Feeling the Beat in Phoenix- Finding Local Music Venues Downtown

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December 5, 2012 by 305groupproject

PHOENIX- As the city continues to grow as the sixth largest in the nation, the question of complete cultural development remains poignant.

It can’t be said that the city lacks culture. However, it just isn’t on par with LA or New York.

Phoenix sprawls across the desert, almost connecting to the cities around it. However, it lacks a true metropolitan atmosphere.

Sure, Phoenix boasts its own art museum, which has featured the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, Ansel Adams, Claude Monet and Henri Matisse. It has a zoo, a fashion week and one of the fastest-growing comic conventions in the nation.

What can be said about the music of the city?

Despite setbacks from the Great Recession, the Phoenix music scene has managed to succeed in self preservation. The Ashley Furniture HomeStore Pavilion and Comerica Theater draw headlining artists such as Motley Crue, Kiss, Drake, Iron Maiden, Nickelback, Barry Manilow, Sarah Brightman and Sigur Ros.

However, there’s more to the Downtown music scene than corporate creations.

Enter the Crescent Ballroom and the Trunkspace, two locally-owned music venues in Downtown Phoenix that have an influence all their own.

The Crescent Ballroom caters to crowds of 300-550 people, and boasts two bars and a small restaurant, Cocina 10. Acts such as the rock and roll outfit Foxy Shazam, the indie band Grouplove and the electronica group STRFKR have passed through Crescent in recent months, contributing to its local popularity.

Sean Gadd of Grouplove, performing at the Crescent Ballroom, November 15, 2012. Photo provided courtesy of Nathalie Paige Keatinge-Lopez.

In the beginning of October, community college student Laura Mohr, 20, attended the Wombats concert at the Crescent Ballroom and said via email that her experience was excellent.

“I would definitely go there again, mainly because it wasn’t an ‘over done’ and super popular venue,” Mohr said. “It was off of a side street, but still attracted a good crowd- that way I didn’t feel [that] I sold out going there.”

Hannah Hooper and Andrew Wessen of Grouplove, performing at the Crescent Ballroom, November 15, 2012. Photo provided courtesy of Nathalie Paige Keatinge-Lopez.

This venue is unique in its hospitality. The security guys are very pleasant! Concert experiences are made more enjoyable by bouncers who are both peaceful and polite while they maintain order. Crescent also provides concert-goers with free ice water for refreshment, even though it caters to large crowds.

However, if you prefer a smaller-scale environment, perhaps you should visit The Trunk Space. The venue attracts mainly local acts, such as Andrew Jackson Jihad, Michelle Blades and Fathers Day.

Located just a few blocks away from the heart of Downtown Phoenix, The Trunk Space provides locals with a more intimate environment. You can chat with the barista at their small cafe, browse through used records, buy local band merchandise or view the work of featured artists.

Arizona State University student, Connor Descheemaker, 20, is a frequent attendee at the venue’s many shows.

“It has fit over 100 [people], but feels crowded at about 50,” Descheemaker said about the 1100 square feet of the venue.

If you want to see the young, culture-thirsty life of Phoenix firsthand, this is the place to go. The Trunk Space provides a feeling of closeness and connection with the artists as they take the stage. It also attracts more eccentric patrons- overalls, mismatched clothing and a lack of brassieres are all abundant.

No matter which venue you choose to visit, you’re sure to create a memorable experience.

Good luck!