms.com

Popularity: 15% [?]

Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival

Official Site | Official Tempe Show Page | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | MySpace

Day 3 of the Arizona Fall Frenzy takes a harder turn when the Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar festival takes over the grounds of the Tempe Beach Park.  This is the first year of the Uproar festival boasting an extremely impressive lineup and the list of non-concert activities during the festival is equally as impressive.

To purchase tickets for Day 3 of the Arizona Fall Frenzy, click the image below:

Here’s the schedule of shows as of press time:

Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival
September 19th
MAIN STAGE ARTIST	SET TIME
Disturbed	8:55 – 10:00pm
Avenged Sevenfold	7:25 – 8:25pm
Stone Sour	6:15 – 7:00pm
Halestorm	5:30 – 6:00pm
JAGERMEISTER SECOND STAGE
Hell Yeah	4:35 – 5:05pm
Airbourne	3:50 – 4:15pm
Hail The Villain	3:10 – 3:35pm
New Medicine	2:30 – 3:35pm
Eyes Set to Kill	2:00 – 2:20pm
Doors open	1:00pm

What to do

Sure there’s lots of bands at Uproar, but people may want to take a break or do something else during the day.  The Uproar festival has some great non-musical activities lined up for you to do during the day.

Autographs from Uproar Aritsts

That’s right, you can walk up and chat with various members of the Uproar bands.   Here’s what’s scheduled for the Tempe Uproar stop:

• Stone Sour 5:30pm @ Best Buy tent with pre-order of Audio Secrecy
• Airbourne 6:20pm @ Best Buy tent with purchase of No Guts. No Glory
• Hail The Villain Time TBD @ Rockstar Energy Drink Tent
• Halestorm 4:50pm @ Best Buy Tent
• HELLYEAH 7:10pm @ Best Buy Tent
• New Medicine 4:20pm @ Best Buy Tent

Other fun stops during the day…

There’s so much to do during the day that it’s hard to put it all into one article.  However, some things that look fun are:

THQ: Fans can play the new game ‘WWE Smackdown vs. Raw’ and even pre-order the game.

Best Buy Musical Instruments: This is where the majority of the autograph sessions will take place.  Fans can also check out various musical instruments as well as purchase CD’s of Uproar Artists.

Zoom: Will be showcasing their new Q3 Video recorder.  In addition, they will give 5 lucky fans the chance to become “pit reporters” receiving a limited edition Zoom Q3 Video Recorder, a ticket upgrade with press pit access to film the show up close, a limited edition tour poster, a signed program from all the bands and more.

Zippo: They will be selling limited edition Uproar Zippo lighters during the show.

Metal Mulisha: Will be on hand at the Festival signing autographs.  Due to the space at the Tempe Beach Park, it’s unknown if they will perform.

The Bands

Disturbed

Disturbed on: Facebook | Twitter| MySpace | YouTube | iLike

Official Facebook Event Invite for Disturbed’s show at the Arizona Fall Frenzy

Disturbed (David Draiman on Vocals, Dan Donegan on Guitar/Electronics, Mike Wengren on Drums, and John Moyer on Bass) is the heaviest of the heavy hitters on this Uproar festival lineup.  The Chicago based multi-platnium selling band released ‘Asylum’ at the end of August. ‘Asylum’ is described by lead singer David Draiman as an album that is “still identifiably Disturbed, but showing more maturation. We feel this is one of the strongest bodies of work we’ve ever put together. It definitely goes in familiar areas, but with new levels of precision and skill.”  After 11 million albums sold, you can practically guarantee that Disturbed’s set at the Uproar Festival will be a memorable one.

