Below are Desert Ridge events for January 2014. You should consider spending time in the Desert Ridge Marketplace and around the Desert Ridge community to really gain an appreciation for all that Desert Ridge has to offer.
The Persuaders
January 3rd – Friday
District Stage, 7-10pm
Original Alternative Band – The Persuaders featuring Lawrence Zubia are a 5–piece band from Tempe, Arizona. In the mid 90’s several bands in Tempe, Arizona played Mill Ave., until the record companies came calling from LA. Collectively the members of the Persuaders have sold millions of records, traveled thousands of miles, played thousands of shows and have made it back home to Tempe, Arizona. We look forward to playing some loud, guitar driven Rock n’ Roll for you!
Mark Zubia
January 3rd – Friday
AMC Fountain, 7-9pm
Indie Guitarist – Born and raised in the overheated environs of Phoenix, Arizona, Zubia has become a veritable institution in the state, helping lead a series of popular and successful combos. In addition to performing with Los Guys, he also performs solo drawing on a heady mix of roots, country, and classic pop traditions but never forsakes his roughhewn charm and rock ‘n’ roll spirit.
Ratio
January 4th – Saturday
District Stage, 7-10pm
Funk, Soul, Jazz and R&B Band – Ratio is one of Phoenix, Arizona’s premier bands specializing in Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, Funk and Pop. Recognized as the “Best Jazz Band in Phoenix” by the Phoenix New Times Magazine and the “Best Blues Band” by the Arizona Republic, this versatile band led by founder Larry Rhymes is comprised of some of the best musicians in Phoenix. Their repertoire contains 60’s and 70’s Funk, 80’s Jams, Smooth Jazz, Classic Soul and Motown.
Carson Parks
January 4th – Saturday
AMC Fountain, 7-9pm
Singer/Songwriter – When you first hear the music of Carson Parks, you may be drawn to comparisons with a few other artists, but there is a freshness and an originality in Carson that is uniquely his. Being inspired by, and drawing from a diverse musical background that includes collegiate level Jazz studies, Carson Parks possesses outstanding talents as a singer, guitarist, trombonist, and songwriter.
Kenny Love & The Rock-er-fellas
January 10th – Friday
District Stage, 7-10pm
Americana Swing Band – Arizona’s premiere band performing originals & covers in the Classic Americana, Roots Rock & Roll, Rockabilly, Twang, Surf, Country & Western, Bop, Swing, Blues, & Boogie Woogie Musical genres.
Lawrence Zubia
January 10th – Friday
AMC Fountain, 7-9pm
Indie Guitarist – Lawrence started playing music with his younger brother, Mark Zubia. They were part of the original 1990s wave of bands that came down Mill Avenue in Tempe, Arizona. Although Lawrence recently launched a band called the Persuaders, you won’t want to miss his solo performance.
Knee Deep Experience
January 11th – Saturday
District Stage, 7-10pm
Funk, Soul and R&B Band – The Knee Deep Experience is Arizona’s premiere Funk & Soul band. Known for their signature Llama mascot, Knee Deep is sure to bring the funk to Tempe Marketplace! Duane McClendon: Bass, Vocals – Ed Davis: Guitar, Vocals – Alex Holland: Saxophone, Vocals – Billy Webb: Guitar, Vocals – Chris Brown: Creative Force & Inspiration
Michael V.
January 11th – Saturday
AMC Fountain, 7-9pm
Adult Contemporary Guitarist – The music of Michael V. blends elements of rock, folk & jazz. Comparisons to Steely Dan, Don Henley, Bryan Adams and Sting have been mentioned. The music of Michael V is diverse, and therefore is difficult to categorize. This is probably why the is one of LA’s best-kept secrets. Most record companies won’t pick up an artist that covers as much musical ground as Michael V does. Nevertheless, Michael V demands a good listen and his new release with his band Ghandi’s Garage entitled “Open” is their canvas for you to enjoy.
Peppermint James
January 17th – Friday
District Stage, 7-10pm
Original and Top 40 Alternative Band – Peppermint James was formed in Phoenix, Arizona in 2004. With strong influence from The Beatles, The Wailers, traditional jazz and blues artists, and many outstanding world musicians, the sound of Peppermint James continually evolves with a no limits attitude towards songwriting and arranging. Peppermint James continues their busy schedule of energetic live performances, released their sophomore album and is looking forward to sharing their music on a continuously larger scale.
