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REVIEW: Incubus, Sublime with Rome, The Aquadolls Chill Out the Desert at Ak-Chin Pavilion (8-22-22)

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PHOENIX — Ak-Chin Pavilion wrapped up its summer concert series with Incubus, Sublime with Rome, and The Aquadolls as part of their “Summer 2022” tour. The three California bands brought a reggae-meets-alternative end-of-summer party to Phoenix, and a party it was! The kick-ass girl band The Aquadolls, plus 90’s and beyond radio favorites Sublime with Rome and Incubus brought a “chill” to the desert and a whole lot of fun for a Monday night in Arizona. 

The Aquadolls

The Aquadolls
Melissa Brooks (Vocalist, Guitarist), The Aquadolls
| Photography:
Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved

The Aquadolls emerged as Abba’s “Dancing Queen” ushered them onto the stage. Singer and lead guitarist Melissa Brooks shouted, “Who’s ready to party?” and jumped into the 2013 song “Mine” from their album Stoked on You, followed by “Our Love Will Always Remain” from the same album. 

The all-girl band of “perma-teenage mermaids” from the Orange County area were founded in 2012 by lead singer and writer Brooks, who recorded demos in her bedroom before signing with indie label Burger Records. Their current lineup includes Jacqueline Proctor on drums and Keilah Nina on bass. Their tongue-in-cheek lyrics paired with an upbeat pop sound served as a great fit for this summer tour. A psychedelic, tie-dye screen with floating palm trees and the Aquadolls logo were the perfect scene-setting backdrop for their high-energy pop-alternative music. 

The Aquadolls
Jacqueline Proctor (Drummer), The Aquadolls
| Photography:
Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved

Their seven-song setlist continued with their new single “Beachy,” which is scheduled for release on August 26th on Enci Records, and a high-energy cover of the Go-Go’s classic hit “Vacation.” Brooks gave a shout out to their crew and tour headliners: “Who’s ready for freaking Sublime? Who’s ready for freaking Incubus?!” while the exuberant crowd cheered. Next up, a catchy and fun song about obsession, “Sneaky,” followed by “Take Me Away.” Finishing out the set was a song Brooks said was about tripping out, called “Wander.” The Aquadolls made sure to take time for fans at the merch booth after their set. 

Sublime with Rome

Sublime with Rome performing in Phoenix
Sublime with Rome
| Photography:
Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved

With flashing red and blue police lights and images of riots projected behind them, stoner-music favorites Sublime with Rome kicked off their set with “April 26, 1992”. As if on cue, the arena filled with the smell of weed, with Rome Ramirez asking, “Where my stoners at?!” before sliding into the weed-friendly anthem “Smoke Two Joints.” Eric Wilson’s deep guttural basslines hit hard during “Doin’ Time” while images of lowriders were projected on the screen and the crowd sang along to the chorus, “most definitely”. Drummer Carlos Verdugo didn’t miss a beat with his huge beaming grin, and his unique bent-elbows-held-high style of drumming.

Carlos Verdugo (Drummer), Sublime with Rome
| Photography:
Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved

The band played more reggae-inspired hits next with “The Wrong Way” and “Badfish”. They also made time to pay homage to “our brothers in Katastro”. The Phoenix reggae-rock band Katastro lost their lead singer, 32-year-old Andy Chaves to a deadly car crash on May 12th on the Pacific Coast Highway in California. Sublime is no stranger to loss, and have rebuilt the band following the death of original singer Bradley Nowell to a heroin overdose in 1996. With the house lights up, a dalmatian dog joined the band onstage, in honor of “Lou Dog,” the Sublime mascot who shared the stage with the band in the 90’s.

Rome Ramirez (Vocalist, Guitarist), Sublime with Rome
| Photography:
Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved

Ramirez started “What I Got” while fans danced with their flashlights on. Their set ended with the popular “Santeria”. Sublime brought their mega-talent and chill vibe for a fun, end-of-summer show. 

Incubus

“I want my, I want my MTV…” from “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits played over the P.A. as the walk-out song for Incubus, the third California-based band of the tour. On came the lights, and frontman Brandon Boyd sang a powerful version of “Nice To Know You” to kick off a nearly two-hour set covering three decades of songs from the alternative band. Boyd spent the entire set on a chair, stating he hurt himself without elaborating how, but amused by the spinnable chair. 

