Chilling in Tucson this summer? Like music? There’s a little something for everyone this summer, with a smattering of talented national bands rolling through Tucson.
May 6
If you finish finals early, go celebrate with one of Tucson’s finest underground favorites: The Pork Torta. They are releasing a CD with Mr. Free and the Satellite Freakout and Monster Pussy. The $5 entrance fee is a bargain for what will be a raucous dance party. Show starts at 9 p.m. at Plush.
May 8
The beloved forest crooners, Fleet Foxes, will be playing at the Rialto Theatre, but they’re sold out — don’t get your hopes up.
May 9
Pinback is coming to Plush for $15 advance, $16 at the door. This band is hard to describe, but think of a metallic sound mixed with melodic vocals and punchy rhythms. Doors open at 8:30 p.m.
May 10
Eisley is visiting Club Congress (tickets are $18 advance, $20 at the door, and doors open at 6:30 p.m.). With heavily lyrical electric guitar, their music has a flavor reminiscent of their Texas roots, but with a disarmingly sweet, indie sensibility aided by the DuPree sisters’ soft vocals.
If you’re low on cash, or just sad that you missed Fleet Foxes, go to Solar Culture and see Lord Huron, an acoustic-based, multi-instrumental band on May 10.
May 13
Phoenix-local What Laura Says are releasing a CD at Plush. Tickets are only $5 to see these lyric-heavy folkies who blend a poppy upbeat sound with piano tunes. The show starts at 9:30 p.m., and also features Black Carl and Mik Garrison, two other local bands.
May 26
If you’ve got some cash lying around, treat yourself to Warren G at the Rialto Theatre for some old-school rap. Tickets are $25 general admission, $28 day of show. Doors open at 8 p.m.
July 9
The Generationals are coming to Club Congress at 7 p.m. With tickets priced at a measly $8, this show is a steal. Pop-esque and upbeat with driving rhythms and guitar-heavy melodies, they’ll probably fuel a dance party all night.
June 25
Austin musicians Okkervil River are coming to the Rialto Theatre. With a sometimes country-inspired vibe, Okkervil is one of those bands just sentimental enough to break your heart, but also able to bring you back to a rock-n-roll jam just as quickly. Tickets $18 advance, $20 day of.
July 25
If you’re still in Tucson, or you just want to come back to school early, singer-songwriter Ben Folds is on tour again, coming to the Rialto Theatre. Tickets cost a pretty penny, $40.50 advance, $41 day of, but then Mr. Folds has been around the block.
Remember, this is just a tiny fraction of what’s happening this summer, but it should get you inspired to get out there and hear what’s going on — you could probably see a show every night. Check local venues for new bookings. Party on, Tucson!
