SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Returning for the fifth straight year, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Live & Local Fridays concert series will open on Sept. 7 and showcase eight Arizona groups spanning rockabilly-honky tonk, indie-folk, African rhythms, blues, hip-hop, folk-rock, jazz, indie-rock and pop on Friday evenings through Sept. 28. Performances will take place in the Virginia G. Piper Theater at 8 p.m. and the more intimate Stage 2 at 8:30 p.m. Patrons may attend both concerts on each Friday by purchasing separate tickets.
Here’s the lineup:
Live & Local Fridays
Virginia G. Piper Theater Main Stage
All concerts start at 8 p.m. Reserved seating.
Tickets: Advance, $19 and $12; day of show, $22 and $15.
Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra
Friday, Sept. 7
One of the Valley’s hottest bands, Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra delivers an earth-shattering mix of jazz, funk, soul and African rhythms. This 16-person ensemble mixes classic Afrobeat with original material and a dynamic stage presence.
Ryanhood
Friday, Sept. 14
Named “Best Group/Duo” by the 2014 International Acoustic Music Awards, Tucson’s Ryanhood cut their musical teeth as Boston street performers before taking their folk-rock sound on the road. Forming the duo is Cameron Hood, known for his rich, folky lead vocals, and Ryan Green, who adds explosive guitar and mandolin riffs to the mix.
Vinyl Station
Friday, Sept. 21
Phoenix’s Vinyl Station duo combines tight harmonies, driving rhythms and melodic hooks for their own brand of indie rock reminiscent of The National, The War on Drugs and early U2.
Marmalade Skies
A Musical Tribute to the Beatles
Friday, Sept. 28
Marmalade Skies, a six-piece band with both male and female vocals, pays tribute to the most influential rock act of the 1960s — The Beatles. The band’s repertoire includes more than 100 Fab Four songs from “A Hard Day’s Night” and “A Day in the Life” to “Golden Slumbers” and “Ticket to Ride.”
Live & Local Fridays Cabaret
Stage 2
All concerts start at 8:30 p.m. Table and theater seating.
Tickets: Advance, $12; day of show, $15.
Pat Roberts and the Heymakers
Friday, Sept. 7
Pat Roberts and the Heymakers perform authentic rockabilly and honky-tonk music, influenced by such artists as Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley and Hank Williams, and anchored by Roberts’ own echo-drenched guitar.
AJ Odneal
Friday, Sept. 14
Whether accompanying herself on guitar or ukulele, AJ Odneal’s voice is always smooth and her lyrics engaging. The singer-songwriter’s indie-folk music is heavily influenced by jazz and pop, creating a diversity of sound.
The Gaines Brothers
Friday, Sept. 21
The Gaines Brothers’ blend of jazz, hip-hop and R&B has placed them on the same stage as Charlie Wilson, Sister Sledge, Justin Timberlake and Weezer. George and Lamar Gaines combine raw talent with years of education and experience to create a dynamic performance.
Moonlight Magic
Friday, Sept. 28
Moonlight Magic infuses its own blend of “lounge exotica” with an eclectic mix of surf, bossa nova, ska and boogaloo sounds. This five-piece instrumental group features guitar, bass, organ, saxophone and drums.
Tickets may be purchased at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale, or online at ScottsdalePerformingArts.org. To charge by phone, call 480-499-TKTS (8587). Patrons may enjoy cocktails and light bites from the Encore Bar throughout the evening.
Supporting Sponsor: The Saguaro Scottsdale
Media Sponsor: Phoenix New Times