SEATTLE — High Dive was host to an Emo and Pop Punk dance party called “I’m Not Okay” amidst the Emo revival that is sweeping the globe. Being named after their hit single, there is no doubt that some attendees came out to ease the pain of missing out on My Chemical Romance’s December 20th reunion concert in Los Angeles.
The animated DJ Baby Van Beezly led the night, appearing at home amongst the community — many whom were teenagers when the music spinning was new and permanently impacting them. Heard throughout the night were artists such as My Chemical Romance, Yellowcard, Blink-182, The Offspring, Panic! At the Disco, Paramore, Taking Back Sunday, Good Charlotte, The Used, Green Day, and more.
A sole band performed — MySpace Romance, who some may have assumed was strictly a My Chemical Romance cover band. Rather, they additionally covered the likes of Arizona’s very own The Format and Jimmy Eat World, along with Coheed and Cambria, The Starting Line, Fall Out Boy, Dashboard Confessional, and more. (Find the setlist in the photo gallery below.) The band had good energy and put on a delightful set for those that longed to experience these songs in live performance again.
Emo nights occur frequently nowadays, and there is certainly no shortage of them in Burning Hot Events’ home — Phoenix. The venues The Rebel Lounge, The Van Buren, and Pub Rock are some that have been host to emo nights, so keep an eye on their upcoming events. As for Seattle: “The Emo Night Tour” took place at El Corazon the same night as “I’m Not Okay”, but there is another opportunity to experience this event on February 22nd! Wherever you may be located, if you are a fan of the genre, do find an emo night nearby and experience catharsis, nostalgia, community, and the passionate energy that comes with this type of music.
PHOENIX — Reviews commonly found on Burning Hot Events cover shows of performers who are on tour and simply visiting the Valley of the Sun for a night or two. However, there is nothing more refreshing than finding a talented band right in our own backyard. Such was the situation on Saturday evening at Copper Blues Live at Desert Ridge Marketplace. Spark Jack Daddy ignited the stage, making people dance all night.
The night began with the packed-out dining area filled with football fans watching the Nebraska Huskers pummel Northern Illinois. Once the clock ran out, the massive projector screen lifted to reveal an army of musicians.
The fourteen-wide lineup included a quartet of vocalists (each singing lead and harmony), a four-piece horn section, a dueling pair of guitarist (who also sang lead/harmony vocals), a rhythm section of bass and drums, all topped off with a keyboardist and percussionists. They poured out a wide variety of hits from yesteryear and today, ensuring that the diverse crowd remained engaged for their 3-set, 35 song performance.
Folks danced in their seats, next to their tables, and sang along between sips of beer and hefty nibbles on enormous nachos and other delicious bar fare while Spark Jack Daddy gave a memorable performance.
Soulful and familiar songs permeated the room that ranged from Bruno Mars to Chicago, Stevie Wonder to Maroon 5. Additionally, attendees had the distinct pleasure of hearing an original Spark Jack Daddy song written by Burning Hot Events’ own Mark Greenawalt, who is typically behind the lens or the other kind of keyboard that contains the alphabet.
If you missed the entertaining performance, don’t fret; Spark Jack Daddy, led by singer, guitarist, and founder Marty Lucas, will be gracing the stage at the Four Peaks Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake on October 13 at 2:00pm. One thing is for certain: you’ll definitely have a good time, as Spark Jack Daddy is one of the most entertaining acts in the valley, and their wall of sound is a must-see.
