Ah, May, a hopeful stop along the annual journey to the fun and freedom of Summer. While the backyard BBQs and pool parties are soon to be in full swing, don’t forget to seek out some live musical accompaniment to go along with any grilled treats or ice cold libations. There’s quite a few passing through, from alternative rock offerings to heavy metal icons along with hip hop, soul and more.

5.1

Car Seat Headrest at The Van Buren

With vocals reminiscent of Matthew Berninger of The National or even Jullian Casablancas of The Strokes, the trio manages to blend tried and true indie-rock melodies with angst-twinged introspective lyrics courtesy of Virginia singer-songwriter Will Toledo. Aside from the tried and true staples of their more meat-and-potatoes melancholic ballads on breakout albums like “Twin Fantasy: or “Tears of Denial”, they also can veer into experimental sonic textures more often found in electronica, like on their latest release, 2020’s “Making A Door Less Open.” $25 – $28. 8 p.m. 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ; thevanburenphx.com // @thevanburenphx

Quiet Riot at The Marquee Theatre

While they might not be a household name on today’s current charts, there are many a dedicated metalhead that holds the name Quiet Riot in supremely high regard, and for very good reasons.  Founded by virtuoso guitarist Randy Rhoads, the band carved their own path through the genre, with hits like “Cum on Feel The Noize” and “Bang Your Head,” amongst others. And while the soaring nearly operatic vocals of the late, great Kevin DuBrow might be absent from their performance, there will be no shortage of impressive licks, tasty riffs and soaring hard rock cresendos. Wouldn’t be surprised if you catch any Wayne Campbell or Garth Algar doppelgangers banging their heads in agreement. Tickets $30 6:30 p.m. 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ; marqueetheatreaz.com // @marqueetheatre

5.4

Earthgang w/ Mike Dimes at The Van Buren

The Atlanta duo has no shortage of lo-fi soulful funk for any of the huddled masses who venture out to catch their set. With bass lines reminiscent of early offerings from The Roots, and bars delivered with the skillfulness of Tariq Trotter (a.ka. Black Thought), their inrospective and contemplative songwriting abound, delivered with supremely confident delivery. It’s easy to see why the group has had regular collaborations with hip hop heavyweights including J. Cole, 2 Chainz & A$AP Ferg. Opener Mike Dimes is no slouch in the skill department either, clearly takes inspiration and pays homage to fellow Texas chopped and screwed veterans like Bun B and Slim Thug. $37.50-$99 VIP. 8 p.m. 401 West Van Buren Street), Phoenix, AZ; thevanburenphx.com // @thevanburenphx

5.25

En Vogue at The Footprint Center

While groups like The Supremes or The Ronettes paved the way for female fronted R & B in the 60s, a group like En Vogue walked so future power groups like Destiny’s Child could run. Mega hits like “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It), Don’t Let Go (Love) and the incredibly progressive Free Your Mind help explain why the group has racked up 7 Grammy nominations and 30 million albums sold worldwide. With recent collaborations with Chance The Rapper and newer offerings from 2018’s “Electric Café, the 90s powerhouse continues to thrill and wow audiences today and beyond. $25+. 7:30 p.m. 201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ; footprintcenter.com // @footprintcntr

5.28

Jack White with Chicano Batman at Arizona Federal Theatre

Continuing on with The Supply Chain Issues Tour, the Detroit institution and Third Man Records founder brings his bombastic blues drenched garage rock to the masses. Between his lengthy list of hits between The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather and more, it’s sure to be an incredible, career-spanning experience . Plus the addition of the wafting, latin-infused psychedelia of opener Chicano Batman will be a nice amuse bouche before the night’s heavier offerings kick into full swing. $65+. 8 p.m. 400 W. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ; arizonafederaltheatre.com // @arizonafederaltheatre

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