"Can You Hear The Stars Cry?" This L.A. band asks this question on "The Thirteenth Hour," their latest release.  This multimedia performing arts group fuses electronica/world/rock and dance with surrealism and video projections. AL1CE is at Bar Passé.

By day, this award-winning fiddler's signature black-framed glasses scream mild-mannered Clark Kent. At night, watch this virtuoso transform into a Southwestern country rock Superman. The Billy Shaw Jr. Band is at The Maverick.

This month's installment of the smorgasbord of artistic expression known as Ladytowne Live features candid conversation with mayoral candidates Randi Dorman, Steve Farley and Regina Romero with a musical set by the mighty Just Najima at Club Congress.

It's free jazz! Lookout Tucson Jazz Concert Series—presented by Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance—continues. This week sees the dynamic configuration of pianist Chris Peña, upright bassist Thøger Lund and Josh Carruthers on drums in the Lookout Bar and Grille at The Westward Look Resort.

Bohemian folk rockers Little Cloud scatter rain showers of joy to lead you heavenward at Tap + Bottle-Downtown.

Putting an electrified twist on stripped-down acoustic covers—from retro hits to the indie underground—husband and wife, guitar and violin duo Dos Sueños entertain at Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.

Sky Bar sees October Intuition, BTP & Friends and Sad, Sad Girls cry in their beers.

Nashville music crusader, Virginia Cannon presents a Thursday Night Singer-Songwriter Showcase. Six performers, four original songs, taking turns round robin at Monterey Court.

Accompanied by a revolving cast of guest performers, Joshua Butcher hosts The Butcher's Block at Iron John's Brewing Company–Congress.

This Canadian experimental music collective have amassed a significant cult following since their 1994 inception. GodSpeed You! Black Emperor will have you "Lift[ing] Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas" in reverence at the Rialto Theatre. New York saxophonist/drummer/synthesizer player/composer Devin Brahja Waldman opens.

Dysthymia runs rampant. Black metallists Suicide Forest and Shadows of Algol share comorbid conditions at Club Congress with grunge punks Hallow.

Esteemed bluesman Tom Walbank holds court as part of the Plaza Live Tuesday Night Concert Series in the Courtyard at St. Phillips Plaza.

Entre Los Dos ["Between The Two"] is the title of their soon-to-be-released EP. "I am another you" is a Mayan thought that blurs the limits of personal bonds, allowing us to find something shared in each other's stare.

"These are songs and powerful prayers, created to protect the land and its people, recognize the ancestry that burns in our hearts, and treasure wisdom weaving healthy bonds that reflect self-love with dignity."

Singer-songwriter Luz Elena Mendoza will lead us through the places that we are afraid to go. Y La Bamba are at Club Congress. The velvety dream pop of Andria Rose creates painterly music.

Friday, Aug. 9

Straight from "Jackass Acres," Phoenix cowpunks The Earps have been on a big bender, "Shitkickin'" and chasing "Rockabilly Girls" since 2003. They will share the Brodie's Tavern stage with Tucson's The Gem Show and Cubes.

"Trance around the world." Forever Trance is a monthly EDM happening at The Underground.

The Freddy Parrish Trio with Hank Topless unite with the expressed intent of making fine country music come to life at Sky Bar.

Like a good mixtape, guitarist Mike Sydloski, bassist David Hostetler, drummer Daniel Thomas and ever-wicked vocalist Olivia Reardon crossfade to form Miss Olivia & The Interlopers. They pair with dedicated mistresses of maritime trauma The Surfbroads for a romp at 191 Toole.

Experience traditional bluegrass in the spirit which it was indeed. Cadillac Mountain play it at lightning speed and adorn it with harmony vocals capable of resounding off canyon walls at Westbound.

Choro ["little lament"] is an instrumental music genre which originated in 19th-century Rio de Janeiro. Despite its name, the music is often uptempo and happy. From São Paulo, Choro Das 3 perform at Sea of Glass-Center for The Arts.

Sasami returns to fill Club Congress with ethereal synth musings that bolster shoegazey guitar textures. With the '60s tinged witchcraft of Hannah Yeun and the positive punk of Stripes520.

