254 Best of phoenix 2023 | WWW.bestofphoenix2023.c0m | septemBer 28, 2023 names as Bebe Rexha, Killer Mike, Tove Lo, The Drums and Crumb. For this and every other year, The Van Buren deserves the nod as the best in town. Best Large Music Venue ARIZONA FINANCIAL THEATRE 400 W. Washington St. 602-379-2800 facebook.com/ArizonaFinancialTheatre When referring to this beloved downtown venue, it might take a minute to recall its current moniker. Now on its fourth name since opening in 2002, it has formerly been Comerica Theatre, Dodge Theatre and the Arizona Federal Theatre. Despite the multiple name changes, the downtown venue has made quality a consistent component of its operation. A top-notch place to catch touring — and some local — acts, the theater seats 5,000 attendees but main- tains an intimate vibe, great acoustics and a convenient location within walking distance of a number of the city’s best restaurants and bars. The programming is loaded with a broad mix of musical acts from different genres and come- dians, theater show, and circus performers each year. Best Stadium Venue STATE FARM STADIUM 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale 623-433-7101 statefarmstadium.com Massive events require a suitably massive venue, and State Farm Stadium in Glendale not only has the requisite space but a track record for hosting larger-than-life spectacles. Since its debut in 2006, the 64,000-person facility and home to the Arizona Cardinals has been the site of three Super Bowls, a Final Four and even a WrestleMania. But where it really shines is when superstar recording artists bring their stadium-sized concert tours to the venue. Guns ’N Roses, Garth Brooks and Kenny Chesney have all staged super-sized shows here; U2, Metallica and the Rolling Stones have each done it twice. In the last year alone, Taylor Swift kicked off her record-breaking Eras tour with two showstopping concerts in March at the stadium while Beyoncé put on a memorable (though glitchy) performance during a stop on her Renaissance tour in August. The enormous size of State Farm Stadium adds to the over-the-top atmosphere of such shows, helping them feel all the more epic for those in attendance. Best Jukebox GRACIE’S TAX BAR 711 N. Seventh Ave. 602-366-0111 graciestaxbar.com The jukebox at Gracie’s Tax Bar is a true local legend. It’s won this award already on a handful of occasions, and rightfully so. Not only is it cheap — $1 for three plays, 20 songs for $5 — but it’s filled with old- school faves in an ever-changing lineup. (At one time, you could play both Prince and Television.) What makes this jukebox a proper institution isn’t just the song choices or prices, but what it represents. Owner Grace Perry used to front the local metal outfit Landmine Marathon, and as such a jukebox isn’t just another amenity like half-off well drink specials but an integral part of the bar’s DNA. It’s like an old regular you’d see every time you walk in the door, and that glowing presence reminds you of why you’ve come here every single time. It’s the jukebox that sets the mood and tone for Gracie’s, and whatever old-school classic is playing, you can be sure that it fosters an unassuming good time with friends and neighbors alike. So when you’re there, drop in at least a $5 bill and you won’t just enjoy some tunes, but the very sound of life and art and culture coming together as one. Best Piano Bar LOW KEY PIANO BAR 501 S. Mill Ave., Suite B101, Tempe 480355-1705 lowkeypianobar.com The basement space at the corner of Fifth Street and Mill Avenue in Tempe has been a piano bar since time immemorial (or at least the last couple of decades). But Beeloe’s and The Big Bang have passed off the scene, and Low Key Piano Bar has been occupying the space for nearly a decade. If you’re not familiar with the piano bar concept, it’s where a small group of musi- cians perform covers of popular songs on the piano and other instruments. The crowd can make requests and sing along, and the whole vibe is one of pleasant banter and good cheer. It’s fun for pretty much everyone, which is why on any given evening you may see a pack of ASU students, some out-of-town businessmen and a 60th birthday party singing along to everything from Cardi B to Elton John. Just remember to tip the musicians. Best ’80s Night STACY’S @ MELROSE 4343 N. Seventh Ave. 602-264-1700 stacysatmelrose.com/ The ’80s retro nights don’t happen all the time, especially considering the number of other such nights at clubs elsewhere.
