Best Tribute ALLISON ROAD AVENUE Gin Blossoms ginblossoms.com It’s hard to believe that it’s been 30 years since Gin Blossoms’ New Miserable Experience album debuted and brought the Tempe desert rock sound to the world. But here we are, and to honor the milestone and the band that’s still touring the country today, the city of Tempe announced in June that it would rename part of Eighth Street to Allison Road Avenue. (It’s a reference to “Allison Road,” the ninth track on New Miserable Experience.) The renamed portion runs from Rural Road to Una Avenue, a section of town that holds great meaning for the band. “Tempe is my home and heart forever,” lead singer Robin Wilson said in a statement in June. “My recording studio was on 8th St. inside Four Peaks Brewery for 20 years. There are no words for the intense pride I feel for this honor.” Look for the signs for Allison Road Avenue to go up in October. Amusement Park Best Adult CAROUSEL ARCADE BAR 6770 North Sunrise Boulevard, Suite G111, Glendale 623-877-9777 carouselarcadebar.com 230 This Westgate Entertainment District nightspot is like the decadent theme park of your boozy dreams where childhood thrills get a grown-up twist. The fanciful lights of the carousel- shaped bar beckon patrons inside the 5,800-square-foot establishment to play carnival-style games or high-end arcade machines while sipping fruity cocktails garnished with cotton candy. Or, they can writhe to Top 40 and hip-hop hits on a dance floor surrounded by video game-themed murals. There’s also bingo games on Mondays and beer pong tournaments on Wednesdays, both offering bar cards and other prizes. And the menu includes french fries served in miniature Ferris wheels, fair-inspired snacks like deep-fried candy bars, and overly indulgent milkshakes adorned with churros or cheesecake slices. It’s not unlike a 21-and-over version of Pinocchio’s Pleasure Island, only you might wind up with a hangover the next day instead of a set of donkey ears and a tail. Best Music Festival M3F m3ffest.com The phrase “good vibes” is frightfully overused these days. But there’s really no other way to describe the atmosphere at the annual M3F Festival (originally known as the McDowell Mountain Music Festival). Held in downtown Phoenix, the festival lineup skews heavy toward EDM, up-and-coming acts, jam bands, and indie artists (names on the 2022 bill included Spafford, Kaytranada, Leon Bridges, and Blu DeTiger). Besides the music, attendees enjoy art cars brought in by local event company Walter Productions, a vendor village selling festival necessities and other goods, and a food fair with a good cross- section of choices. (The Indonesian satay tent was a hit this year). Over two days, we saw nothing but smiles, dancing, and people having a good time. Add in the fact that all proceeds from M3F benefit local charities, and it’s undeniable that vibes coming from the festival are, indeed, immaculate. Music Tradition Best Local PHOENIX ROCK LOTTERY The talent found in the Phoenix music Overdue Honor Best Long- JUDAS PRIEST’S ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME NOD judaspriest.com It’s hard to believe, but after 53 years of melting eardrums with their music, British heavy metal outfit Judas Priest is getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame just this year, coming in under the Musical Excellence category, an award that “shall be given to artists, musicians, song- writers, and producers whose originality and influence creating music have had a dramatic impact on music,” according to the Hall of Fame’s website. Why does this matter to Arizonans? In case you weren’t aware, Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford has been a Valley resident for decades; he’s resided in Paradise Valley since 1981. Which means that when Judas Priest is officially inducted in November, it’s not just a long-overdue honor for one of the most popular metal bands of all time, it’s well-deserved recognition for one of Phoenix’s favorite adopted sons. scene can be found on stages every single night in every corner of the Valley. But for a truly impressive display of creativity, make plans to attend next year’s iteration of Phoenix Rock Lottery. Put on by local promoter Stephen Chilton’s Pskyo Steve Presents, Rock Lottery starts early on the morning of the show, when about two dozen local musicians gather to be randomly placed in five groups. Each group is then responsible for choosing a band name, and throughout the day, writing three original tunes and preparing a cover song. Later that night, each group shows off the results of their hard work at a concert whose proceeds benefit a local charity (typically Rosie’s House, which works to provide music education oppor- tunities for disadvantaged children youth). We love seeing what some of the city’s most talented musicians are able to put together in a matter of hours. Best Champion of Local Music DANI CUTLER KWSS/93.9 and 99.5 FM 623-888-6091 kwss.org You can find her on the radio on weekday mornings, interviewing local musicians and playing their latest songs on inde- pendent radio station KWSS. You’ll also spot her frequenting venues such as Crescent Ballroom and The Rebel Lounge, giving in-person support and encour- agement to the acts she sends out on the airwaves. Wherever she is, odds are good that Dani Cutler is talking up the Phoenix music scene. She’s been a DJ on KWSS for 15 years, meaning she’s a got a deeper insti- tutional knowledge of local music history than most (and by the way, that’s a volunteer gig — between her morning show and the Dani’s Diner afternoon program, she donates nearly two dozen hours of her time each week). When members of the Phoenix scene talk about its major contributors, Cutler’s name comes up quickly. And now that KWSS has added another spot on the dial (it began broadcasting on 99.5 FM in September in addition to its original 93.9 address), we’re able to tune in and hear what she has to say over a greater swath of the Valley. Best Resurrection CHARS LIVE 4631 North Seventh Avenue 602-607-5568 charslive.com When local businessman David Cameron bought the old Char’s Has the Blues in 2020, he easily could’ve demolished the aging R&B joint, replacing it with another concept altogether. He didn’t, and the venue’s legion of fans was grateful. Over the next 15 months, the 2,245-square-foot property, which dates back to 1944, was given a renovated interior, an updated name, and a new lease on life. Its infra- structure was gutted and replaced. An old nook became a roomy VIP area. And new lighting, decor elements, seating, and a 10-by-13-foot stage were added. Even with the changes, Cameron preserved as much of the old Char’s Has the Blues as possible from its 35-year run as an R&B, soul, and funk haven. Its signature parquet dance floor was left largely untouched, and many of the same musicians that played the spot over the years — including vocalist Larry Bailey and funk ensemble Kenny Brown and Bam Bam Trio — returned to the lineup once Chars LIVE reopened in February. They’re also added new artists into the mix, such as soul singer Alexis Janae and local turntablist Tricky T. “We’re innovating things slightly into a different kind of overall musical experience and still stay true to its roots,” Cameron told Phoenix New Times. Minute Save Best Last- THE LOST LEAF 914 North Fifth Street 602-258-0014 thelostleaf.org At the beginning of February, Eric and Lauren Dahl, the former owners of The Lost Leaf, made an announcement: The beloved bar and music venue would be shutting its doors in just six weeks. The pandemic — plus a rent hike — had left the couple with few choices but to let go of their longtime business. The news was a shock to the arts community. The Lost Leaf, which lives in a charming abode on Fifth Street in Roosevelt Row, is a longtime staple in the arts scene — hosting a never- ending lineup of free shows, selling local brews, and giving funk bands and experi- mental DJs an audience and a stage. The reaction was swift. At one February show, a DJ led the crowd in a chant of “Save the Leaf.” The slogan was graffitied and hashtagged for weeks — until, at last, in a truly cinematic save, local developer David Cameron announced he would buy the venue and keep its doors open. So far, The Lost Leaf has retained its familiar, quirky character, and a consistent slate of stellar artists. BEST OF PHOENIX 2022 | WWW.BESTOFPHOENIX2022.C0M | SEPTEMBER 29, 2022
