Correction 6/8/16: This story originally stated that ASIAN FRED has four members, but it actually has five. According corrections have been made.
If you’re reading this you — like our crew over here at the Summer Wildcat — are living your summer in Tucson. That’s a ballsy move, reader. You’ve taken a real risk here, seeing as Tucson summers — in their 100-plus-degree-heat glory — appear overtly mundane. We get it. But trust us, your summer in the Dirty T can be loads of fun, thanks to tours from local and national musicians and bands alike.
Without further ado: here are our top 10 Tucson concert picks for the month of June (and be sure to stay posted for our upcoming July and August picks, too).
1. ASIAN FRED
ASIAN FRED is a funky local group. Groove to the five piece’s beachy, psychedelic tunes for only $5. Just don’t forget to rip your bong a couple times before heading to The Flycatcher.
When: Saturday, June 25 Where: The Flycatcher2. LOS LONELY BOYS
June 11 will be #ThrowbackSaturday at the Rialto thanks to the mom-approved Los Lonely Boys. Come on — you know “Heaven” was your 7 year-old self’s jam. Cop your tickets for 34 to 47 bucks here.
When: Saturday June 11 Where: Rialto Theatre3. GOOD OLD WAR
Remember when iTunes would give you a bunch of mediocre songs for free just for purchasing an iPod? Good Old War’s “That’s Some Dream” was one of those, but it’s actually good. The indie two-piece should put on a chill show that will inspire you to hug a stranger. Get your tickets here.
When: Sunday June 26 Where: Club Congress4. BAD SUNS
Bad Suns bring a funky brand of Los Angeles alt-pop reminiscent of Two Door Cinema Club and Metro Station, and it will make you want to shake it. Buy your tickets for 18 to 20 bucks a pop here.
When: Thursday June 30 Where: Club Congress5. THE RECIEVER
Kscope described The Receiver as a “symphonic dream-prog duo,” and after listening to “To Battle an Island,” I think I agree. Think of Linkin-Park-meets-Kevin-Parker vibes. Admission is free.
When: Saturday June 11 Where: Sky Bar6. ROGUE WAVE
Lo-Fi. Indie rock. So chill. These all describe Oakland-based Rogue Wave’s classic California-brand, guitar-driven tunes. If that’s your cuppa — tickets range from $18 to $20 on the Rialto website.
When: Wednesday June 15 Where: Rialto Theatre7. CURREN$Y
Do you like Ne-Yo? R-Kelley? General early 2000’s soft R&B? If yes, you will probably dig Curren$y’s upcoming Rialto show. Tickets are $23-26 here.
When: Sunday June 12 Where: Rialto Theatre8. THE DESERT BEATS
Support the Tucson born-and-raised group The Desert Beats. Their “desert garage rock-and-roll” tunes should be pretty interesting. Best part about the show? Admission isfree.
When: Saturday June 11 Where: The Flycatcher
Follow Brenna Bailey on Twitter.