Mama's House continues at Hotel McCoy. Resident DJ Mother Tierra spins an eclectic mix poolside.

To help Ten55 Brewing Company celebrate its first anniversary downtown, musical shapeshifter Jacob Acosta performs.

Latin Legends glides into the AVA Amphitheater featuring the smooth uptown soul of Brenton Wood ("Gimme a Little Sign"), Tierra ("Together"), Malo ("Suavecito"), Thee Midniters ("Whittier Blvd") and El Chicano ("Tell Her She's Lovely").

Cruisin' For A Bluesin', Bad News Blues Band have their dukes up at Monterey Court.

On the 24th anniversary of Jerry Garcia's passing, The Paper Airplanes Project celebrate his legacy at Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.

"When the lights go down in the city," from the luminescence of the Las Vegas Strip, Another Journey pays tribute to one of rock's enduring legends at the Rialto Theatre.

Saturday, Aug. 10

Be the Void (ANTI-Records, 2012) was recorded at these Philadelphian's "Meth Beach" studio, yet bears a distinct Tucson watermark: The album features Golden Boots founding member Dimitri Manos on drums and was co-produced by Nathan Sabatino. Neo-psychedelic/baroque poppers Dr. Dog will be at the Rialto Theatre.

Irene's Holy Donuts is the site of Return of The Mermaids Late Night Afterparty. With performances by The Surfbroads—"hot broads playing cool surf" who add the briny tang of the sea—and IllumiNaughty, a tribal fusion dance troupe known to shake their flukes. DJ Nation hosts this semi-human aquatic event of mythic proportion.

"Ray of Sunshine" pop singer Belinda Esquer, accompanied on bass by Jon D'Auria, perform "Elevator Music" on the patio of Hotel Congress.

It's the songs. Imbued with universal themes—loss, desperation, self-loathing, shattered dreams, and an existential longing unfulfilled—that resonate deeply with a faithful audience decades after the band's formation. Greyhound Soul perform at Che's Lounge.

His "Daddy Was a Badass." This outlaw Americana singer-songwriter's tear-stained voice and lost soul sensibilities were nudged listening to Johnny Cash, his big sister's folk records, three-chord punk rock rave-ups and '70s AOR FM radio; By doing so he has managed to create a distinct hybrid. Jesse Dayton is at Club Congress with Houston singer-songwriter, with "No One To Drink With," Mike Stinson.

This guitarist's influences span from clever pop of The Beatles to the rhythmic bossa novas of Brazillian composer Antônio Carlos Jobim. The Eugene Boronow Trio play The Dusty Monk Pub.

Only God knows? The August edition of Resonance Monthly finds DJ/producer Angelz—known for his love of house, hip hop and bass—dropping Heat at Gentle Ben's.

They are a little folk, a little country and a whole lot of trouble, with a Southwestern tan to boot. Eric Schaffer & the Other Troublemakers are at Monterey Court.

Bound by a mutual love of Green Day, a fascination with B-movies and a heart for social justice, high schoolers/sodapop punks Mudpuppy extract incisors at Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.

Some say he was born a country outlaw with a classic rock attitude. Caiden Brewer shimmies and sways in the Paradiso Lounge at Casino Del Sol.

Dash Pocket, blazing up-and-comers, play Americana, folk and alt-country at BlackRock Brewers.

Bleach Party USA, D.B.F.O.S., The Dead Beat Hymns, The F.I.S.T., Bring Your Own Molotov, Los Diablos Gordos and Mickey Siixx perform to raise funds and awareness for Southern Arizona Gender Alliance at Spark Project Collective.

Metallists Stands With Fists share their Cinematic Mind when they headline a 3D Glow Show. They share the stage with Sorrows Ruin, Elyzian, Gila Byte, Within a Dream and Decenvir. Artist Donovan White will paint live. All-Ages at Encore.

Palm Sunday and Hemlock—songstresses from Louisiana touring the West—offer somber bedroom folk tunes at Exo Roast Co. Chanteuse Louise Le Hir adds appreciably to the evening.