Brandon Boyd of Incubus in Phoenix
Brandon Boyd (Vocalist), Incubus
| Photography:
Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved

With his shoulder-length hair and white pants, Boyd said he remembered playing Ak-Chin Pavilion years before, after traveling from California in a van when Incubus toured with Dirty Heads in the 90’s. Currently, he is touring with bandmates Mike Eiziger on guitar, Chris Kilmore on turntable, José Pasillas on drums, and Ben Kenney on bass guitar on a 27-date U.S. tour that began July 24th and wraps up September 3rd. 

Chris Kilmore (DJ), Incubus
| Photography:
Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved

Next up was “Circles,” matching the track sequence from Morning View. Afterward, the house lights came on and Boyd asked for the crowd’s help as the band performed “Wish You Were Here”. A powerful version of “Anna Molly” blew the crowd away, followed by an amazing, extended version of “Just a Phase” with a little of The Doors “Riders on the Storm” injected into the middle.

Brandon Boyd of Incubus in Phoenix
Brandon Boyd (Vocalist), Incubus
| Photography:
Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved

Their 16-song set was full of both radio hits and deep cuts from their 30-year history, like Make Yourself’s “Stellar” and “Pardon Me”, “Sick Sad Little World” from A Crow Left of the Murder, 2020’s apropos “Karma, Come Back” from Trust Fall (Side B), “Vitamin” (barely placating S.C.I.E.N.C.E. fans) and more. During “Mexico” the injured Boyd placed his arm around guitarist Eiziger’s shoulder in a sort of seated side-hug and sang the “ooo”s of the song’s bridge in a beautiful bromance moment.

Mike Eiziger (Guitarist), Incubus
| Photography:
Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved

When Incubus said goodnight, fans naturally were not having it. With cell phone flashlights beaming, the fans cheered for more, and the band returned to the stage. They closed out the night with “Warning” and “Drive.” What a way to end the summer – three hella chill bands bringing Cali-style fun and cool vibes to the desert!

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Photo Galleries

Photographer: Katherine Amy Vega

View Separately:
Shaggy | TLC | En Vogue | Sean Kingston | Nyce Hitz

Incubus* | Sublime with Rome* | The Aquadolls*

*Includes a few additional photos

Incubus, Sublime with Rome, The Aquadolls – Ak-Chin Pavilion 8-22-22

Photography © Katherine Amy Vega, Kataklizmic Design
All Rights Reserved.

The Aquadolls Tour with Incubus and Sublime With Rome Kicks Off July 24

So Cal all-female rock trio The Aquadolls will be on the road with Incubus and Sublime With Rome from July 24 through September 3rd. See dates below.

Watch for new music coming soon. In the meantime, the band’s latest single titled “Help (I’m Falling 4U and I Can’t Get Up)” is out now.

Stream the single here, and stream the video here.

Frontwoman Melissa Brooks says, “This song tells the story of falling for someone and starting to obsess over them. It’s about imagining all of the things we could do together, both romantic and twisted, showing the darker sides of having a crush and longing for more to come from it.

Produced by Fat Mike of NOFX and Jon Graber, this song is a sultry slow jam compiled of surfy guitar with a heavy kick drum, hitting our heart strings with every chord.”

“Help (I’m Falling 4U and I Can’t Get Up)” follows on the heels of the trio’s recently national co-headline tour with Republic Records’ Sitting On Stacy, and their recent appearance at Ventura, CA’s Surf Rodeo.

Already a festival favorite, having performed for the masses at Lollapalooza, Ohana Fest, and Beachlife Festival, The Aquadolls will again grace the stage at Austin City Limits Festival this October.

The 3-piece has just finished recording a new LP that is scheduled to be released soon on Enci Records.

