26 Jan 11th–Jan 17th, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | cultural era that’s cool on the things they love (like Fred Astaire movies, Django Reinhardt, the Andrews Sisters and Fats Waller). Spearheaded by pianist Evan Palazzo and singer/washboard player Elizabeth Bougerol (who can sing in both English and French), The Hot Sardines have a knack for winning over jazz skeptics with their energetic and playful interpretations of old standards. Notorious for improvising during every show, you’ll never hear them play the same song the same way twice. Their shared background in theater also informs their cabaret-style presentation, which leans heavily on goofy showmanship, call-and-responses with the audience and dance. 6:30 p.m., $49.50- $59.50 via mim.org. ASHLEY NAFTULE Cody Johnson Saturday, Jan. 27 Desert Diamond Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale More than a few country music purists might’ve raised an eyebrow when Cody Johnson was touted as “the next George Strait” several years ago. While those are admittedly some big cowboy boots to fill, Johnson has already crafted an impressive career. Often likened to Strait for his tradi- tional sound, heartfelt delivery and commitment to staying true to country music’s roots, the Texas-born recording artist stands out for his distinctive voice and stage presence. His rise from riding bulls on the rodeo circuit to topping charts with hit albums like 2016’s “Gotta Be Me” and 2019’s “Ain’t Nothin’ To It” not only solidifies his talents as a performer but also his heartland bona fides. Johnson is touring behind his latest album, 2023’s “Leather,” which charted highly on the Billboard 200 after its release last fall. With Justin Moore and Dillon Carmichael; 7:30 p.m., tickets are available on the secondary market. BENJAMIN LEATHERMAN Full Moon Festival: Wolf Moon Saturday, Jan. 27 Fear Farm, 6801 N. 99th Ave., Glendale If you didn’t attend Full Moon Festival’s long-awaited return last month, the popular lunar-themed event has undergone a few changes. (For starters, it’s now taking place outdoors on the grounds of Fear Farm in Glendale.) Full Moon Festival’s orga- nizers remain committed to their mission of elevating the music, art and culture scenes in Arizona. The event is still an outdoor playground filled with colorful and unique thrills, trippy visual displays, immersive environments and unique char- acters. Later this month, the festival will celebrate its seventh anniversary with a massive party inspired by January’s Wolf Moon and that’s filled with surprises and five different stages of music. The lineup will include Dirtybird artist/producer Ton Kench, hip-hop/punk act Dadadoh and the POC, indie pop band Divided Minds and the DJs of Techno Snobs. At midnight, festival organizers and attendees will attempt to set a world record for the largest simultaneous howl at the moon. 8 p.m., $30-$200 via aftontickets.com. BENJAMIN LEATHERMAN The Sonoran Dispatch: Wes Anderson Soundtrack Live Saturday, Jan. 27 The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St. When people talk about the films of Wes Anderson, his dollhouse aesthetic is usually the thing they focus on. Throughout 11 films Anderson has developed a unique style, one that weaves together aesthetic touchstones like Edward Gorey, New Yorker illustrations and 1950s cinema into brightly colored artifice. What gets talked about less often is his golden ear: the man kills it when it comes to picking great songs (from Bowie to French chanson) to soundtrack his films. This fact isn’t lost on the folks behind The Sonoran Dispatch. The 16-piece ensemble is presenting an evening of whimsical and winning music recreating selections from Wes Anderson’s films in arrangements put together by local musician and composer Dr. Christopher Norby. Costumes are encouraged. 7:30 p.m., $38 via livenation.com. ASHLEY NAFTULE The Van Buren in downtown Phoenix. (Photo by Benjamin Leatherman) Opening Acts from p 24 A scene from a previous Full Moon Festival. (Photo by Benjamin Leatherman)