Tour of Tucson: Battle in The Old Pueblo is a drag show spectacular to benefit Tucson Pride at 191 Toole.

Featuring guitarist Damon Barnaby, bassist Duane Hollis and Tom Larkins on percussion, Mark Insley y Trés Burros are at Iron John's Brewing Company–Congress on Downtown Saturday Night.

Cochise County All-Stars play honky-tonk and jukebox country in the courtyard at Mercado San Agustin.

From the Tohono O'odham Nation, Gertie and the T.O. Boyz perform waila music—along with speakers, poets, dancers and more—as part of World Indigenous Peoples Day at Alliance For Global Justice.

Sunday, Aug. 11

Fueled by hits "Glycerine," "Swallowed" and "Everything Zen"—selling over 20 million records worldwide—these Londoners went on to become one of the defining alt-rock bands of the '90s. In a 2014 interview, with regard to Man on the Run, frontman Gavin Rossdale spoke about "staying true to your path, to your vocation and your passion." But does this statement of intent still apply today? Find out. "Selling The Drama," The ALTimate Tour—featuring Bush, Live and Our Lady Peace—rolls into the AVA Amphitheater.

A Celebration of Friends sees an impressive lineup of pals—Anchorbaby, Barely Bipedal, Freezing Hands, The Gem Show, Pork Torta and Shit Knife—gather to help raise cash to aid of guitarist Leo Schwamm with mounting medical expenses due to protracted illness at Alliance For Global Justice.

This blues singer/guitarist's repertoire includes 1930s Depression Era blues and Ginsbergian Beat Generation poetry. Michael P. Nordberg engages at Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.

The Limes celebrate the release of their debut album at Club Congress. AM Waves, Somniac, Logan Greene and Carnival add to the merriment.

Hungry? Like a side of funk with your scrambled eggs? Multi-instrumentalist Mik Garrison & The Funky Brunch stacks layer upon layer of musical loops in real time at La Cocina.

Brace yourselves; An epic night of hardcore awaits. South Floridians Ecostrike and Envision and North Carolina's Magnitude team up with Arizona's Get A Grip, Construct and Concrete Evidence. Mayhem is sure to ensue. All-ages at Ward6.

Harnessing power directly from the red rock mountains and vortexes of Sedona where he resides—or so we are asked to believe—decker. (psychedelic/desert folk) channels electromagnetic Earth energy at Club Congress. He is flanked by Phoenicians Banana Gun and Wyves.

This Brooklyn-born rapper’s parents—two college professors—christened him “The seeker of truth.” Known for his activism and strong political views on police brutality, racial stereotyping and the prison-industrial complex he told HuffPo that the youth possess the energy to take to the streets. Cautioning that activism cannot be done by just sitting at a computer, Talib Kweli brings Hip Hop for Respect to the Rialto Theatre. Tucson institution Jivin’ Scientists kick things off.

Pianist and vocalist Sly Man & Sheryl Ann pick jazz, blues, pop and a few surprises from the American Songbook in the Lookout Bar & Grille at the Westward Look Resort.

DJs Atom Energy and Lunar Fluxx drop a motherlode of house. Deeper happens at Bar Passé.  

Friday, Aug. 2

Hosted by KXCI's Marty Kool, the eighth annual House Rockin' Blues Review is a West Coast Blues explosion. This year's event features Junior Watson, Billy Watson and Taryn Donath, backed by  the all-star rhythm section of Troy Sandow and Marty Dodson at El Casino Ballroom. The Bryan Dean Trio kicks off this barnburner. Proceeds will benefit KXCI Community Radio.

During the '90s, this alt-folk singer fronted a noisy post-grunge band, Verbena. In 2003, after the band dissolved, he found a piece of himself that had been missing and began recording American Hearts (Fat Possum Records), a transmutation towards a minimal folk sound. Despite a few modern conventions—the sparing use of a synth or drum machine—the sorrow at the heart of his music is timeless. A.A. Bondy renders "Images of Love" at Club Congress.

