Styx set to bring classic rock favorites to Phonenix and Rancho Mirage

Who: Styx

Where: Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, AZ on Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 26 and 27; Agua Caliente Casino Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, CA on Saturday, March 1

Learn more: styxworld.com.

 

Styx is currently on tour, with upcoming dates set for California and Arizona.
From left, Todd Sucherman, Lawrence Gowan, Chuck Panozzo, James "JY"
Young, Tommy Shaw, Terry Gowan and Will Evankovich.
Photo credit: Jason Powell

Styx is one of the great classic rock bands that continues to inspire audiences with powerful live performances and via compelling new studio albums — notably 2017's The Mission and 2021's Crash of the Crown.

Back in October 2024, Styx singer-keyboardist Lawrence Gowan chatted with me about the band's continuing success and connection with their dedicated audience.

"It's very evident and authentic when you see how much we love what we do," said Gowan, noting rock music is the "greatest form of entertainment I've come across."

"It's a thing that bonds us as people. As you get older you get to appreciate what a fantastic experience it is. Now it comes down to enjoying the moment. Look, it's a band of extroverts; we have no qualms about expressing how good we feel."

Styx has a slew of upcoming concert dates in Arizona, Washington, Oregon and California over the next month. All of these live events will showcase the top-tier talents of Glasgow, Scotland native Gowan as well as James "JY Young (lead vocals, guitars), Tommy Shaw (lead vocals, guitars), Chuck Panozzo (bass, vocals), Todd Sucherman (drums, percussion), Will Evankovich (mandolin, guitars), and Terry Gowan (bass, guitar vocals). 

There is a tremendous amount of work that goes into each concert. Indeed, Gowan explained that there are two hours of warm-ups by the band before they take the stage, including the hour leading up to taking the stage when the members do vocal warm-ups to "get voices chiming together." Indeed, sumptuous harmonies are a major part of the Styx sound.

"We step on stage — there is our actual age and our stage age. The minute we step out there, we're living our 15-year-old dreams. We enjoy it that much. I feel 20 years old when I am on stage. It's such an inspiring place to be on stage.

Gowan noted that part of what makes Styx so special is how the band's music is a rich hybrid of rock, classical and pop — "a broad palette" that has a singular sound of its own.

During our interview I noted how impressed I was with the band's two most recent albums; indeed The Mission was one of the best album releases of 2017 and Crash of the Crown landed as one of my favorite new discs of 2021.

"We are so proud of those records," Gowan explained. "We made these records to intentionally connect with the classic rock era." 

Indeed, the studio albums were recorded on tape with 24-track machines, and with the members of Styx performing in the studio together.

"People of all ages have embraced the sound of classic rock; the only way to achieve that is with the old clunky analog machines."

Gowan noted that at every concert about a half of the attendees are under the ago of 40, and of those, 75 percent are under the age of 30.

"The music has crossed generations and they have embraced it."

Fans of Styx have hopes that the band's run that began at the dawn of the 1970s continues far into the future.

"Honestly, anything beyond the age of 35, you have to really thank the universe for dropping this in our lap," Gowan said. "Last week I saw Jeff Lynne; he was so good, why wouldn't (you not continue to perform) at that level?" 

Robert Kinsler

Editor's note: Read Robert Kinsler's review of Styx's Nov. 9, 2024 performance in Prescott Valley, AZ HERE

2025 Pure Imagination Music Festival Lineup Announced

Looks like an exciting and wide-ranging lineup is set to appear at the Pure Imagination Music Festival on May 17 in beautiful Prescott, AZ! Read my coverage of the outstanding 2024 music festival HERE...Robert Kinsler

A FESTIVAL OF MUSIC, WONDER 

& BREATHTAKING BEAUTY

PURE IMAGINATION

 RETURNS SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025 TO 

WATSON LAKE IN PRESCOTT, AZ

ECLECTIC POWERHOUSE LINEUP TO FEATURE HEADLINERS CHEAP TRICK, MATISYAHU, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT,