Aquadolls Tour Incubus Sublime with Rome 2022

Incubus / Sublime With Rome / The Aquadolls Tour Dates

  • Sunday, July 24 West Palm Beach, FL iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
  • Tuesday, July 26 Jacksonville, FL Daily’s Place
  • Wednesday, July 27 Atlanta, GA Lakewood Amphitheatre
  • Friday, July 29 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion
  • Saturday, July 30 Doswell, VA AfterHours Concerts at The Meadow Event Park
  • Sunday, July 31 Wantagh, NY Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
  • Tuesday, Aug 02 Syracuse, NY St. Joseph’s Heath Amphitheater at Lakeview
  • Wednesday, Aug 03 Mansfield, MA Xfinity Center
  • Friday, Aug 05 Camden, NJ Waterfront Music Pavilion
  • Saturday, Aug 06 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
  • Sunday, Aug 07 Bangor, ME Maine Savings Amphitheater
  • Tuesday, Aug 09 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center
  • Wednesday, Aug 10 Clarkston, MI Pine Knob Music Theatre
  • Friday, Aug 12 Bonner Springs, KS Azura Amphitheater
  • Saturday, Aug 13 Maryland Heights, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis
  • Sunday, Aug 14 Tinley Park, IL Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago
  • Tuesday, Aug 16 Rogers, AR Walmart AMP
  • Wednesday, Aug 17 Dallas, TX Dos Equis Pavilion
  • Friday, Aug 19 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
  • Saturday, Aug 20 Austin, TX Germania Insurance Amphitheater
  • Monday, Aug 22 Phoenix, AZ Ak-Chin Pavilion
  • Wednesday, Aug 24 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre
  • Friday, Aug 26 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
  • Saturday, Aug 27 Irvine, CA FivePoint Amphitheatre
  • Sunday Aug 28 Chula Vista, CA North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
  • Tuesday, Aug 30 Reno, NV Grand Sierra Resort and Casino (Grand Theatre)
  • Thursday, Sept 01 Ridgefield, WA RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
  • Saturday, Sept 03 Bend, OR Hayden Homes Amphitheater

About The Aquadolls

The Aquadolls was formed in La Mirada, CA in January 2012 by lead singer and songwriter Melissa Brooks, who began recording bedroom demos of her songs. She eventually released the album We Are Free in early 2013, followed by the LP Stoked on You in December 2014. After a brief break from releases, the stars aligned in July 2018, and the new era of The Aquadolls commenced with Jacqueline Proctor on drums and Keilah Nina on bass. The band grew as a powerful threesome leading up to the release of The Aquadolls’ highly anticipated second album, The Dream and the Deception, recorded and self-produced by Brooks and self-released October 28, 2018, on Aqua Babe Records.

Following their sophomore album, the trio self-released the single “Suck on This” in summer 2019, followed by their 2020 viral cover of Lash’s “Take Me Away” (a track made famous via its inclusion in the 2003 Lindsay Lohan-starring Disney film ‘Freaky Friday’).

After signing with Enci Records and releasing a trio of singles (including the track “Cry Baby” which hit the top 10 Alternative Specialty Charts), The Aquadolls, whose sound mixes indie, punk, surf rock, and vintage bubblegum girl-group swagger, went on to garner praise from the likes of Spin, Paste, Alternative Press, New Noise Magazine and many more.

The Aquadolls Acclaim

“Coming from the suburbs of Los Angeles, the Aquadolls are punk pioneers in the broadest sense. They ooze eclecticism, stacking elements of indie– and surf-rock on top of a distinctly pop-punk foundation. While their sound might not exist at a comfortable spot for genre purists, fans of sonic experimentation will surely find their versatility entrancing.”- Alternative Press

“… exudes an undeniable attitude…”- New Noise Magazine

“The Aquadolls exude a positively energetic, and powerfully confident vibe. A mix of influences and life experiences between this trio, makes for their inspiringly eclectic, powerful punk rock n roll music.”- Wall Of Sound

“If there was a missing link between 60s girl groups, California surf-pop, 90s skater rock and Taylor Swift’s assertive pop-sassiness it might be this lo-fi band helmed by singer-guitarist Melissa Brooks from Southern California.”New Zealand Herald

“In line with other historical all-female bands such as Bikini Kill.”- The BC Heights

“If you were looking for a new mood-booster, this is it.”Riff Magazine

“The Aquadolls are a So-Cal trio primed to blast off. Featuring surf-rock vibes alongside pop-punk vocals, these witty women excel at blending genres and garnering attention they rightfully deserve.”Idobi Radio

“…fuzzy surf-psych-grunge pop from Southern California with an ebullient sing-a-long vibe.things are on the up-and-up for this cool crew.”*Oh My Rockness*