As humanity plunges into its darkest hour, the fog of existence has finally cleared thanks to the fruits (and campy VHS tape clips) of your favorite found footage collective, Everything Is Terrible! at 191 Toole.

"We're all just out of college. By the time you're out of school, you'll have it all figured out, we were told. But that's not really how it is," said bandleader Cleto Cordero. Red Dirt country outfit Flatland Cavalry of Lubbock, Texas, storm The Rock with The Cole Trains of Safford, Arizona, in tow.

Bryan Thomas Parker & Friends dole out "lizard-flavored roots and rhythm," enough to make you shed your skin at Sky Bar.

Led by vocalist (retired Command Sergeant Major) Connie Brannock, Little House of Funk, like a violent thunderstorm, will energize the evening air with R&B as part of the Friday Night Live Free Concert Series at Main Gate Square.

"Round & Round": Niki J Crawford, one of L.A.'s hottest soul/blues/funk bands, return to Monterey Court.

Mother's House finds August resident DJ Mother Tierra spinning an eclectic mix poolside at Hotel McCoy.

Beloved acoustic performers Sam & Dante play original jazz and ragtime with a twist of whimsy at Westbound.

From Barrio Santa Rosa, this bajo sexto and accordion-driven conjunto specialize in a polka and música norteño so intoxicating that one can easily lose their volition and dance with abandon. Pedro Y Los Liricos are at Exo Roast Co.

The Telecasters will surely howl and snarl, during this psycho country skirmish, when The Hank Topless Band (featuring ax-man Loren Dircks) and Kentucky country/rockabilly picker Michael Monroe Goodman take to the stage outdoors on the plaza at Hotel Congress.

Saturday, Aug. 3

In 2017, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees appointed this Japanese pop star as a Goodwill Ambassador for his work visiting refugee camps around the world. "Under the Same Sky," Miyavi brings the No Sleep Till Tokyo Tour in for a stop at 191 Toole.

Fronted by vocalist Randy Cordeiro, Super Diamond: A Tribute to Neil Diamond play a verisimilitude of the hits that transformed the real Diamond into an international pop icon at the Rialto Theatre. Like a pearl handled pistol, The Lola Torch Trio lend dangerous intrigue.

DJ Jahmar International hosts Locals Only Saturdays. This installment sees J Sims, Jase, Super Sick, Pharaoh Abstract and Suuugggaaarrr perform at Mr. Head's.

Mutiny: DJ NoirTech spins alt/'80s/indie/electronic/industrial at the Surly Wench Pub.

Guitarist extraordinaire Pete Fine is Beyond Words at House of Bards.

An evening of time-honored Latin American music with Tradiciones Entre Peruanos unfolds at Exo Roast Co.

Hosted by Marley B and Johnny Rubix, For The Love: Sanctuary features performances by Jaca Zulu, Lizzy Page, Vinney Mendez, EZ Goin, UG Desert Artists, Jaron Ikner, Street Blues Family y mas. Donations support the political committee Tucson Families Free & Together in the effort to persuade voters to make Tucson a sanctuary city this November at Thunder Canyon Brewstillery.

Break out your holy water sprinkler. Los Diablos, Drug Thirsty Mule, Conqueror Worm and Gun Runners play "The Devil's Music" at Irene's Holy Donuts.

Imagine that... It's an art party! Artist Dimitri Manos' latest work, "Up to Bat," is a 3-dimensional installation utilizing salvaged materials. The opening reception features a live set by Golden Boots at How Sweet It Was. DJ Ponytail Cruiser provides ambience.

"Train, Train, take me on out of this town." With no original members, Southern fried hard rockers Blackfoot perdure at Encore.

Sunday, Aug. 4

On Lucas Acid (Fake Four, 2018), frontperson/lyricist Chris Martinez came out as a transgender  woman. The result: An unflinchingly ferocious album of trans anthems with a glitch-laden industrial edge. "The biggest difference was just being able to write freely, openly and honestly," said Martinez. "Once you come out, there's a whole host of issues that you don't really consider. This record has a lot of that in there." Pioneers in noise rap, Moodie Black are at Club Congress with Coolzey, Liquid Space and Atmosphere.

