Tag Archives: Phoenix concert review

REVIEW: Mariah The Scientist Lights An Eternal Flame On The “Hearts Sold Separately Tour” in Phoenix (4-1-26)

PHOENIX — Mariah the Scientist brought the “Hearts Sold Separately Tour” to deliver a vocally driven, nostalgia-filled performance rooted in intimacy and connection. Joined by Akia and 4Batz, the night unfolded as a cohesive R&B experience, balancing sensual tones with moments of high energy showmanship while keeping the focus on the music and the audience.

The “Hearts Sold Separately Tour” began in January and continues through its final U.S. headline dates on April 10, with additional headline shows in Australia in May. She’ll also play Honolulu, make festival stops including Roots Picnic and Governors Ball, and appear on select dates of Kali Uchis’ “For the Girls Tour” starting in late May.

Don’t Miss It: Buy Tickets

Mariah the Scientist “Hearts Sold Separately Tour” poster in pink and green, featuring a green toy-soldier style figure with “Now Enlisting” and “Join the Fight for Love,” plus a full list of 2026 tour dates (including Phoenix, AZ on April 1, 2026) and Live Nation branding.
Mariah the Scientist “Hearts Sold Separately” tour dates – Get Tickets

Akia and 4Batz Set the Tone

Akia opened the night with a smooth and atmospheric set that leaned into a sensual R&B sound. Her performance emphasized connection and gradually drew the crowd into the night’s slower and more intentional pace.

4Batz followed with a more performance driven set, incorporating background dancers that added movement and structure to the stage. His delivery carried a dynamic presence while maintaining the same R&B foundation. His viral track “Act II: Date @ 8” stood out as a key moment and drew one of the first strong crowd reactions of the evening.

An April Fools’ Moment Kicks Off Mariah’s Set

Mariah the Scientist’s set opened with a playful April Fools’ moment, as her cousin appeared on stage lip syncing to “United Nations + A Thousand Ways to Die.” Mariah soon emerged from the side, revealing the joke with a lighthearted “April Fools’, baby,” which immediately established a sense of personality and ease that carried throughout the performance.

Audience photo of Mariah the Scientist’s cousin onstage during the April Fools’ intro of the “Hearts Sold Separately Tour” in Phoenix at Arizona Financial Theatre, performing under pink stage lighting.
Mariah the Scientist’s cousin opens the show with an April Fools’ fake-out before Mariah takes the stage in Phoenix.
Audience photo by: Jasmyne Haskie

Hearts Sold Separately Themes Come to Life on Stage

As the set moved forward, the structure of the show began to reflect the emotional themes present in her fourth studio album Hearts Sold Separately (2025). The album’s imagery, often associated with love, detachment, and emotional protection, translated visually through soft pink tones across the stage, contrasted by green elements that mirrored the toy soldier motif seen in her album artwork. Mariah and her dancers wore coordinated green outfits, subtly reinforcing the visual contrast and tying the performance back to the album’s aesthetic. 

Mariah the Scientist performs in a green toy-soldier inspired outfit on the Hearts Sold Separately Tour at Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix, framed by a soft pink stage screen and her band in the background.
Soft pink visuals and Mariah the Scientist’s coordinated green look echo the Hearts Sold Separately album aesthetic at Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix.
Audience photo by: Jasmyne Haskie

Songs like “All of Me” quickly pulled the audience in, with strong singalongs filling the venue. Rather than relying on large scale production elements, the show placed emphasis on delivery and presence, allowing each track to stand on its own. This approach gave space for the emotional weight of the music to resonate more clearly with the crowd.

Wide audience photo of Mariah the Scientist performing on the Hearts Sold Separately Tour at Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix, standing alone under purple lasers and haze while the crowd watches and records.
A wide view of Arizona Financial Theatre shows Mariah the Scientist centered and isolated onstage as the crowd sings along, underscoring the show’s intimate, vocals-first feel.
Audience photo by: Jasmyne Haskie

Throughout the set, moments of interaction helped shape the overall experience. During “Not a Love Song,” Mariah paused to acknowledge the fans, telling Phoenix, “I like the vibe,” a brief exchange that reflected the mutual energy in the room. “Beetlejuice” and “Always and Forever” became standout crowd pleasers, with fans singing along in full, creating a shared atmosphere that extended beyond the stage.

Close-up audience photo of Mariah the Scientist singing into a microphone on the Hearts Sold Separately Tour at Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix, wearing a green outfit as stage lights fan out behind her.
Mariah the Scientist holds eye contact with the crowd during an intimate stretch of her Phoenix set.
Audience photo by: Jasmyne Haskie

The pacing allowed for shifts in tone without feeling abrupt. During “Good Times,” lighting transformed the venue with colorful effects that added contrast to the otherwise minimal stage design. Smaller details, including guitarist solos and brief choreography with her dancers, added variation while keeping the focus on the music itself.

