Adios, abominable August--hello, Labor Day blowouts!
With the soul-melting summer fading, it's time to party
HARK!
I hear…a mad celebration…
For much of the country, the joy of Labor Day is tinged with meloncholia; the end of summer, in most places, means a nearing of the short, dark, cold days of winter.
Here in the Valley, it means: We made it!
Though a hearty monsoon season took the hardest edges off the Summer of 22, there are few things as challenging as the soul-melting heat of June, July and August in Phoenix.
And, though as usual, the first week of September has been pushing 110 degree days, now that August is in the rear-view mirror, we understand that–rather than cowering in the lowest of Dante’s circles–we are now dancing on the outer edges of hell.
Let the music begin!
If you’re in the mood to dance to the music, get down and get funky Saturday night at the Last Exit Live, which hosts a show called Sorry For Party Rocking.
DJ’s will be playing “oldies”--from 2010-2015, with jams by David Guetta, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Akon, Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, LMFAO, Pitbull, Soulja Boy, Miley Cyrus and so on.
The Duce at 525 South Central Avenue throws a daytime hip hop and R&B party, with DJ Prodigee taking care of the sounds.
Punk for the kids: Sgt. Papers, from Hermosillo, Mexico, and Tucson’s Anchorbaby play Saturday night at Trunk Space, an all-ages show.
Looking for something a little more high-brow?
Hit the Poetry and Arts Open Mic, sponsored by Grounded32 (“a nonprofit for mindfulness and creativity”) at 13651 North 32nd Street.
The monthly event has its September show at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. “Bring your work, share your work, or just listen to others. No expectations, tons of encouragement.”
The Wailing Souls headline a huge reggae show starting at noon Saturday at Phoenix Events & Entertainment Complex, 2209 North 99th Avenue.
Ocho Rios Jerk Spot, 4220 West Northern Avenue, is pretty excited about its second annual J’Ouvert in the Desert. “If you missed it last year, you won’t want to miss it this time around! Come vibe with us for a fun paint, powder and water-filled event celebrating all of the Caribbean cultures!”
This party is inspired by J'ouvert or Jour ouvert, a traditional festival (known as "break day") that launches Carnival, which takes place on the Monday before Ash Wednesday.
The Yucca Tap Room has FREE shows all weekend, with a half-dozen local bands ready to rock:
And another fun FREE show, at The Lost Leaf:
One of the coolest events of this Labor Day weekend: Arizona Black Rodeo, at Scottsdale’s WestWorld.
The two-day show (Friday and Saturday) is sponsored by the Black Rodeo USA Association–which “is committed to supporting Rodeo Associations that offer community engagement and outreach programs that inspire African Americans.” Cowboys will demonstrate bull riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling, steer undecorating, barrel racing and relay races.
More, from the organizers: “The Black Rodeo USA organization holds annual rodeos that promote an appreciation for cultural heritage, provide education about the role African Americans played in shaping the history of this country while providing youth with hands on experiences.”