Photo By Clay Patrick McBride

Avenged Sevenfold

Avenged Sevenfold on: MySpace | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | iLike

Official Facebook event invite for Avenged Sevenfold’s set at the Arizona Fall Frenzy

Avenged Sevenfold, aka A7X, (VM. Shadows on vocals, Synyster Gates on Guitar, Zacky Vengeance on Guitar, Johnny Christ on Bass, The Rev on Drums) isn’t your typical Rock/Metal band.  How do you describe a band that headlined the alternative/punk Warped Tour, the Heavy Metal Ozzfest AND had a #1 song on MTV’s TRL?!?!?  From their beginnings in Orange County, California in 2001 to the release of their latest album ‘Nightmare’ in July, A7X have spent years honing their stage show as well as their albums.  However, there’s one thing to note…they love what they do and they do it their own way.

Stone Sour

Stone Sour on: Facebook | Twitter | MySpace | YouTube

Official Facebook event invite to Stone Sour’s set at the Arizona Fall Frenzy

Of all the bands that are performing during the Uproar festival, fans are going to want to check out Stone Sour (Singer Corey Taylor, guitarists James Root and Josh Rand, bassist Shawn Economaki, and drummer Roy Mayorga).  The Iowa based band recently released ‘Audio Secrecy’ earlier this month and if the proverbial stars align, Stone Sour will be the next big thing in rock music based solely on the weight of ‘Audio Secrecy’.  According to the band’s Facebook Fan Page, ‘Audio Secrecy’ “debuted at #6 in the Billboard top 200 in the US and in the top 10 charts all across the world!!!”

Stone Sour is one of those bands that you may not know a thing about but will after seeing them live.   This is a band that is on the proverbial escalator up of mainstream rock.

Halestorm

Halestorm on: MySpace | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Official Facebook event invite to Halestorm’s set at the Arizona Fall Frenzy

Founded in Pennsylvania in 1998, Halestorm (Guitarist Joe Hottinger, bassist Josh Smith, drummer Arejay Hale and singer/guitarist Lzzy Hale) have been paying their dues and honing their craft with over 1000 live shows.  Their songs are based around two simple themes:  love and life…but with a twist. As singer Lzzy Hale puts it “It’s powerful rock’n’roll.  We have a lot of classic rock influences, but the music never feels dated.  It’s got an old school feeling with a modern edge.”

In 2009, the band released their self-titled debut album on Atlantic Records and will be performing songs of that album and their debut EP, ”One and Done’”.

Jagermeister Second Stage

HELLYEAH

HELLYEAH on: Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | YouTube

HELLYEAH (Chad Gray – Vocals, Vinnie Paul – Drums, Tom Maxwell – Guitars, Greg Tribbett – Guitars, Bobzilla – Bass) headlines the Second Stage at the Uproar festival with a ‘live in the now’ approach to their music.  “Obviously, our roots are metal, but we have ties with Southern rock, like Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Marshall Tucker Band, and we’re bringing that out more” said former Pantera Drummer Vinnie Paul.  Lead singer Chad Gray added, “The band is called HELLYEAH, come on!  It’s like ‘Hell yeah, let’s do it!’”  If that doesn’t convince you that HELLYEAH is not to be missed at the Uproar festival, check out their videos below.

HELLYEAH is touring behind their new album, ‘Stampede’.  HELLYEAH is also noted as that band that brought former Pantera Drummer back playing music after the death of his brother Dimebag Darrel.

Airbourne

Airbourne on: Facebook | MySpace | Twitter | YouTube

Official Facebook Event invite for Airbourne’s set at the Arizona Fall Frenzy

Ever miss the good old rock and roll or metal bands from the 80′s? No, not the ones that used 20 cans of hair spray before going on stage to sing sissy songs.  I’m talking about the kick ass bands that loved to party, play good music and put on a great show.  Well, Airbourne (Joel O’Keeffe – Vocals/Lead Guitar, Ryan O’Keeffe – Drums, David Roads – Guitar, and Justin Street – Bass) is the 2010 incarnation of these bands.  As you can see in the videos below, they put on a straight forward, ‘havin’ a great time’ show.  I don’t expect their show on Uproar tour to be anything less than awesome.