Grady Soiné
January 17th – Friday
AMC Fountain, 7-9pm
Easy Listening Keyboardist – Grady Soiné of Gradymusic has delighted fans worldwide with his unique style of piano/keyboard music. Grady is an accomplished composer/pianist who’s other passion is bringing ideas to life and helping others accomplish their dreams.
Tony Corrales Band
January 18th – Saturday
District Stage, 7-10pm
Country Western Band – Tucson Arizona’s hottest country band! Some fun lovin’ young guns playing a great mix of today’s Top 40, awesome 90’s, and classic 80’s country. High energy bunch of fellas that will keep you dancin’ til the cows come home!
Jeordie
January 18th – Saturday
AMC Fountain, 7-9pm
Indie Guitarist/Vocalist – Being a daughter of 60’s musical artist Melanie, Jeordie’s music gives deep & friendly advice on a sultry rock, melodic platform. Her style is a blend of modern pop themes and folk rock guitar. She has a catalog of music that ranges from upbeat and positive to introspective and melancholy and has the ability to create visual imagery, through her lyrics, melodies and performances.
Sonoran Swing Band
January 24th – Friday
District Stage, 7-10pm
Big Band Swing – Sonoran Swing has been performing classic swing in Arizona for more than 25 years. As one of the few big bands playing the songs from the 30s, 40s, and 50s, our 22 piece dance orchestra features two outstanding vocalists, a complete horn section, and versatile rhythm section. We play all the great charts from the past 75 years, and a large variety of styles, from classic swing to 60s rock.
Tony Putrino
January 24th – Friday
AMC Fountain, 7-9pm
Accordionist Extraordinaire – Tony Putrino has written, arranged and performed music since childhood, beginning with the accordion at the age of seven. He later expanded his abilities to include keyboards, as well. His first love has always been jazz. That, combined with the influence of contemporary pop music, created in him a unique approach to accordion playing. Hearing his blend of jazz, R&B, rock ‘n roll, romantic Europe and the avant–garde is, to be sure, a different experience for aficionados of traditional accordion repertoire.
Hello Swindon
January 25th – Saturday
District Stage, 7-10pm
High Energy Original Alternative Band – Much like the fictional-and awesome-Spinal Tap, Hello Swindon has had its share of ups and downs. In ten years the band has had five different bass players and two sax players, but that’s the way it goes. Original members singer/guitarist Scott Semple and singer/percussionist John Vick form the center of the band, along with saxophone player Todd Sisk, who has been in the band since 2001, and bassist Matthew Schafman, who joined up in 2005.
León Santiago
January 25th – Saturday
AMC Fountain, 7-9pm
Acoustic Alternative Guitarist – León Santiago fuses elements from modern rock, from jazz, and from various world traditions to come up with a blend of improvisational music that is uniquely his own. People have used terms as diverse as “world soul”, “eclectic funk”, and “heathen gospel” to describe the experience. It’s best to come to one of his shows to experience it for yourself.
Guitarras Latinas
January 31st – Friday
District Stage, 7-10pm
Latin American Guitar Band
“Guitarras Latina”” takes you there, with an inspiring “musical tour” of Latin America. With beautiful acoustic guitars, romantic vocals and dynamic Latin percussion, Guitarras Latinas transports your heart and soul to Valenzuela, Old Mexico, the Andes, and more.
Playing Spanish flamenco guitars, Guitarras Latinas spicy guitar solos are punctuated with castanets, bongos and the cajon to express the passion that can only be found in Latin America. So, put you passport away! Sit back, relax and enjoy a cultural journey with “Guitarras Latinas.”
West Hills Brothers
January 31st – Friday
AMC Fountain, 7-9pm
Acoustic Guitar Duo – The West Hills Brothers are a unique duo of acoustic/electric guitars, vocals and percussion. Carson Smith is on lead vocals, guitar, and percussion, and his twin brother Cole plays acoustic and electric guitar and mandolin. They are originally from West Hills, California but now live in Arizona and perform on a regular basis at art walks, festivals, private parties and special events throughout the state. Their music is a great mix of classic rock, pop, alternative and original tunes with their own unique style.