Audience photo of Mariah the Scientist singing beneath purple, green, and blue laser beams as the crowd films on phones.
Colorful lasers and spotlights reshape the room during a lighting-heavy moment on Mariah the Scientist’s Hearts Sold Separately Tour stop in Phoenix.
Audience photo by: Jasmyne Haskie

Crowd Participation Becomes the Show

As the performance progressed, participation became more pronounced. During “All I Want” and “In Pursuit,” Mariah led a call-and-response that carried into “Like You Never,” with the crowd echoing back in unison. Later, during “2 You”, she raised two fingers in the air as the intro played, a cue that the crowd picked up on instantly.

Mariah the Scientist lifts her hands toward the crowd through pink-purple haze as fans raise phones and respond from the floor.
In a haze-filled moment, Mariah the Scientist gestures to the audience and the crowd answers back, reinforcing the call-and-response energy of the set.
Audience photo by: Jasmyne Haskie

The latter portion of the set leaned into nostalgia, with songs like “Brain,” serving as a clear acknowledgement of longtime listeners, leading into one of the night’s most defining moments. Mariah paused to take requests directly from the audience. Fans called out songs, and she selected tracks like “Church” and “77,” turning the set into a more collaborative experience and reinforcing the connection that had been building throughout the night.

She closed with “Burning Blue” and “Reminders,” ending the performance on a reflective note that aligned with the themes carried throughout the set.

Mariah the Scientist performs under deep blue stage lighting as the crowd watches and records on phones.
A blue-lit wide shot captures the late-set mood as Mariah the Scientist winds down the night.
Audience photo by: Jasmyne Haskie

Mariah the Scientist’s Arizona stop on the “Hearts Sold Separately Tour” offered a performance that extended beyond a standard concert format. Through cohesive visuals, intentional pacing, and direct audience interaction, the show reflected the emotional themes of her music while creating a shared experience within the room. The result was a performance that felt immersive, personal, and grounded in both artistry and connection.

REVIEW: Sarah Brightman’s ‘A Christmas Symphony’ Enchants Phoenix with Music and Nostalgia (12-09-24)

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PHOENIX — For enthusiasts of musical theatre, the name Sarah Brightman is iconic—and for good reason. A true legend, she began her career as an incredibly influential stage actress before transitioning to a highly successful classical crossover singer—just one of many remarkable stories about her. Brightman was married to composer and impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber, who – when adapting The Phantom of the Opera – wrote the part of Christine specifically for her. She also harbors a deep affection for the Christmas season, thus the “A Christmas Symphony” tour was conceived. And on a slightly chilly evening, this awe-inspiring production was bestowed upon a Phoenix audience at Arizona Financial Theatre.

The stage was bathed in soft blue light as the orchestra settled into their positions, soon joined by a 16-member choir. Just after 7:30 p.m., the concertmaster – also known as the violin first chair – raised his bow, signaling to the conductor that they were ready. The conductor gave a flourish with his baton, and the show commenced. The evening opened with a Nutcracker classic, “Act 2 Divertissement / Trepak / Russian Dance”. As the final notes played, Brightman made her grand entrance.

Sarah Brightman
Photography:
Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved

Adorned with a crown reminiscent of Lady Liberty and a dazzling silver gown, she commanded the audience’s attention. Her glittering dress caught and refracted the erupting stage lights, casting radiant beams into the audience. Smiling warmly, Brightman began with a breathtaking rendition of “Ave Maria,” setting the tone for the evening. When the song faded and the first of many enthusiastic bursts of applause subsided, she greeted the crowd.

Sarah Brightman
Sarah Brightman
Photography:
Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved

With an air of utmost elegance and a voice of silky, unwavering propriety, she shared her love for Christmas and revealed that the evening would feature special guests. She then launched into “O Holy Night,” a poignant rendition that showcased her unparalleled vocal ability. Local child prodigy Markus Amdam Bang then joined Brightman for the angelic “Walking in the Air”.

Sarah Brightman and chorister Markus Amdam Bang
Sarah Brightman & local (Phoenix) chorister Markus Amdam Bang
Photography:
Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved

Brightman’s voice must be experienced to be fully appreciated; as she has the ability to transport the listener to faraway lands and evoke memories of bygone Christmases, warm fires, and cherished stories told by generations now gone. Her voice resonates deeply, moving the most stoic hearts, and bringing childhood back to the old and infirm. Stripped of all artifice, her voice reveals a pure and transcendent beauty.

The concert was expertly curated, weaving traditional Christmas with selections from Brightman’s discography, such as “Follow Me” from her Hymn album, and a luminous cover of ABBA’s “Arrival”. She was also joined by Jay Dref, who performed on several songs, including “Carol of the Bells” and a spectacular version of “The Phantom of the Opera.”