Like your toast with jam? Mik & The Funky Brunch provide family-friendly funk at La Cocina.


Jazz saxophonist Autumn Dominguez leads her quartet at Bar Passé.

All for One and One for Ball sees FebboFuentes, Billy Sedlmayr, Heroes Reunion, Amy Mendoza & the Strange Vacation, The Bennu, Golden Boots and Loveland circle the wagons in support of beloved local guitarist Joe Fanning, who was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer at Tap + Bottle–Downtown.

Is it real? Out on The Simulation Tour, Born Of Osiris wheel into The Rock with Michigan harcore/punks Spite.

Hailing from the Lower 9th Ward—that still bears the indelible cicatrices of Katrina's fury—this trumpeter/vocalist and his ace band are the definition of New Orleans. Shamarr Allen & The Underdawgs are ready to "Sleep All Day, Party All Night" at 191 Toole. Tucson's debonaire Street Blues Family will get the festivities underway.

From Grenoble, France, electronic duo Lovataraxx bring their intoxicating darkwave/coldwave minimalist sound to Blacklidge Community Collective. Locals Lav Andula, Glacier.WAV and Sally Roundhouse add warm and light. Details here.

Wizards, muggles and fantastic beasts, rejoice! Harry and the Potters are returning to the Library for their 2019 Summer Tour!

Saturday, August 3, 2019 from 5 to 6 p.m.
Flowing Wells Library, 1730 W. Wetmore Rd.

This event is free, but space is limited to the first 200 people who arrive.

What would happen if Harry Potter quit the quidditch team, stole a time turner and started a punk rock band with himself from an earlier point in the time-space continuum? The answer is Harry and the Potters!

Costumes are encouraged.

Gird your loins. Post-rock instrumentalists Carbon Canyon share their penchant for "Black Magic and Pornography" at 191 Toole. They share the bill with the culturally appropriated "Groovysmo" of Ricky Shimo's Anchorbaby—inhabitants of the borderland where multinational entities—McDonald's and Coca-Cola—coexist with horchata and carne asada sold from a carreta in perfectly pitched harmony.  As an added bonus Wooden Tooth DJs spin. Details here.

"Fairies wear boots and you gotta believe me." From the portal of Hell, otherwise known as Los Angeles, Black Sabbitch are at Club Congress. Details here.

Led by two-time Grammy nominated multi-instrumentalist Chip Dabney, The AmoSphere dabble in every genre imaginable at Chicago Bar. Details here.

"Born a fucking suspect/To a corrupted system." Metalcorists Without Crows "Resist" at Ward6 with Remain and Sustain and Slow Descent. Details here.

Violent by Nature, Tucson thrash metalists, have been inciting mosh pit frenzy since 1986. Atrophy unleash the mania at Encore. St. Madness, Dedwin and Mechanics of the Mind add layers of chaos.

Showcasing some of the Old Pueblo's top and up-and-coming turntablists, Funk Yo House Fridays goes off at Irene's Holy Donuts. Details here.

This installment of Nitecall sees Phoenix's experimental/electronic/noise sculptress Lana Del Rabies join DJ Mijito to drop death bombs of genre-bending darkwave, electronica, industrial and techno at R Bar. Details here.

A perfect pairing for date night: Naim's A Jazz Trio is at Exo Roast Co. Details here.

In a previous life, before moving to Tucson, this rockabilly raconteur co-opted his surname during his stint with Boston's Foul Mouthed Elves. Guitar chugging away, his stories tell of a hardscrabble life while the wallop of his kick drum sets an energetic pace. Al Foul plays Westbound. Details here.

Saturday, July 27
OK. Now visualize Ronald McDonald, the Hamburglar and Mayor McCheese rockin' "the absolute fuck out" while covering Black Sabbath tunes. Right? Bear witness to this bizarre spectacle when Mac Sabbath roll The American Cheese Tour into 191 Toole. Adding to the appreciably high drama are Phoenix metalists Okilly Dokilly (who are dedicated to The Simpsons' Ned Flanders) and Playboy Manbaby, credited by Rolling Stone for "bringing sexy back to the genre of polka."

