Get geared up for spring with tickets to the season’s hottest concerts. Whether you’re into homegrown rock n’ roll, electronic house beats or soulful indie pop, these are some shows you definitely won’t want to miss.
March
Andy Grammer and Alex & Sierra
Groove to soulful, feel-good hits like “Fine by Me” and “Keep Your Head Up” with Andy Grammer at The Marquee on March 1 at 8 p.m.. The singer will be joined by up-and-coming pop duo and sweethearts Alex & Sierra, winners of Season 3 of The X Factor USA. The lovebirds will serenade the crowd with singles from their debut album It’s About Us, which dropped this past October. All ages. luckymanonline.com/events/andy-grammer-alex-sierra/
BoDeans
Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer’s BoDeans hasn’t slowed down since Rolling Stone readers voted them “Best New American Band” in 1987. They’ve released 11 albums over the past 29 years, always staying true to their blue-collar upbringing. Get back to your roots with frontman Kurt Neumann and the rest of the gang at Talking Stick Resort on March 7 at 8 p.m.. www.talkingstickresort.com/bodeans.aspx
Pot of Gold Music Festival
Anyone who’s anyone will be at Tempe Beach Park the weekend of March 13 to 15 for the Pot of Gold Music Festival. The four-day extravaganza (several performances will be given on March 17) kicks off on Friday afternoon with an impressive lineup of rock and technopop groups, headlined by Bastille. Hip-hop and reggae diehards will freak over Saturday’s program (Kendrick Lamar, anyone?) and Fall Out Boy will wrap up things up on Sunday, alongside Milky Chance, Echosmith and several other indie bands. All ages. http://www.potofgoldaz.com/
Phoenix Lights Festival
The semi-annual Phoenix Lights Festival, hosted by Relentless Beats and organizers of True Music Festival, will debut at Civic Space Park on March 22. Concertgoers will dance the night away to a mix of electronica, EDM and house beats, courtesy of international sensation DJ Hardwell, Zeds Dead, Robin Schulz, Route 94 and Lane 8. Must be 18-plus to attend. http://phoenixlightsfest.com/
April
Ariana Grande
Get your head out of the clouds and splurge on a pair of tickets to see international sweetheart Ariana Grande on April 6 at 7:30 p.m. at US Airways Center. The superstar, who spent 26 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Top 100’s top five this year, will share the stage with British pop band Rixton. http://www.arianagrande.com/
Alabama Shakes
Grammy-nominated American rock band Alabama Shakes will get things moving at The Marquee on April 8 at 8 p.m. We don’t want to get our hopes up but the group’s second studio album, Sound and Color, is slated to release on April 21 – cross your fingers for a sneak preview. All ages. luckymanonline.com/events/alabama-shakes/
Clean Bandit
The UK-based electronica group has garnered recent international attention with their hit “Rather Be,” a fusion of deep house beats, electronic dance music and classical compositions. See them live at The Marquee on April 9 at 8 p.m. All ages. luckymanonline.com/events/clean-bandit/
Matt & Kim
You know what they say—two’s company, three’s a crowd. Few know this saying better than indie pop duo Matt & Kim, who’s DIY-approach to music has played a significant role in their success. Although they tend to fly under the radar, this is one act you won’t want to miss. Catch them (Matt on vocals and keyboards, Kim on the drums) at The Marquee on April 27 at 8 p.m. All ages. luckymanonline.com/events/matt-kim/
May
New Kids On The Block
Ready for a major throwback? New Kids On The Block, one of America’s most beloved boy bands, will take the stage on May 12 at 7 p.m. at the Gila River Arena. Nelly and the surviving members of TLC will join the former chart-toppers on their North American tour, titled “The Main Event.” Nostalgic, much? http://nkotb.com/
Lana Del Rey
Ring in the summer with Lana del Rey at Ak-Chin Pavilion on May 14 at 7:30 p.m. It won’t be the most upbeat of concerts (Lana is heralded for her bluesy voice and emotive lyrics), but expect to be dazzled by her raw talent and timeless beauty. The “Endless Summer” tour is in support of the singer’s third studio album, Ultraviolence. http://lanadelrey.com/live/
