Blogs

Don't get me wrong, I understand how technically proficient the members of Apocalyptica are. As musicians go they're extremely talented, but their true genius, I believe, lies not in their skill but in their decision.

Think about it: Metallica covers on trombone? That's a bit depressing, isn't it? How about oboe? Interesting, but not quite right. Metallica covers on a theremin? Creepy.

Celebrate them for their Metallica covers. Celebrate them for their original songs. Celebrate that they're playing tonight at The Marquee starting at 6:30 p.m. Just don't forget to celebrate their decision to do all of this on cello.

By Jonathan McNamara

I understand that Myst's swim wear fashion show tonight will feature more beautiful ladies than I can shake an over-priced gin and tonic at.

I also understand that hosting the whole shebang is Misty Dawn, a former Playboy Cyber Girl of the week. The truth is Myst is simply trying too hard. I'm headed to Myst tonight for one thing and one thing only: infectious, never-ending bass beats (which judging by the Myst Web site will not be in short supply). After all, bikini-clad beauties and drink specials come and go, but the dance is eternal.

Feel the beat for yourself (ear plugs highly recommended) tonight at Myst starting at 11 p.m.

By Jonathan McNamara

Photo by Sherri Diteman

Pianist Thomas M. Lauderdale wants you to know that the lyrics in Pink Martini's songs are not to be picked apart. In fact, to do so you'd have to know several languages. The band's latest album Hey Eugene! features songs in Arabic, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and a few other languages, as well. So don't worry about what singer China Forbes is "saying" as she emits aural stimulus at the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall Amphitheater tonight. Instead, focus on what the music is communicating to you.

Pink Martini will play the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall Amphitheater tonight starting at 7:30.

For more on the band, see pinkmartini.com

Jonathan McNamara

Between Gustavo Arellano spouting Latin wisdom at Changing Hands Book Store, Angela Johnson's pool side fashion show at the Clarendon, and all the other crazy happenings that went down this weekend, it wouldn't be hard to miss a few of the other gems around town.
Lucky for you, one of those gems merely started this weekend. That's right! If you didn't catch "Gardians of the Camargue: The French Buckaroo Tradition" when it opened at Burton Barr Central Library on Friday, why don't you put things right by wrasslin' up your best hombres and takin' a look-see at this French cowboy exhibition tonight?

The event runs daily until July 31 at Burton Barr Central Library, so saddle up.

By Jonathan McNamara

Sometimes you just need a shot. Maybe your parents are parents are coming to visit. Maybe you're three weeks late on rent. Maybe your buddy just kicked your ass in some multi-player video game action and the only thing that will make it better is a short glass of the good stuff taken in one gulp.

Tonight you can libate yourself for one red cent.

Too good to be true you say? Here's the rub: You've got to take off your shirt. Sometimes life is harsh, but don't let that stop you from getting your pasty, third nipple sportin' chest down to Monkey Pants Bar in Tempe tonight to take advantage of this once-a-day deal at 1 a.m.

By Jonathan McNamara

If the name Finn sounds familiar, be advised that Liam is the eldest son of Neil Finn, the singer/song-writing force behind Crowded House. Taking a few cues from his pops, Liam Finn pulls the song-writing thing off with a little bit of ingenuity and technological know-how. Finn runs his sounds through a looping effects pedal, allowing him to back himself up in concert.

Where have you heard Liam Finn? He covered "Two of Us" by The Beatles with his father for the I Am Sam soundtrack. Finn's also become part of the reunited Crowded House, but that hasn't stopped him from releasing a solo album, I'll Be Lightning in 2007 or playing The Late Show with David Letterman in February of this year.

See Liam Finn tonight at the Rhythm Room.

Jonathan McNamara

Chances are that if you wanted to see Duran Duran tonight at Dodge Theater, you've already got a ticket for that seat closest to the stage so that if you squint hard enough it'll be almost like hearing "Rio" for the first time back in 1982.

Please allow me to suggest an alternative in the form of The Marcus Miller Band at Rhythm Room. Reading the write-up for the event should be enough to persuade you, but should you need further proof that what awaits you is a bass-fueled, fabulous night, consider the following.

Miller played in a band called Legends featuring Eric Clapton and David Sanborn. Fender produces Miller's signature basses in four and five string versions.

By Jonathan McNamara

If you've checked out Benjamin Leatherman's Cindo De Mayo Guide you know that there are a lot of parties happening tonight. For maximum Cinco enjoyment, my pesos are on Clubhouse Music Venue in Tempe. Check in tonight to see the Voodoo Glow Skulls lay down some Latin Ska.

Happy Cinco De Mayo everybody!

By Jonathan McNamara

Sure the actual holiday is still four days off, but it's never to soon for some Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Hard Rock Cafe is getting started tonight with performances from Latin hip-hop artists MC Magic and DJ Kane.

For more on Cinco De Mayo events check out our guide: Tequila Town by Benjamin Leatherman.

Hark! Tonight is an opportunity not to be missed! You and yours may yet see The Southwest Shakespeare Company finale of its most ambitious marathon reading of the collected works of Shakespeare, as begun last Thursday. Let not the magnitude of such a task frighten you. Nay! Venture forth to fair Tempe Marketplace, where we lay our scene.
See with thine own eyes the completion of their most interesting of endeavors.

Do me a quick favor and stand outside for a minute then come back. Don't worry, I'll wait.

You can tell, right? It's getting hotter. The summer is just around the corner, and that means it's past time to get in swimsuit shape.

My suggestion: Sacrifice your normal Thursday activity in favor of something a little more physical. AZ on the Rocks offers rock climbing to the public from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Thursday.

By Jonathan McNamara

Halfway through the week and already you're wishing it were the weekend? No worries, we've got you covered with some potential Wednesday night fun. What the hell, I'll give you two suggestions today.

If you're looking for a drink AND a chance to get your nails did, check out Margaritas and Manicures. And dudes, listen up. You know the ladies dig properly maintained cuticles, so don't brush this one off on appearances alone.

If you need more to do today, check out the weekly Rock Band competition at Sandbar Mexican Grill. Don't forget that dressing up like real rockers might net you a prize or two.

By Jonathan McNamara

So it's Tuesday and you want another last minute suggestion, huh? How about getting some culture for once?

By that I mean hearing author Jack O'Connell talk about his latest novel The Resurrectionist.

O'Connell's latest foray into creative writing introduces us to a cast of characters including a boy trapped in a coma, his jaded father and a host of former circus freaks including a chicken boy.

By Jonathan McNamara

Ah! The great outdoors are a-callin' and now is the time to answer. Why not saddle up your rod and reel and head out to do some urban fishing at Red Mountain Park?

I'm not trying to bait you here. Fishing is fun and educational. Get the kids out of the house or just suggest an alternative to your poker buddies. Catch some fun and maybe even some dinner.