14 Nov 24th–Nov 30th, 2022 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | music | cafe | film | culTuRe | NighT+Day | feaTuRe | NeWs | OPiNiON | feeDBacK | cONTeNTs | T he official announce- ment came in August: Downtown Phoenix was getting a new music festival, and it wasn’t going to be like anything we’ve had before. Zona Music Festival, which takes over Margaret T. Hance Park on December 3 and 4, is bringing an eclectic lineup of about 50 indie, rock, and alternative acts, many of whom are Arizona-based musi- cians. Given the festival’s creator, Stephen Chilton of Psyko Steve Presents, that’s not a surprise. Since 2000, Chilton has been one of the Valley’s most active concert promoters, helping to launch the careers of many local-turned-national acts. And now, he’s partnered with Downtown Phoenix Inc. for what he hopes is the first of many Zona festivals to come. Chilton conceived of Zona in early 2020; he was starting to do some prelimi- nary research when COVID-19 hit, which put the festival on the back burner. But after producing 8123 Fest for Tempe rockers The Maine in early 2022, it was time to pick the idea back up. “It’s something that I’ve wanted to do for a very long time,” Chilton says, adding that after 8123 Fest, Zona felt like a natural progression. “Some of [planning Zona] was modeling off what we did with 8123 Fest earlier this year and expanding on it. We had that as a little bit of a template. This is categorically very different, but that was kind of the starting place,” he adds. The headliners — Beach House, Bleachers, and Tegan and Sara on Saturday, and Portugal. The Man and Japanese Breakfast on Sunday — are well- known names in the indie music world. Other acts on the bill, including soul/ psychedelic outfit Chicano Batman, early- aughts notables Phantom Planet, and pop singer-songwriter Luna Aura have their own loyal followings. But it’s the heavy representation of local artists that make Zona so special. “Something I always want to do is include local artists wherever I can,” Chilton says. “It’s a big part of what we do.” Sydney Sprague, a local singer-song- writer who’s been touring with her band with national acts this year, says, “It’s a really big deal for us. [Phoenix has] festi- vals, but I don’t think there’s been major support for the local bands in this way before. Steve has always been a champion for all of us.” THE INAUGURAL ZONA MUSIC FESTIVAL IS ABOUT TO PUT THE PHOENIX MUSIC SCENE ON THE MAP. STAG TAKING THE BY JENNIFER GOLDBERG
