Live Music entertainment in Southwest
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Ibt's
The daddy of Tucson's gay bars. Every night has a different theme, from karaoke to dance to barbecue.
reviewed
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A
Vanessie of Santa Fe
You don’t really come to Vanessie for the food, though there’s nothing wrong with it. No, the attraction here is the piano bar, featuring blow-dried lounge singers who bring Neil Diamond and Barry Manilow classics to life in their own special way. The place is packed most nights, and also does a variety of fundraisers for worthy causes –making you feel good about all that alcohol you’re funneling down your throat.
reviewed
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B
Brendan’s Irish Pub
Blue-collar Brendan’s hosts a variety of live music, usually on weekend evenings, including traditional Irish tunes and rip-roarin’ Zydeco. It’s nothing fancy, but it does have Irish whiskeys, ales and more. Nearby, more authentic McMullan’s Irish Pub typically has live Celtic bands on Wednesday and Saturday nights, with interactive ‘Acoustic Soul’ on Friday.
reviewed
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C
Céline Dion
No one rules the Colosseum’s stage like this French-Canadian chanteuse, although other divas such as Bette Midler, Cher and Elton John have tried to fill her glamorous shoes. In a brand-new Vegas spectacular, meant to be a tribute to the romance of Old Hollywood, Céline reprises her greatest hits accompanied by a live orchestra.
reviewed
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Charly’s
Inside the historic Weatherford Hotel, this upbeat place buzzes with all sorts of folks, from wide-eyed tourists to tousled ski bums to preppy college kids, all drawn by a no-nonsense ambience, crackling fireplaces and cheap drinks. Plus it’s one of the best places in town to catch up on the local live-music scene.
reviewed
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D
Manilow: Music and Passion
Fanilows, rejoice: the ‘Copacabana’ man is headlining at the Hilton, where Elvis staged his comeback in 1968. Here the platinum-record pop musician takes a spin through decades of American music, from 1940s big bands to chart-topping hits of the ’70s and ’80s, leaving his devoted fans delighted.
reviewed
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E
Rox
Although spots to find live local bands come and go on the Sin City scene, this upstart concert venue in the shadow of the I-15 hosts a variety of local punk and rock showcases, record-release parties, battles of the bands and one-off comedy nights. Touring acts hail from LA and as far away as London.
reviewed
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F
Dragon Room Bar
This 300-year-old adobe is a consistent top fave for locals and Hollywood-famous visitors alike. Drop by for a signature Black Dragon margarita. Visit after 9pm on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday if you want it served with live music (flamenco guitar, Latin jazz and the like).
reviewed
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G
The Pearl
A beacon for rock bands, the Palms’ concert hall has a sophisticated sound system and on-site recording studio. Modern rock acts like Gwen Stefani and Morrissey have burned up the stage, with most seats only 120ft or less away from the stars.
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H
House of Blues
Blues is the tip of the hog at this Mississippi Delta juke joint, where kickin’ acts range from living legends to alt-rockers. Seating is limited, so show up early. Sight lines are good, and the tattoo studio is packed with twentysomethings.
reviewed
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El Rey
A fabulous venue for local and national rock, blues and country acts. Over the years, it’s hosted such stars as Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James and Arlo Guthrie. It also does national poetry slams and occasionally hosts CD launch parties.
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J
Li'l Abner's Steakhouse
Octogenarian Western swing bandleader Dean Armstrong and his Arizona Dancehands have been tearing it up on the outdoor stage at Lil Abner's Steakhouse on Friday and Saturday nights for years. Check it out as you rustle yourself up a beer.
reviewed
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K
The Joint by Rogue
Concerts at this intimate venue feel like private shows, even when Coldplay or the Beastie Boys are in town. It’s a beacon for rock ’n’ roll superstars. Most shows here are standing-room only, with reservable VIP balcony seats upstairs.
reviewed
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Rialto Theater
This gorgeous 1920 vaudeville and movie theater has been reborn as a top venue for live touring acts – rock to hip hop, flamenco to swing, plus the odd comedian; basically anyone too big to play at Club Congress across the street.
reviewed
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L
Railhead
A small-scale showroom out on the Boulder Hwy far east of the Strip, the Railhead puts on rockin’ live music shows almost nightly, from country-and-western, Mexican, classic-rock and swing bands to top-tier national touring blues acts.
reviewed
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Rainbow’s End
This roadhouse has been a local fixture since the 1950s and has the scarred-wood bar and worn pool tables to prove it. Live bands, playing everything from country to rock to Top 40, heat up the action on Friday and Saturday nights.
reviewed
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Char’s Has the Blues
Dark and intimate, this blues grotto packs ’em in with solid acts most nights of the week but somehow still manages to feel like a well-kept secret. Play pool or darts or share your sorry tales with another blues brother.
reviewed
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Caravan East
Put on your cowboy boots and 10-gallon hat and hit the dance floor to practice your line dancing and two-stepping at this classic Albuquerque country-and-western music bar. Live bands perform and the ambience is friendly.
reviewed
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M
Warehouse 21
This all-ages club and art center in a 3500-sq-ft warehouse is the perfect alcohol-free venue for edgy local bands, plus a fair number of nationally known acts, or for just showing off the latest in multihued hairstyles.
reviewed
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N
Museum Club
Yee-haw! Kick up your heels at this honky-tonk roadhouse where the country dancing is nightly. Inside what looks like a huge log cabin you'll find a large wooden dancefloor and a sumptuous elixir-filled mahogany bar.
reviewed
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Mia’s Lounge
Formerly the Boardwalk, Mia’s Lounge opened in late 2007 and has quickly become a Flagstaff hotspot for local bands. The atmosphere is laid-back and draws visitors, students and locals from all walks of life.
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O
Clubhouse Music Venue
This bastion of indie sounds is known for bookers with a knack for catching upwardly hopeful bands before their big break. Kasabian, Blindside and the Young Dubliners have all played before 600-capacity crowds.
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Sugar Daddy
Live music rocks this casual, and often rowdy, local favourite nightly. If your ears are ringing, make your way outside for a breather; Sugar Daddy's has one of the best patios in town.
reviewed
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P
Red Door
Stir, sip and repeat at this slick industrial martini bar enveloped by deep-red walls. DJs take up residence on Friday and a three-piece jazz band wows the house on Saturday night.
reviewed
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Q
Burt's Tiki Lounge
This small venue hosts rock, indie, bluegrass, punk and hip-hop bands most days of the week. Cocktails are cheapo and they never charge a cover. Never say never?
reviewed