“Basically, we’ve never been about having a specific message; we don’t talk about politics or social injustices in our songs. There are other bands out there to take care of that,” says Joel O‘Keeffe, who, like brother and Airbourne drummer Ryan O’Keeffe, has been playing guitar since he could walk. “With us, it’s not like that. It’s just rock and roll. We want people to have a good time, no matter what. Have a drink, play it really loud, and kick back.”

Photo By Dustin Rabin

Hail The Villain

Hail the Villain on: Facebook | MySpace | Twitter | YouTube

Hail the Villain (Chad Taylor – Bass, Joseph Stamp – Guitars,  Brian Crouch – Vocals, and Drew Dockrill – Drums) is a band that takes a different approach to music.

“I think the audience wants artists that are more than just a band that they’re going to forget about six months after their first hit single,” says Crouch, always insisting on the last word.  “It even keeps me excited because I don’t even know what we’re going to do next.  It’s going to be some stupid conversation with some stupid idea, and then ‘BOOM’.”

Founded in 2003 in the town of Oshawa, Ontario (Canada), Hail the Villain has a very heavy edge that is expressed in only their music such as their new album ‘Population: Declining’ but in their lyrics as well.   “For the first time in my life I actually said it.  Everything from ‘Swan Dive’, which I will never talk about because it’s so incredibly personal, to ‘Take Back The Fear’, which was when I was coming out of my paranoia saying that I’m not going to be scared anymore.  I’m going to find out what’s wrong.”

Photo By Andrew Zaeh

New Medicine

New Medicine on: Facebook | MySpace | Twitter

The Minneapolis based New Medicine (New Medicine is – Vocals: Jake Scherer – Guitars: Dan Garland – Bass: Matthew Brady – Drums: Ryan Guanzon) appears at the Uproar Festival promoting their debut album ‘Race You to the Bottom’ released on September 14th.  New Medicine was founded in 2007, when lead singer Jake Scherer started to split his time between Minneapolis and Nashville following his passion in learning and honing his songwriting skills.  Samples of that work can be seen in the videos below.

A new band, a new album on a new tour playing in front of new fans.  Sound like a great combo!

Eyes Set to Kill

Eyes Set to Kill on: MySpace | Facebook | YouTube | Last.Fm

Tempe’s own ‘Eyes Set to Kill’ opens up the Uproar Festival on the Jagermeister Second Stage at 2:00 PM. According to their Facebook page: “With the release of their highly anticipated third album, everyone is watching Eyes Set To Kill. The Phoenix based group has quickly become one of the most talked about groups in the scene after the group’s two previous efforts garnered them significant critical acclaim. With expectations from fans and critics at peak levels for their upcoming album, “Broken Frames”, Eyes Set To Kill has recorded their heaviest and most aggressive album to date.”

Popularity: 14% [?]

That’s right, from Noon Thursday September 16th to 10:00 AM on Friday September 16ht, if you enter the code ‘VERSUS’ on Ticketmaster’s website, you can get first crack at purchasing tickets to Usher’s November 19th show at the Jobing.com Arena.….one day before they go on sale to the general public!

Popularity: 7% [?]

TEMPE-Day two of the Arizona Fall Frenzy takes a different route than the lineup for day one.  The lineup features some of the heavy hitters of alternative music dating as far back as the 1980′s.

To purchase tickets for Day 2 of the Arizona Fall Frenzy, click the image below:

Day 2 Lineup
ARTIST	SET TIME	LENGTH
Weezer	1015-1145pm	90 minutes
Sublime	815-945pm	90 minutes
Primus	615-745pm	90 minutes
Devo	415-545pm	90 minutes
Blue October	230-345	75 minutes
The Dirtyheads	1-2pm	60 minutes
AM Taxi	1220-1245pm	25 minutes
Local	12-1215pm	15 minutes
Doors Open	11am

Weezer

Facebook | Twitter | Twitpic | YouTube | imeem| Last.Fm | Vimeo

Weezer headlines Day 2 of the Arizona Fall Frenzy and judging by the clips of the shows they have already played on this tour, this will be a memorable set (Live samples from their current tour are below).  Weezer is touring behind their brand new album ‘Hurley’ (as in Jorge Garcia who played Hurley on the ABC show ‘Lost’) which was released on September 14th behind a huge YouTube marketing tie-in.  The band loaned themselves to some of the top YouTube video producers and gave them 30 minutes to tape something that included the band.  The results can be found on the Weezer YouTube page.

