VIVA PHX is like the city's own version of a national music festival, except the shows are scattered across downtown Phoenix venues, and it features a hefty local lineup with more than 50 bands.
Headlining is The Neighbourhood, best known for the song "Sweater Weather." Pinback, Z-Trip, Yacht, Blackalicious, Murs, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Nite Jewel and Kitten will also be performing along with many others.
The genres of the bands that will be playing vary from garage rock to electronic. There will be DJs, singer/songwriters, soul, folk, rock and jazz music playing all night.
VIVA PHX is sponsored by Stateside Presents, New Times, Blue Ribbon Beer and Pinnacle Vodka, among others.
Alyssa Lesto, a Stateside Presents representative, said they brought in many different music genres to try and “bring everyone together.”
Lesto also said that food trucks will be located on Monroe Street, and some surrounding coffee shops will still be open during the event.
Communication freshman Torrey Christensen said even though she doesn’t know all the bands, she will be attending the event.
“I’m pumped the tickets are so cheap,” Christensen said. “Why not go?”
The headlining bands, which include The Neighbourhood and The Technicolors, are playing at the Central Ave Stage at CityScape. This is one of the all-ages venues.
Elementary education freshman Andrea Vidal said she is most excited to see The Neighbourhood.
“It’s going to be interesting to see the people show up because of how many different types of bands will be performing,” Vidal said.
However, not all of the 15 venues permit all ages. Barsmith, Rooftop, Crescent Ballroom, Film Bar and Last Exit Live are 21 plus.
Crescent Ballroom is selling tickets for $20, and vivaphx.com is selling them for just $1 less. Tickets can be printed at home, emailed to a mobile phone, or sent to wait at will call — all for free. Tickets can also be shipped via UPS 2nd Day Air for $16.95 and arrive within two business days of the shipping date.
If you choose to pick up your ticket at will call, be sure to go to the will call window of downtown Phoenix on the day of the event. Make sure to bring a photo ID and the credit card you used to purchase your ticket.
Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the show begins one hour later.
Be sure to wear some comfortable shoes, as bands will be playing past 1 a.m.
In addition, the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel is offering a special rate for the night of March 7. Festival attendees can stay there for $149 that night. The hotel is located at 50 East Adams Street.
If you’re unsure about who some of the performing artists are, go to vivaphx.com. On the schedule link, you can click the band name to hear some of their tunes. Next to the band name, is where each band originated.
The music festival is for one night only in downtown Phoenix. VIVA PHX is the place to be on the night of Friday, March 7.
Reach the reporter at danielle.kernkamp@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @danikernkamp