A sweaty summer just got a bit hotter. Humphouse's Disco Doll will be in the house spinning classic disco at Club Congress.

Darkness visible. Black metallists Ashbringer, Nullingroots, Cursed Ruins, Nullus and Severe Earth play an all-ages show at Ward6.

TPD officers and local punk rockers face off in The Great Punk'n Donuts Pig Out of 2019. As if that weren't enough, The Sindicate, Drizzle, The Cubes, Garrett William Moore and D[Form] are slated to perform all at Spark Project Collective. Donations will benefit Pathways Education Center, a nonprofit for children with learning differences and autism.

"Just for the Record," Hank Topless performs "Happy Time Blues" at The Bambi.

Adding something, uum, septic into the mix, Gutter Town shares the stage with Pretty Ugly, Texas T. Trash, Lost in the Sauce and Cactus Mike and The Pricks at Thunder Canyon Brewstillery.

DJ Stubbie keeps the myth alive during The Fineline Revisited at the Surly Wench Pub.

Since 2005, these multiple Best of Tucson winners for Best Cover Band channel new wave classics, pop and power ballads from what could be your favorite decade. 80s & Gentlemen rock on the rooftop at Playground.

No Introduction necessary, L.A.'s Dr. Fresch and Blossom drop bass and ghetto house when Goldrush Expeditions makes a stop at Gentle Ben's with local support from H.R. Guerin, Bagels & Lox and Jamaste.

Released in late April 2016, this Miami rapper's debut album Underground Underdog shot like a bullet up the charts to reach number 2 on iTunes Top Hip-Hop Albums to sit right behind Drake. Not too shabby. Firing off "1000 Rounds," Pouya spits straight '90s hip-hop and Memphis fire when he brings The Liquid Sunshine Tour to Encore. He's flanked by Ramirez and Boobie Lootaveli.

Performing original compositions and adaptations rooted in various pan-African styles including African folk, Afro-pop, Afro-Cuban and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. The Key Ingredients of African Soul mesmerize and make bodies involuntarily sway at Monterey Court.

"His songs move like the wind/He is the lone coyote howling in the desert/He has no secrets/He knows where the water is/You have to listen carefully/Maybe get down on your knees/And put your ear to the ground." –John Densmore, The Doors. Singer/songwriter  John Coinman is accompanied by bassist Blair Forward are at Exo Roast Co.

Sunday, July 28

Formed in Illinois 1967, this self-described "rock and roll band with horns"— is readily capable of cranking out the kind of ballads that become prom themes or accompany wedding vows—provided toothsome nosh for the MTV Generation to nibble upon during their zenith. In a career spanning five decades—having amassed 47 gold and platinum records worldwide—this powerhouse has not missed a year of touring since its inception. Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famers Chicago is at Tucson Music Hall.

Ethereal dreamscaper Anna Mall and experimental new waver Lady Uranium perform at Blacklidge Community Collective with Tucson's Jaime J. Soto and Caldon Glover.

They traveled the great expanses playing swing and West Coast blues. Now, The Kings of Pleasure reunite to jump, jive and wail once again at the Hideout Saloon–East.

Small wonder. This Americana singer-songwriter grew up in "a little bitty ranch house crammed with 10,000 books" and was weaned on a steady diet of Johnny Cash and Roy Acuff records. At age 7, his novelist father, Larry McMurtry, gave him his first guitar.

"My mother taught me three chords and the rest I just stole as I went along."

Fast forward to 2005, when his song "We Can't Make It Here"—which criticizes George W. Bush, the Iraq War and Wal-Mart—was praised by Rolling Stone's Robert Christgau as "the best song of the 2000s." Its lyrics cut like incisors. "Will I work for food, will I die for oil/Will kill for power and to us the spoils/The billionaires get to pay less tax/The working poor get to fall through the cracks/...Let 'em eat shit."
James McMurtry is at Club Congress with the sly, whiskey-soaked country of Bonnie Whitmore.