31 Aug 29th-Sept 4th, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | Sunset Point Scenic Overlook Is the Sunset Point Scenic Overlook pushing the definition of “local”? Absolutely. But you can get there (on a good day) in 40-ish minutes, and the beauty and splendor it presents is more than worth that quarter-tank of gas or whatever. There’s almost no explanation needed, and if you’ve ever gotten a chance to see a sunrise or sunset from here, then you know that there are few spots more awe-inspiring and thought-provoking. There’s so much beauty in a place like this, and it’d be nice for artists to get creative and make music in a place that brings out the zen poet in each of us. Old Phoenix Union High School Science Building The building on 550 E. Van Buren St. once belonged to the Phoenix Union High School District but is now part of the University of Arizona’s downtown medical campus. Either way, it’s hallowed school ground that demands a concert be held either in or outside of its halls of learning. It’s not about making schools cooler somehow (OK, maybe a little), but rather about blending art and history, past and present into this open and exciting expe- rience that we can all share together. Plus, those sturdy buildings are made for containing cacophonous noise and chaos. Christown Spectrum Those of us who were here in the ’90s might recall a different side of Christown Spectrum — one that had lots of giant windows and massive indoor palm trees and a distinctly ’60s vibe. While we can’t turn that place into a raucous show, the current bland, wholly sterilized look of Spectrum demands a little noise and chaos to shake things up. If no one goes to malls that much anymore, there’s no better way to make use of these spaces than sharing the joy of live music. Plus, a post-show stop at the Bamboo Asian Kitchen would be a must. Glendale’s “Circles of Time” Admittedly, “Circles of Time” isn’t as scenic or initially exciting as some possible “venues” on the list. However, there’s something novel about this art installation on the northwest corner of Myrtle and Grand avenues in downtown Glendale. It’s a quiet place where history is to be taken in slowly, and where you can reflect on the many lives that have called the West Valley home. A concert, then, would be an excellent way to honor and tap into those energies, and to make people part of that ongoing story. It’s about context and history and exploring it collectively through the magic of great art. Mystery Castle Here’s another “potential” venue that’s maybe even farther off the beaten path (but never too far in the grand scheme of the Valley). But this one may be the most Phoenix-esque spot on the entire list. This “man-made monument to enduring love” dates back to the ’40s, and is a patchwork of junk and stones. But in that, there’s some real humanity and emotion baked into every craggy rock, and it’s a place of great power. A show could honor and tap into that, and add to the legacy of how this place stands for big ideas like love, loyalty and community building. Plus, it’s a little weird, and that’s cool. David and Gladys Wright House From one slightly ramshackle abode to a home built by a true legend of archi- tecture, there’s the David & Gladys Wright House (5212 E. Exeter Blvd.). There’s everything you’d want in a private concert venue: a solid view of Camelback Mountain, a shade garden, a plunge pool and even more wondrously nostalgic midcentury vibes. It’s not just a piece of Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy but a testament to how buildings can be a nexus for art, nature and seemingly impossible geometry. Just think of the sheer levels of both cozy and cool a show from here could easily facilitate. Sahuaro Ranch Park There’s a reason this is called the “crown jewel of Glendale’s park system.” There’s the history of the old ranch buildings, rows and rows of flowers and other vege- tation and even some gorgeous peacocks strutting the grounds. It’s practically made for some avant-garde musical expe- rience, or even just something quaint and intimate like an acoustic show. Heck, there’s enough space and general natural beauty to turn this whole spot into a kind of local Coachella or something. There’s a solid blend of rustic and romantic at the ranch, and few other destinations could achieve its sheer charm. The David and Gladys Wright House is a local architectural jewel. (Photo by Alison King)