“The Southern California band effortlessly pours out infectious shoegazey bops, earnest headbangers, cosmic surf-punk ballads, and electrified power-pop anthems. Despite the sheer range of styles and genres reflected in their music, there’s a real cohesion to The Aquadolls’ addicting combination of sharp edges and even keel. No matter what vibe a given song has, it’s clear The Aquadolls are putting everything they have into the music they’re making.”Hard Noise

“This is a rock band composed of womxn unafraid to unhinge their music from easy listening, a powerfulness laced with irony and sarcasm and sweltering feeling in all of their songs.”Lithium Magazine

“The group has continued to push themselves creatively in new directions with each release.”All The Alt Things

“The Aquadolls have managed to piece together an anthem-in-waiting. Powered by woozy chords and a hazy soundscape set atop delicate but resonating vocals, ‘Disappearing Girl’ feels as though it’s been delivered to us fresh from (a) distant dream. Fingers crossed that world domination is part of their plan.”Blunt Mag

“A shimmering piece of indie rock, “Disappearing Girl” is built on fizzling layers of percussions as The Aquadolls toy with the raw elements garage and chest-swelling air of dream rock.”Aupium

“A punk rock power ballad doesn’t sound like it could be possible, but The Aquadolls somehow pull off the impossible.”If It’s Too Loud

“…energetic and infectious. They’re better than caffeine.”Illinois Entertainer

The Aquadolls online:




Grammy-Nominated, Multi-Platinum Selling Band Incubus Announce Summer 2020 North American Tour With 311

Today, multi-platinum selling band Incubus has announced they will be hitting the road this summer on their upcoming North American amphitheater tour. Produced by Live Nation, the tour will kick off July 15 in Auburn, WA and will travel to 35+ cities across the country before concluding September 5 in Noblesville, IN. The Grammy-nominated band will be joined on the trek by alternative rock stalwarts 311, who are celebrating their 30th Anniversary in 2020 (and will play all 50 U.S. States over the year) and Badflower, who recently had two #1 songs at Rock Radio. This summer marks the first time in 20 years that Incubus and 311 have toured together. The band also announced the release of their highly anticipated new EP, Trust Fall (Side B), in April 2020. Pre-save the EP HERE.

Tickets On Sale To The General Public Starting February 7 At LiveNation.com

Incubus 2020 Tour Poster
Click to Enlarge

Fans can gain first access to the artist presale beginning tomorrow, February 5 at 10am local through Thursday, February 6 at 10pm local. Tickets for the tour will go on sale to the general public starting Friday, February 7 at 10am local time HERE. Pre-order the new EP, Trust Fall (Side B), with your ticket purchase and receive the new music directly to your email inbox the day it comes out in April 2020. Until then, you can listen to the new single, “Our LoveHERE.

Please note: EP price includes all applicable taxes and fees. Download instructions will be sent via email on release date (4/17/2020). Orders placed after the release date will receive download instructions within 1-3 business days after purchase.

Meet & Greet Upgrade

Incubus

Fans can also upgrade their tickets to include a meet & greet with Incubus, invitation to the Incubus pre-show jam session, option to watch the entire Incubus set from the side of the stage, and more. Visit HERE for more information. Fans can also purchase 311 VIP Packages starting Wednesday, February 5 at 10am local HERE, which include a chance to meet the band and/or watch 311 from side-stage. A complete list of tour dates can be found below.

Incubus’ upcoming EP release, Trust Fall (Side B), will include their recently released single “Our Love” – Listen HERE. On the track, the band lock into an irresistible intergalactic groove, orbiting a funky bass line and percussive bounce. Sinewy and spacey guitar gives way to wistful acoustic strumming. Frontman Brandon Boyd’s voice lifts off on a hypnotic chant before a searing solo. Meanwhile, the visual transports the musicians to a new galaxy altogether. After crash landing on a remote planet, Boyd connects with his bandmates. They jam in a psychedelic desert underneath a bright sun before slipping into a wonderland populated by mushrooms with a Fungus Amongus flare. Watch the song’s music video HERE.