Sarah Brightman singing vibrantly
Sarah Brightman
Photography:
Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved

The evening also featured covers of additional artists, such as “Colder Than Winter” by the current backing and occasional lead vocalist of the Eagles, Vince Gill, and Linda Ronstadt’s “Winter Light”. As the show neared its inevitable conclusion, Brightman saved the best for last. Following the powerful “Phantom”, she sang her timeless hit “Time to Say Goodbye,” often performed with Andrea Bocelli, earning her a standing ovation. Her incomparable version of “Amazing Grace” enveloped the audience with wonder, sending chills and awakening deep emotion—bringing a tear to the eye of the greatest cynic. 

Sarah Brightman close-up
Sarah Brightman
Photography:
Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved

For the finale, Brightman chose John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” a song of protest – of both the Vietnam War and of the song “White Christmas”. After expressing her heartfelt gratitude, she bid the audience farewell, leaving the stage to yet another standing ovation.

Photo Gallery

Photographer: Katherine Amy Vega

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

REVIEW: Phoenix Lassoed in the Marquee Theatre Crowd with Their Electrifying Performance 6-13-17

TEMPE, Ariz. — Marquee Theatre was heated up by Phoenix’s electric performance on June 13th. Just four days earlier, Phoenix released their sixth studio album Ti Amo and played a few songs from it. It was an unusually cool night (well, as cool as Arizona in June can get), and everyone was lining up to enter into the venue. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as the Marquee was quickly filling up, and looked to be a nearly sold out show.

The venue seemed to be filled with mostly ages 21 and over, as many people had a drink in their hand as they watched the opening act, The Lemon Twigs, perform. The Lemon Twigs owned the stage with their vintage style and sound. Brothers Michael (Lead Vocalist/Guitarist) and Brian (Drummer/Backing Vocalist) D’Addario front the band; with Megan Zeankowski on bass, and Danny Ayala on keyboards/backing vocals. Michael D’Addario commanded the stage with his flare pants and teal shaggy hair. He did numerous high kicks into the air and had a reminiscent look and presence of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards combined. They played a song “Bay Baby”, which gave a 70s feel-good heartbreak vibe. The Lemon Twigs are about to take the music industry by storm, so make sure to check them out!

After a long anticipated wait, Phoenix walked onto stage and the crowd roared with excitement. They started with “Ti Amo”, the title-track of their newly released album Ti Amo. Next came “Lasso” which was met by a pleased crowd that cheered after hearing the first few seconds of the song.

"Thomas
Thomas Mars (Vocalist), Phoenix
Photographer: Katherine Amy Vega
© Kataklizmic Design. All Rights Reserved.

Phoenix played “Entertainment”, and were immersed in an incredible light show during parts of the song. White lights created a curtain cover and our concert photographer, Katherine Amy Vega, described it as being like a holographic effect. The lighting really complemented the electric rock sound. Strobe lights of white, red, blue and yellow filled their set. During some songs, there was a rainbow lighting effect, which may have hinted to Phoenix’s support of the LGBTQ community during Pride Month.

"Phoenix
Phoenix
Photographer: Katherine Amy Vega
© Kataklizmic Design. All Rights Reserved.

Phoenix seemed to have one of those awe-struck moments as the band paused after playing “Lisztomania”, and smiled at the crowd. During most of the set, balloons with a heart and “Ti Amo” printed on floated through the air amongst the crowd. The whole band put on an energized performance and played their part in creating a music loving atmosphere.

Christian Mazzalai (Guitarist), Phoenix - Photo Credit: Katherine Amy Vega
Christian Mazzalai (Guitarist), Phoenix
Photographer: Katherine Amy Vega
© Kataklizmic Design. All Rights Reserved.

One of the most amazing intimate moments of the show was during the encore when Thomas Mars (Lead Vocalist), climbed off the stage and came to the barricade while singing a stripped-down version of “Countdown” to the crowd as guitarist Christian Mazzalai played on stage.

Phoenix played many fan favorites including “1901” and “Fior Di Latte”. The band took over the stage and created an exhilarating atmosphere. Constant dancing, singing along, cheering and pure happiness filled the venue. It was a concert where you couldn’t help but feel joy because the band projected their happiness and love for music onto the crowd.

Laurent Brancowitz (Guitarist), Phoenix - Photo Credit: Katherine Amy Vega
Laurent Brancowitz (Guitarist), Phoenix
Photographer: Katherine Amy Vega
© Kataklizmic Design. All Rights Reserved.

To end the show, in the BEST way, Thomas Mars came off stage and joined the crowd in the final song “Ti Amo Di Piu”. He walked through the full crowd with his microphone connected to a glowing red cable that the crowd held up; and he said “Thank you!” over and over again, showing his gratitude to the loving fans. At one point he seemed to be hoisted on someone’s shoulders, possibly a fan, and said “Thank you!” again; followed by crowdsurfing back up to the stage . It was truly a moment no one will forget!

Phoenix put on an amazing performance that rocked the Marquee. Fans will definitely be awaiting the next time they come to Arizona!

Photo Album

Photographer: Katherine Amy Vega

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