Live music returning to Northern Arizona nightclubs, festivals and concert series.
The sound of music and dancing is returning to Northern Arizona, although some events may have capacity limits.
Charly’s Pub and Grill in downtown Flagstaff has brought back Monday Night Blues from 6:30-9 p.m. The Roadhouse Bar and Grill in Bellemont has a blues jam every other Saturday from 1-4 p.m., with upcoming dates on May 8 and May 22.
The Northern Arizona Blues Alliance, which promotes blues concerts in Flagstaff, Prescott and the Verde Valley, will host its 1st Annual Greater Prescott Valley Blues Festival in the Prescott Valley Civic Center Amphitheater from 1-9 p.m., Saturday, May 22. The lineup includes national acts such as Kat Riggs and Jimmy Carpenter, as well as local performers Ray DeSylvester, Leon J, Dr. Bob Sellani, Christian Berry, Paul Epoch, Tommy Dukes, Darryl Poras and Sir Harrison.
Meanwhile, the Flagstaff Blues and Brews Festival plans to hold a small event June 12, at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Flagstaff.
Owners of Sidekicks Saloon in Prescott Valley and the Jersey Lilly on Whiskey Row in Prescott are thrilled to be in the process of bringing music back to normal levels.
Laura Lee Morgan, who with her husband, John, owns Sidekicks, said the community needs live music because people thrive on interaction. “It was depressing not having it,” she said. “It’s great having it back. That’s why we’re in the business.” The venue has live bands every Saturday and karaoke on Friday and Sunday nights.
Jersey Lilly Saloon owner Josh Makrauer said that although the past year has been difficult as the venue lost about 50% of its business, he is excited to be able to provide live music again six days a week.
Mortimer Farms in Dewey has scheduled its Friday Night Barn Dance and dinner from May 7 to Oct. 30, while the Highlands Center for Natural History in Prescott has scheduled its monthly concert series to begin May 28. FBN
By Stan Bindell, FBN