The EP will also include last year’s “Into The Summer,” which clocked upwards of 1 million views on the official music video as it attracted critical acclaim. Not to mention, they performed it live on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. In addition to features from Billboard and KERRANG!, who raved that the track has “got a great chorus, and the guitar work has a spacey Ratatat-ish vibe,Forbes noted, “Incubus have grown into a true legacy act, a band that has headlined festivals and arenas around the world, that have a dedicated following that eagerly awaits each new song, like “Into The Summer” and that a generation of fans have grown up with.”

Incubus 2020 Tour Dates with 311 & Badflower:

DATECITYVENUE
July 15, 2020Auburn, WAWhite River Amphitheatre
July 17, 2020Concord , CAConcord Pavilion
July 18, 2020Irvine, CAFivePoint Amphitheatre (on sale beginning 11am local time)
July 19, 2020Chula Vista, CANorth Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
July 21, 2020Phoenix, AZAk-Chin Pavilion
July 22, 2020Albuquerque, NMIsleta Amphitheater
July 24, 2020Salt Lake City, UTUSANA Amphitheatre
July 25, 2020Denver, COFiddler’s Green Amphitheatre*
July 26, 2020Bonner Springs, KSProvidence Medical Center Amphitheatre*
July 28, 2020Dallas, TXDos Equis Pavilion
July 29, 2020Austin, TXGermania Insurance Amphitheater
July 30, 2020Houston, TXThe Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
August 1, 2020Atlanta, GACellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood
August 2, 2020Tampa, FLMIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
August 4, 2020West Palm Beach, FLiTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
August 6, 2020Charlotte, NCPNC Music Pavilion
August 7, 2020Bristow, VAJiffy Lube Live
August 8, 2020Virginia Beach, VAVeterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
August 11, 2020Saratoga Springs, NYSaratoga Performing Arts Center
August 12, 2020Holmdel, NJPNC Bank Arts Center
August 14, 2020Mansfield, MAXfinity Center
August 15, 2020Hartford, CTXFINITY Theatre
August 16, 2020Gilford, NHBank of New Hampshire Pavilion
August 18, 2020Burgettstown, PAS&T Bank Music Park
August 19, 2020Darien Center, NYDarien Lake Amphitheater
August 21, 2020Syracuse, NYSt. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
August 22, 2020Wantagh, NYNorthwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
August 23, 2020Camden, NJBB&T Pavilion
August 26, 2020Cleveland, OHBlossom Music Center
August 28, 2020Tinley Park, ILHollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago
August 29, 2020Clarkston, MIDTE Energy Music Theatre
August 30, 2020Cincinnati, OHRiverbend Music Center
September 1, 2020Maryland Heights, MOHollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis
September 2, 2020Rogers, ARWalmart AMP (on sale beginning 1pm local time)
September 4, 2020Nashville, TNBridgestone Arena
September 5, 2020Noblesville, INRuoff Music Center

*not a Live Nation date

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About Incubus:

Since first coming together in 1991, IncubusBrandon Boyd (Vocal), Mike Einziger (Guitar), Jose Pasillas II (Drums), Chris Kilmore (Keyboard/DJ) and Ben Kenney (Bass) – have consistently elevated themselves and alternative music to new creative heights. The California band’s sales eclipse 23 million albums worldwide to date with multi-platinum and platinum certifications from around the globe.

Most recently, 2017’s 8 bowed at #4 on the Billboard Top 200, marking their fifth consecutive Top 5 debut on the respective chart. 2019 saw them celebrate the 20th anniversary of their triple-platinum classic, Make Yourself, with a sold-out tour. Additionally, they maintain their status as a streaming phenomenon, averaging 4.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify and clocking over 1 billion-plus streams. They continue their next chapter in partnership with ADA Worldwide, plotting more music for 2020.


About 311:

311 was formed in 1990 in Omaha, Nebraska by singer/guitarist Nick Hexum, singer SA Martinez, guitarist Tim Mahoney, drummer Chad Sexton and bassist P-Nut. The band now resides in Southern California. 311 mix rock, rap, reggae and funk into their own unique hybrid sound – and have developed a reputation as one of the most entertaining & dynamic live bands in the U.S.

2020 will mark 21 consecutive summers for 311 to headline the US. 311 plan to play all 50 U.S. States in 2020 in celebration of their 30th Anniversary. 311’s celebratory live shows & incessant touring schedule have earned them a massive grassroots following nationwide.