Sublime with Rome

Sublime with Rome on: Facebook | Twitter |  MySpace | YouTube

Official Facebook Event invite for Sublime with Rome’s set at the Arizona Fall Frenzy

Sublime with Rome is the paring of original Sublime members Bud Gaugh (drums) and Eric Wilson (Bass) along with singer/guitarist Rome Ramirez.  Even though they will be playing a Sublime heavy set, the band isn’t looking to re-capture the Sublime magic but build upon the old in a brand new direction.

Currently, the band has been writing new material….even on the road.

“We’re gonna continue working on material as we’re on the road,” drummer Bud Gaugh said in an interview with Billboard magazine earlier this year. “It’s not without question to have a studio in one of the buses while we’re on tour. We do a lot of our best creativity on stage, so we’ll be trying out new stuff for the fans, even before we go into the studio.”

Photo Credit: C. Taylor Crothers; Band Members (Left – Right): Ler LaLonde, Jay Lane, Les Claypool

Primus

Primus on: Facebook | Twitter | MySpace | YouTube

According to the Band’s Bio: “Primus unusual approach to music and the diversity of their sound has made them difficult to define.  The band has been called everything from thrash funk, to progressive metal, to alternative rock.  Bass player and lead singer Les Claypool has called his band psychedelic polka.  Original members Les Claypool and Larry ‘Ler’ LaLonde have been producing records and performing live together since the late eighties.  This year, Primus welcomes back to the stage one of their original drummers Jay Lane, who has not played with the band since 1989.  Their irreverent approach to music and their willingness to play music outside of the norm has garnered them a large, eclectic fan base.  Primus plays music with an edge that is unique and like nothing else.”

Devo

Devo on: Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | YouTube

Official Facebook Event invite for Devo’s set at the Arizona Fall Frenzy

Recently, Devo’s Mark Mothersbaugh said “Thirty years ago, people said that we (Devo) were cynical, that we had a bad attitude.”  That statement was based on Devo’s founding in Akron, Ohio in 1973.  The band first got started on the basis that humans have ceased to progress and actually begun to de-evolve.  Devo built a reputation for being subversive through their musical experiments that have become classics like ‘Whip it’.

It was that foundation that made Devo one of the most influential bands of the 80′s and 90′s.  Even Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain said “Of all the bands who came from the underground and actually made it in the mainstream, Devo is the most challenging and subversive of all.”

Fast forward to 2010.

Devo’s new album ‘Something for Everybody’ builds on the foundation that made them a household name but worked with multiple artists that understood what Devo was all about.  As Mothersbaugh stated “…let them bring what they needed to make Devo be what it should be after waking up from suspended animation for 20 years.”

The product of this collaboration is what you’re going to see on September 18th.

Get it?  If you don’t, check them out during their Arizona Fall Frenzy Set.

Blue October

Facebook | MySpace | YouTube | iLike | Pure Volume

Official Blue October Facebook Event Invite for their Arizona Fall Frenzy Show

The Houston, Texas based Blue October (Justin Furstenfeld on lead vocals/rhythm guitar, Jeremy Furstenfeld on drums, Ryan Delahoussaye on violin/viola/mandolin/piano/backing vocals, C.B. Hudson on lead guitar/backing vocals, and Matt Noveskey on bass guitar/backing vocals) isn’t really touring to promote a new album but they are gearing up to begin the recording process for the follow up to their 2009 album ‘Approaching Normal’.  Currently, their tour is called ‘Pick Up the Phone’ to promote mental health awareness and the following organizations 1-800-Suicide, To Write Love on Her Arms and PostSecret.

