256 Best of phoenix 2023 | WWW.bestofphoenix2023.c0m | septemBer 28, 2023 But they’re extra special at Stacy’s @ Melrose — and not just because they’ve always got some decent music choices. No, what makes these themed events, and really any other such festive outings, so effective is that Stacy’s itself is so steeped in history that it exudes that mix of nostalgia and connection to the past in a way that other clubs could never fully muster. That rich sense of history is adorned across every part of Stacy’s, from the unabashedly Gothic design choices (true style and coolness will never fade) to the line of signature cocktails (having both a caipirinha and basically a Long Island iced tea on the menu just screams “deeply ’80s” in the best way possible). It’s an attitude and a commitment to this long-standing community that informs the kind of joy and celebration that might be delightfully kitschy but will also never truly go out of style. Plus, where else can you sing Madonna karaoke and have it be fully appreciated as a proper art form? Best Local-Centric Venue THE TRUNK SPACE 1124 N. Third St. thetrunkspace.com It’s hard to decide what’s most important and charming about The Trunk Space. It could be that it’s been a part of the local landscape for so many years, and as such has helped define the arts scene in downtown Phoenix. Or, that it’s a haven for truly weird and progressive music both from our own city and from touring artists seeking a place to show off. It may also be that it’s housed in Grace Lutheran Church, which adds a certain endearing charm and significance to the already weird space. But one of the biggest reasons it’s so important to this city, and to the very fabric of local arts and culture, is the people. Trunk Space is run entirely by a board of dedicated volunteers, and they work together with meager budgets to book the best events and lineups possible. In that way, you can meet and engage one-on-one with the people who are working tirelessly to both entertain the masses while uplifting our city as a haven for deeply important music and performance art. There’s lots of charm and heart across the foundation of The Trunk Space, but it’s the people who remind us of why this venue will always matter. Best Blues Venue THE RHYTHM ROOM 1019 E. Indian School Road 602-612-4981 rhythmroom.com The Rhythm Room has been the first and last word in blues music in Phoenix for much of its 32-year history. Open since 1991, it’s become a local institution and Valley treasure to aficionados of the genre. A nonstop parade of blues and R&B greats have graced the joint over the decades, from world-renowned artists like the late Bo Diddley and R.L. Burnside to local legends like Hans Olson and Bill Tarsha. Admittedly, the setup hasn’t changed much at the no-frills venue, as longtime owner Bob Corritore, a veteran harmonica player and host of KJZZ’s “Those Lowdown Blues,” has kept things straightforward with a stage, seating area, bar, dance floor and not much else. The focus has always been on the music and the people playing it, Corritore tells Phoenix New Times. As singer-song- writer Whitey Morgan, who performed at The Rhythm Room in 2015, once sang, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” We certainly wouldn’t and neither would any of The Rhythm Room’s regulars. Best Place to See a Punk Show YUCCA TAP ROOM 29 W. Southern Ave., Tempe 480-967-4777 yuccatap.com The DIY dive bar concept has been done to death. Still, Yucca Tap Room has flour- ished for perpetuating that model with ample heart and a little twist. On the surface, it’s an average-sized bar run by great people slinging a bevy of beers and cocktails. But there’s something about the spacing of the bar in relation to the stage that readily transforms most concerts into sweat-soaked extravaganzas from the tiniest basement imaginable. (Which means when you’re done rocking out atop your friends and neighbors, enjoy a little leg room at the rest of the bar.) By fostering that specific mood or aesthetic, the venue’s become a haven for punk fans. Nearly every local band and regional act have made their way to Yucca, and that deep reputation and sense of history is infused into the very walls. It’s why you know whatever the day and whichever band is headlining, it’s going to be some act with heart-on-their sleeve authenticity and