311 have so far released 13 studio albums, selling over nine million albums in the U.S. alone. 10 consecutive albums reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts and they’ve had nine Top 10 radio hits, including three #1’s. Their list of hits includes “Down,” “All Mixed Up,” “Amber,” “Love Song,” “Come Original,” “Beautiful Disaster,” “Don’t Tread on Me,” “Hey You” and “Sunset in July.” 311’s feature film ENLARGED TO SHOW DETAIL 3 was screened in 240 cinemas nationwide March 11, 2019. More 311 info via their official website.


Incubus Online:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Featured photo (top) by Julian Schratter

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REVIEW: Incubus, Jimmy Eat World, and Judah & The Lion Blow Away Ak-Chin Pavilion 8-12-17


PHOENIX — It was a hot and humid evening on August 12th as the lines of cars slowly filled the parking lot of Ak-Chin Pavilion in Phoenix. Incubus was headlining the night’s show with special guests Jimmy Eat World.

Opening act Judah & The Lion was on stage first to warm up the crowd and promote their recent Folk Hop ‘N Roll Deluxe LP, released earlier this year on St. Patrick’s day. The Nashville-based band brought their own unique brand of genre-bending grooves to the valley before heading to Los Angeles for a show at the Hollywood Bowl on August 14th. Frontman Judah Akers is high energy, even running through the audience at one point and doling out high fives to the amused delight of concertgoers. This band definitely did their job setting the mood for the rest of the evening.

At approximately 7:42 PM, Jimmy Eat World took the stage to an uproar of applause as the lights lit up a sea of faces throughout the Pavilion with “Sure and Certain” as their opening song, followed by the title track of their 2001 album Bleed American. As the sun disappeared over the horizon, the purple clouds in the distance began to take a darker hue, with quick flashes of lightning bursts illuminating sky. This would foreshadow what would come later in the evening.

For the time being, everyone was worry-free and soaking up the nostalgia of seeing this amazing band again. It was even more special for the folks in attendance because Jimmy Eat World are one of the few mainstream bands from Arizona. Formed in Mesa back in 1993, the band has been a source of inspiration for many Arizona musicians for nearly two and a half decades. There are most likely a lot of people in the audience that saw them live in one of the famed and now closed Arizona music venues from the 90’s heyday before the band made it big. So many couples are singing along and embracing with the lyrics, “Sure and certain, wander ‘til we’re old”.

Lead vocalist and guitarist Jim Adkins eventually addresses the audience admitting “We’ve actually never played here before,” later adding, “It means a lot for us to be here playing music for you tonight”.

This was surprising news to many because the venue has been a staple for live music for the last 27 years. How could they not have played the pavilion before? When it had originally opened to the public in 1990 it was the Desert Sky Pavilion. In 1996 the name was changed to the Blockbuster Desert Sky Pavilion until 2001 when it was renamed the Cricket Pavilion, which it remained… Until it was again rebranded as the Cricket Wireless Pavilion. In 2010 it was renamed yet again as Ashley Furniture HomeStore Pavilion for 3 years until things came full circle and it once again retained the name Desert Sky Pavilion. That was short lived as the Ak-Chin Indian Community purchased the naming rights later that year and it has remained Ak-Chin Pavilion ever since.

There was a chilling performance of “Pass the Baby”, and the people swayed like blades of grass in a summer’s wind, back and forth to the beat. An entire field of people moving their bodies and mouths to the lyrics, reflecting the light off of their faces, brought to mind the sharpness of the lyrics as the wind stirred palms in the distance beneath a tapestry of ever-changing clouds growing more and more menacing. A little later. the mood lightens and the versatility of the evening begins to betray the current mood with an about-face.

I’m gonna need a lot of help with this one. Get those lights out!

As fans activated their cell phone flashlights, the entire of the pavilion transformed into a sea of dotted illumination reminiscent of stars dancing in the night sky. “Hear You Me” trickled out of the sound system for a beautiful performance that many there will not soon forget.

