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Gatsby's Corner: Dec. 5

Gatsby's Corner: Dec. 2

Live and Otherwise: Holiday Sounds

The holidays are a splendid concoction of family time and good cheer mixed with a bit of exhaustion and thousands of tasks to get done before the big day in question. The best accompaniment to this holiday extravaganza is often the resonant Christmas music that seems to blare from the nearest speakers. Of course, while the traditional singers and song writers from the old days of yore hold their own merit, there is always a general appreciation for modern takes on classic songs or even the creativity of a new classic. After a few hours scouring the internet (and my brain), there remains only confidence that these songs will add to your holiday spirit.

Gatsby's Corner: Dec. 1

Gatsby's Corner: Nov. 30

Gatsby's Corner: Nov. 29

Live and Otherwise: Break [Dance] a Sweat

Working out. Most of us strive to perfect a routine or, in my case, try and figure out what daily routine could be classified as such so I don’t have to participate in extraneous activity. With either preference (the former or the latter) there is always a need for a great playlist to enact movement to. So in my search to determine what exactly a playlist of exercise champions is made of, I stumbled across some great enterprises that do the work for you. In any great workout mix there has to be an underlying determination that will push you to excel at the chosen workout. These lists are just that, and most are able to fit any mood that might have grasp of you.

Gatsby's Corner: Nov. 28

Gatsby's Corner: Nov. 23

Gatsby's Corner: Nov. 22

Live and Otherwise: Turkey Tunes

Ahhhhhh, the sweet aroma of turkey roasting in the oven, mingled with the scent of sweet candied yams piping hot and ready for consumption. Thanksgiving is always the lovely (and filling) middle point between Halloween and winter festivities. Eating delicious food is always a plus and so are the humbling thoughts of what you truly give thanks for this year, which mixed between the family and friends, is another treasure: good music. Here’s a Thanksgiving playlist that’s sure to not disappoint as you slave in the kitchen or do the opposite: lounge on the couch and watch the parade.

Gatsby's Corner: Nov. 21

Gatsby's Corner: Nov. 18

Live and Otherwise: AZ in the Spotlight

Positive reinforcement. We all crave it and we all hope to attain it. With national tidbits covering the many outraged musicians opinion on the SB 1070 immigration bill, it seemed like it was the only music-related topic major magazines and internet entities were interested in. There was scarce mention of the many local artists who work hard every week to put on great shows for their fellow Phoenicians. Other things (granted, they were important issue), were overshadowing this great quality of music. But the terrific music scene the Valley has to offer was not a ready concern of the major media consumption.

Gatsby's Corner: Nov. 17

Gatsby's Corner: Nov. 16

Gatsby's Corner: Nov. 15

Live and Otherwise: Take the Stage

There always seems to be show or two occurring somewhat in the vicinity of your house. When you are aching for something to do or to motivate you to get out on the town, live music is always a safe bet. But what happens if the only bands playing that night aren’t that spectacular or perhaps they drudge up unwanted memories of a person or embarrassing debauchery? Never fear! There are alternatives to a less than ideal concert experience. Phoenix is filled with nightly musically focused activities to amuse its city patrons. And the best part is the increased probability of finding such events near your inner sanctum. From Rockaroke to being a Rockstar DJ for 20 minutes, the alternatives will at least give you a great story to recount the following day.

Gatsby's Corner: Nov. 14

Live and Otherwise: The Promoting Team

What does it take to put on a great show? That is always the million dollar question racking many a brain. There are so many different components that fit together in that coherent and concise way great shows are made of. So who are these magicians working their magical folly of artists and venue collaborations? They are the concert promoters! Luckily, Arizona has a diverse network of independent concert promoters that work hard every year to secure that your favorite bands get their official Arizona exposure. Not only bands you recognize, but in many cases that great band that you’ve never heard of but were lucky enough to get dragged off to their show.  While this is simply a small snapshot of the promotion community in Arizona, these three companies are definitely among the best: