Everything about Tucson is unique: the food, the culture, the people and undoubtedly the music scene. It might not be on the scale of Austin, Texas, or Athens, Ga., but its eclectic and unique variety of artists has enough to offer the music fanatic of any genre.
The town’s venues aren’t half bad as well; between Fourth Avenue’s long line of bars that feature live music daily and downtown’s excess of clubs, theaters and music lairs, there are more than 20 venues within walking distance of the UA.
If you’re planning on taking full advantage of your college experience in Tucson, you can’t overlook it’s one-of-a-kind music scene. Here is how a few hometown favorites feel about the local vibe:
Genre: Reggae/ Ska/ Hawaiian
Sounds Like: Slightly Stoopid with a little Bob Marley
Upcoming Shows: August 9th at Club Congress
“”I think that the local scene has a lot of creativity. There are bands of every genre of music that are very talented and impressive – bands who, if you didn’t know better, would be mistaken for a touring act,”” bassist Scott Hilkemeyer said.
Genre: Rock/ Pop/ Alternative
Sounds Like: Pearl Jam with a country feel
Upcoming Shows: August 26th at Frog and Firkin
“”Tucson’s music scene has definitely grown for the better over the last few years. There is a wide variety of genres and styles coexisting at once. With this, there is much respect between the different bands even though all may be doing different types of music. In addition, the venues have improved and continued to support all local music,”” drummer Ryan Janac said.
Genre: Punk/ Post Hardcore/ Soul
Sounds Like: A more hardcore version of Coheed and Cambria
Upcoming Events: Check Web site periodically
“”I think the local scene is f’ing great. Bands like Found Dead On The Phone, The Crowd, Blues and The Provocative Whites are really doing great things. I think Tucson is amazing. There is a budding arts community, one of the best in the country,”” drummer Jericho Davidson said.
Genre: Indie/ Folk Rock/ Pop
Sounds Like: Soothing rock n’ roll
Upcoming Events: September 8 at Club Congress, September 9 at O’Malley’s and September 23 at Che’s Lounge
“”Tucson has been a vibrant music scene for a long time and I think many bands really feel free to explore whatever music inspires them at the moment. I’ve heard electro dance pop and prog-rock, reggae-punk, down home country blues and singer/songwriters with strings and horns. Unique, original bands that are on the cutting edge-or with a solid foot in tradition-if that’s what they’re into,”” Luca said.
Genre: Rock/ Metal
Sounds Like: Disturbed on crack
Upcoming Events: Check Web site periodically
“”The Tucson scene is one of the greatest music scenes I’ve ever seen. There are so many diverse kinds of music going on in Tucson. The majority of it goes on in the downtown and Fourth Ave. area. I guess that’s because most of the clubs in Tucson are downtown as well. Both areas have such an interest in the music of Tucson that they both have created large music events that go on throughout the year: Club/Fall Crawl and the Big AZ Music Fest. It’s a great scene to be apart of,”” drummer Michael Hummer said.