Shortly afterward, Jim sang, “If you’re listening…

His Fender Telecaster began to sing the beginning riff of “Sweetness”, and it was evident how many people were immediately transported to another place in time. They’re bobbing their heads stuffing laundry into dryclean safe bags at Delia’s cleaners. They’re skating to station 13 at Sonic Drive-Thru. A girl is scanning Eddie Bauer jackets at Target overnight for inventory while mouthing the words. The guy at the front counter is stocking parts at Autozone. The aforementioned couple is at prom again. A few of them are crying. This was a time when they were happiest. Back when mom and dad were still alive and all they had to worry about was homework. They’re all conscious that the year is 2017… But they’re all in another time. Some are in 2001. Some 2003. Some in 2005.

What’s refreshing is that there were also teenagers in the audience, all that same age as the older crowd when these beloved songs were released. This music has somehow transcended time as these few but long years have passed.

“The Middle” ended Jimmy’s set. Once again, the mood was notched up to a positive crescendo.

Incubus hit the stage after a lengthy intermission and wasted no time getting started. Amongst rolling thunder, Brandon Boyd asked, “So how you guys doin’?!

The audience is echoing a cacophony of applause as Incubus opens with “Quicksand”, executing masterful precision. That would end up being a theme for the evening between the three bands. With the exception of Judah And The Lion, Jimmy Eat World and Incubus are veterans in their own right. This is one of thousands of shows these bands have played and their abilities haven’t diminished in the slightest after twenty plus years of touring year in and year out. Each and every song sounds studio- quality, with the perfect charm of the inequitous distribution of sound in a live setting. Everything sounds fresh, which is a true indication of each band’s maturity, and an excellent high water mark to distinguish their respective careers.

When the beginning of “I Wish You Were Here” began, people got quiet. It seemed like everyone within a mile radius is singing along loudly to the lyrics. Once again, the phones were out and that same illusion of stars dancing across the seats was visible, to the delight of observers. As they wrapped this song up, they closed it out with the intro Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here”, to the same lyrical zealousness of the few who knew the lyrics.

The clouds got closer and were nearly directly overhead when Incubus began “Stellar”, which elicited audible reactions of delight. Brandon Boyd is flawless in his recitation. At 41 years of age, he’s still very much an attractive man as well as a fantastic vocalist, but now with the age and wisdom of a distinguished older gentleman. Co-founder Mike Einzeiger is still ever the lead guitar slinger, hitting every melodic scale and harmonic with deft accuracy. The original drummer Jose Pasillas nailed the beats with the impeccable timing of a metronome. It would be criminal to discount the beautiful bounce of Ben Kenney’s bass, and the power of DJ Kilmore’s scratch. On this night they were in rare form as a unit and in tight unison. By the time they played “Drive”, there was a definite shift in the atmosphere.

The wind was now slightly oppressive and cups are blowing across the isles. The good vibes were still there but the weather really began to become more pronounced. The sprinkling began with “Pantomime”, to the dismay of the audience, and just as the band was finishing up “Sick Sad Little World” it began to pour significantly. It actually came in sideways toward the stage. As the song concluded, Boyd remarked nervously “We’ll be right back guys, I promise… We’ll be back”, as they exited view. Moments later a promoter or employee with the pavilion appears and explains that they’ll do everything they can while staff cover the electrical equipment from the elements. “We’re here for your safety.

Giant thunderbolt and lightning (very very frightening). The crowd went wild and cheered with the revelry of a rebel yell. Masses poured out of the grass and into the stands for cover. Many beneath the ramada begin sprinting for the gates. By all appearances it looked as though this show was over. The parking lot was in shambles. Cars were scrambling toward the exit. The stack turning left at 83rd ave and Monte Vista began to congest as the downpour continued onto the policemen stopping traffic in opposite ways to assist those fleeing the venue.

…But Boyd kept good on his promise.

When the rainfall began to calm, Incubus DID come back with “Nice To Know You” and finished the show with “Warning” to close out the evening for good. Any other band could have ended the concert right then and there when conditions became dangerous and half the audience left. They must have done it just for those few fans that stayed. It was truly a rare sign of integrity to match the humbleness of Jimmy Eat World; both bands being the measure of ethics and class to the very fullest. It was a remarkable show; one that can be easily recounted for years to come for anyone who was fortunate enough to be there. Like a Strawberry Cheesecake Shake from Sonic.

Thank you #Phoenix that felt amazing ⚡️

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