“I want to raise awareness about issues that might drive someone to suicide. That’s something that should be addressed very publicly and very seriously,” Blue October lead singer Justin Furstenfeld stated in an April interview with the Washington Examiner. “I don’t care about how many albums I sell. I care about this cause.”

According to the Band’s Facebook Page, ” ‘Approaching Normal’, produced by Steve Lillywhite (U2, Dave Matthews Band, The Smiths, The Rolling Stones, etc), is the follow-up to the band’s platinum selling breakthrough album, Foiled. Released in 2006, the first single, “Hate Me,” a song that offers a stepping stone from regret to hope, became the surprise modern rock anthem of the year spending 16 weeks in the Top 10 with five weeks at #2. The crossover success of the follow-up single, “Into the Ocean,” propelled the album sales well into the million plus territory in North America alone.”

Here’s a Public Service Announcement about Blue October’s Tour and the Cause they’re promoting:

The Dirty Heads

Facebook | MySpace | Twitter | YouTube

Official ‘The Dirty Heads’ Facebook invite for their Arizona Fall Frenzy set

Rolling Stone Magazine called The Dirty Heads (Matt Ochoa on Drums, Dustin Bushnell on Vocals/Guitar, Jon Olazabal on Percussion, Jared Watson on Vocals, and David Foral on Bass) one of ‘the best new bands of 2010′.  Hailing from Huntington Beach, California The Dirty Heads brings a taste of the Sunny California party vibe live on stage.   Vocalist Jared Watson sums up the The Dirty Heads vibe in this manner ““We want to be positive and entertain,” he says. “We just want to make you feel good.”

The Band has a free download of ‘I Got No Time’ so you can get a feel for who they are before their performance:

http://dirtyheads.bandcamp.com/

AM Taxi

AM Taxi on: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | MySpace

Official Facebook event invite for AM Taxi’s set at the Arizona Fall Frenzy

According to the Band’s website: “With a blend of old-school punk, world beat and modern pop influences, Chicago-based AM Taxi (Adam Krier on vocals/guitar, Bassist Jason Schultejann, Drummer/Vocalist Chris Smith, Guitarist/Vocalist John Schmitt, and Keyboard/Backup vocalist Luke Schmitt) combines experience with exuberance on their Virgin Records debut, We Don’t Stand A Chance. The band was formed almost two years ago—with the encouragement of Sublime producer Miguel Happoldt—by longtime Windy City bandmates and pals, singer/songwriter Adam Krier, drummer Chris Smith and bassist Jason Schultejann. The trio began writing and recording and produced their first EP, Runaway Songs. Shortly after, they were joined by brothers John and Luke Schmitt on guitar and keyboards. AM Taxi began establishing a rep as a dynamic live outfit with headlining performances at local clubs like the Metro and soon after recorded their second EP, The Good, The Bad and The Fed Up.”

Popularity: 14% [?]

GLENDALE, ARIZONA – One of the best selling pop/R&B artists of all time (45 million records and counting) is coming back to the Phoenix area.  Usher will bring his ‘OMG Tour’ to the Jobing.com Arena Friday November 19th at 8:00 PM.  Usher will be touring behind his first ever EP ‘Versus’ which was released at the end of August and became another best-seller behind five hit singles (“Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home),” “Lil Freak” featuring Nicki Minaj, “There Goes My Baby” and “OMG” featuring will.i.am).

Trey Songz and Miguel will open the show.

If you want a sample of what to expect in November, check out his performance at the 2010 MTV Music Awards just a few days ago:

http://www.mtv.com/videos/?id=1647213

….and a live performance in England not too long ago:

Tickets go on sale Friday September 17th at 10:00 AM at all Ticketmaster outlets, at the Jobing.com Arena Box Office, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000, Ticketmaster Express at 866-448-7849 (automated only self service line) or via the Ticket link below.  Tickets are subject to applicable service charges and event time and date are subject to change.  Log on to Usherworld.com for the most up to date concert and ticket on-sale information.

For those of you who do the Facebook thing, you can RSVP to the official Facebook event for the show:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=113106575414628

Popularity: 24% [?]