THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28
TRAD IRISH ON TAP
Eager for St. Patrick’s Day festivities? Are you a connoisseur of traditional Irish song and dance? If so, come here. No, literally, come here. Goitse (pronounced gwi-cha) is an informal Gaelic Irish greeting meaning “come here.” Rooted in the rich history of Irish music, the highly talented quintet has mastered a distinctive sound that blends the beauty of old traditional tunes with their own spirited original compositions. With an easy assurance, through lively and entertaining performances, the group has gained a great deal of respect and success among critics, fans and Irish music circles around the world. See Goitse perform live with the toe-tapping McTeggart Irish Dancers as they return to Flag at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 1601 N. San Francisco. Tickets are $17 in advance at Cedar Music and $20 at the door; children under 14 are half price. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. For more info, visit www.goitse.ie or www.livingtraditionspresentations.com.
SATURDAY, MARCH 2
HIGH COUNTRY, HIGH CLASS
Here in Flag we take great pride in being part of such a great community and inhabiting such a sexy little spot on the globe. Our culture, values and most importantly how we celebrate are unmistakable. Perhaps no event defines these qualities more so than the classiest night of the year—even if flames befall an innocent table top. Of course, we speak of the fifth annual Viola Awards Gala. Every year the much anticipated event reminds us of why our town is fantastic in just about all ways as we celebrate our great wealth of community excellence in the arts and sciences by recognizing the positive contributions set forth by artists, educators, organizations, leaders and many other inspiring folks around town. Presented by Flagstaff Cultural Partners, the 2013 Viola Awards will be held at the High Country Conference Center, 201 W. Butler, and will begin with a Viola Cocktail Hour from 5–6 p.m. followed by the Awards Ceremony from 6–9:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person, which includes a seat at the ceremony a three-course dinner, live music, silent auction, live photo booth and more! For more info, to purchase tickets, or view a list of the nominees, call 779-2300 or see www.culturalpartners.org.
FEMINAM ANIMUS VOX
Female voices can be powerfully alluring. And when it comes to singer-songwriters, there’s something special to be said about the savvy, intoxicating sound of an earthy female voice—even more so when it’s matched with candid and honest lyrics. For Myshkin and Michelle McAfee, that’s exactly the case. Stylistically, their sonic arcs rest somewhere between Feist, the gypsy-spirited and Lucinda Williams, as they weave the finer elements of Americana, folk and pop to create a series of nostalgic, captivating melodies. Together, with a strong desire to make music as one, the two Oregon-based songstresses have taken to the open road for a winter tour complete with collaborative efforts featuring great songwriting, gripping vocals and roots-inspired rhythms. Catch them at the Monte Vista Lounge, 100 N. San Francisco, with Chimney Choir and Ecology for Keyboards for a free show starting at 9 p.m. For more info, call 779-6971 or visit www.myshkinsrubywarblers.com or www.michellemcafee.com.
SUNDAY, MARCH 3
HOMEMADE BANDS MAKE THE MUSIC WORLD SPIN
Denver-based trio Chimney Choir is more than just a group of talented multi-instrumentalists looking to evoke an old-timey sound. They are an artistic oddity; a unique homemade collage of sound. Yes, they have the usual roots laced deep in the soil of Americana and folk, though, the character of their melodic folk sound hinges largely on a skillful balancing of freaky vocal interplay with computer synths, traditional acoustics and kitchen sink percussion. Original, catchy and ripe with a strangely warm and welcoming aesthetic, the three-piece implores an experimental music style that’s no doubt right at home in the elevated musical spirit and confines of Flag. Catch them at the Flagstaff Brewing Co., 16 E. Rte. 66, for a free show from 2–5 p.m. For more info, call 773-1442 or visit www.chimneychoir.com.
CREATIVITY OUT OF THIN AIR
For the many gifted minds and voices that span across Flag, northern Arizonaand throughout the state, the quest to provide creative works that best represents the unmatched culture, landscape and aesthetics that define us is never ending. Each year, NorthernArizonaUniversity’s “Thin Air Magazine” does just that: they bring us an intriguing collection of fiction, essays, poetry, memoirs, interviews and art from many of the top original voices in the Southwest. Celebrate the release of their 19th issue at the Uptown Pubhouse, 114 N. Leroux, at 4:30 p.m. as members of the magazine’s editorial staff choose select readings from this year’s issue. Copies will be available for purchase. For more info, call 773-0551 or visit www.thinairmagazine.com.
MONDAY, MARCH 4
RHYTHM DEVIL EXTRAORDINAIRE
Mickey Hart. Deadheads and music aficionados know him for his extraordinary expedition as one of the two integral drummers of the rock ‘n’ roll band Grateful Dead—effectively transcending the conventions of rock drumming. But, outside of those eclectic days he’s managed to flourish as a solo artist and as a member of his newly formed outfit, the Mickey Hart Band, which features a bevy of talented musicians including Widespread Panic bassist Dave Schools. On his latest release, Mysterium Tremendum, and first in five years, he and his band, embark on a musical excursion that explores the endless sounds of the universe. See the Mickey Hart Band with special guests the African Showboyz from Ghana at the Orpheum Theater, 15 W. Aspen. The show will feature material from the new album, some of Hart’s greatest hits and Grateful Dead songs. Tickets are $25 in advance and $28 the day of the show, plus fees. Doors for the all-ages show open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. For more info, call 556-1580 or visit www.mickeyhart.net.
TUESDAY, MARCH 5
THE FORMULA REMAINS
Dating back to the early 2000s, and especially the past few years, the hip-hop movement in Seattleand the greater Pacific Northwesthas transitioned from the back burner to become a self-perpetuating beast. One of the upper left’s freshest faces, Dark Time Sunshine, may be a relatively unheard of name, but be assured; duo MC Onry Ozzborn and beatsmith Zavala are bona fide seasoned vets. Individually, each has left a permanent mark on the underground hip-hop scene, and together, they’ve concocted a solid alternative sound where dusty breakbeats spliced with hints of electronica meet a confident flow and crafty wordplay. The duo’s most recent full-length efforts, Vessel (2010) and ANX (2012), were stunners, and proved they are on top of their game with zero signs of slowing down. Heads, be sure to check these guys out as part of the weekly hip-hop get down, the Lab at the Green Room, 15 N. Agassiz. The show is free and kicks off at 9 p.m. For more info, call 226-8669 or visit www.darktimesunshine.com.
Additional photos for this story:
Goitse plays Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Thursday.
Chimney Choir plays Flag Brew Sunday.
Michelle McAfee plays the Monte V Saturday.
Myshkin plays the Monte V Saturday,
The release of the newest issue of NAU's "Thin Air Magazine" happens Sunday at Uptown Pubhouse.
The Mickey Hart Band plays the Orpheum Monday.
The African Showboyz play the Orpheum Monday with the Mickey Hart Band.
Onry Ozzborn plays the Green Room with Zavala Tuesday.
