Phoenix favorites Andrew Jackson Jihad performing at the Monster Energy stage. All photos by Zach Lewis
by Zach Lewis
Contributing Photographer
Early March, heading in to the spring touring season, is a great time of year for live music lovers in Phoenix. Situated neatly in the crossroads of the southwest, the Valley attracts an array of national touring acts traveling down the west coast and through the desert on their way to Austin and beyond. Stateside Presents has taken note and for the last 2 years has played host to one of Phoenix’s most exciting and creative new live music events.
The 2nd annual VIVA PHX music festival took place this past Saturday in downtown Phoenix and definitely did not disappoint. Boasting a hearty dose of talent, with over 90 bands performing at 20 different venues, the one night event took on a SXSW-esque feel as festivalgoers traversed the city hoping to catch as many sets as possible. This year’s VIVA PHX offered a variety of acts and thousands turned out to see performers ranging from local heavy hitters, such as Tobie Milford and Playboy Manbaby, to seasoned pros and national headliners like Coolio and Best Coast.
Fans also enjoyed a local food truck food court, live street side lucha libre wrestling, and the chance to experience unique venues like the historic Phoenix Masonic Temple. With so many other new music festivals cropping up in Phoenix over the last few years, it’s hard to tell what the future will hold for VIVA PHX. But if Saturday night was any indication, the valley’s music community should start making plans for VIVA PHX 2016.
Tobie Milford and The Manuscripts performing at Film Bar
Live lucha libre wrestling matches
Best Coast performing at the DT Phx, Inc. stage at Cityscape
Jim Adkins performing solo at the Phoenix Masonic Temple
Flamenco por la Vida performing to a packed Grace Chapel
Food Truck Food Court at the Monroe Mercado
Bogan Via’s elaborate audio visual experience in the Phoenix Masonic Temple
Coolio, in all his glory
Fans enjoying Coolio’s set at the Monster Energy stage
Party Gardens performing in the concrete canyon of Punk Rock Alley
Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast
Fans watching Best Coast peform at the DT PHX, Inc. stage at Cityscape
So glad that I was in attendance for all this joy! It has become so memorable. So much great music and good eats! Thanks for the great photos. And I am still wearing my Viva Phoenix wristband!!!!