THE ENGLISH BEAT & MORE

A one-of-a-kind festival experience set against a stunning natural backdrop

Tickets available now at www.pureimaginationfestival.com

PRESCOTT, AZ – Pure Imagination, Arizona’s most unique music festival, returns for its fourth year on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the breathtaking Watson Lake in Prescott, AZ. Known for blending world-class music with the region’s stunning landscapes, the festival continues its tradition of delivering an eclectic and dynamic lineup featuring legendary and emerging artists. The 2025 edition is led by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Cheap Trick, renowned for their iconic live album At Budokan, which went triple platinum, and a career spanning over 20 million albums sold. Also joining the bill is GRAMMY-nominated artist Matisyahu, whose album Youth reached #1 on the BillboardHot 100, alongside multi-platinum, GRAMMY Award Winning group Arrested Development – one of hip-hop’s most socially-conscious and celebrated groups, and The English Beat, a defining force in 80s music known for fusing ska, pop, soul, reggae, and punk. Additional performances include Gone Gone Beyond, Kelsey Waldon, Ponderosa Grove, Bird and Byron, Kids In America, Pijama Piyama, Dutch Holly, and the Take The Stage contest winner rounds out an impressive lineup of diverse talent. Tickets are on sale now at www.pureimaginationfestival.com. WHAT TO EXPECT AT PURE IMAGINATION 2025

A FESTIVAL LIKE NO OTHER Since its debut in 2022, the female-founded and curated Pure Imagination has become a standout experience, seamlessly merging music, nature, and culture with an eco-conscious ethos. Nestled in the stunning Granite Dells—the traditional lands of The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, The Yavapai-Apache Nation, and The Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe—the festival fosters a minimal-impact, high-energy experience where attendees can immerse themselves in live music, interactive art, and nature-driven adventures. Festival-goers can explore scenic hiking trails, on-site kayaking, and the vibrant Prescott Night Market, featuring artisan vendors, immersive art activations, and mesmerizing performances by aerial artists, fire dancers, and more. The driving force behind Pure Imagination is Candace Devine, frontwoman of Ponderosa Grove and CEO of Further West, the company behind the festival. Inspired by a passion for arts, culture, and community, Devine created the festival to help position Prescott as a thriving creative hub in the Southwest. The city is surrounded by 1.25 million acres of the Prescott National Forest, offering a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with premier mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing. “Pure Imagination is about more than just music—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience where people can connect, be inspired, and celebrate the power of art in one of the most beautiful places in the world.”shares Candace Devine, Founder Last year’s lineup featured memorable performances from The Flaming Lips, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Ozomatli, Sylvan Esso, Tanya Tucker and The Pharcyde among others. In 2023, the festival boasted performances from Ziggy Marley, Lucinda Williams, Los Lobos, Capital Cities, Allison Russell, Nappy Roots, Dirtwire and others, while the inaugural event saw Dawes, Talib Kweli, Fantastic Negrito, Nikki Lane, Rising Appalachia, Phantom Planet, Katie Pruitt and more take to the stage.  Past commentary on Pure Imagination Festival 2024: “It’s an impressively eclectic lineup, as always…” –Ed Masley, Arizona Republic, January 25, 2024 From left, Ponderosa Grove's Candace Devine and Drew Hall performing at the Pure Imagination Festival in 2024. Photo credit: Daryl Weisser “A truly wonderful lure of the Pure Imagination Music Festival staged at Watson Lake in Prescott, Arizona over the weekend (May 17-18, 2024) was the strong and diverse field of artists who performed in a truly wonderful setting set on a grassy field with massive otherworldly granite boulders serving as a dramatic backdrop to the musical action. Rock, electronica, country, Americana, rap, Native American, world fusion and more styles were all on tap courtesy of the wide-ranging lineup of celebrated veterans and rising names; a wealth of food and art vendors added to the welcoming environment. Talented acrobats performed in an area near one stage and there was even a fun parade on Saturday afternoon…The Pure Imagination Music Festival is quickly becoming an essential part of the American Southwest’s thriving music and arts scene.” –Robert Kinsler, Desert Local News, May 21, 2024 “On a gorgeous Prescott spring weekend, Watson Lake was transformed into a sight that was nothing short of magical. The Pure Imagination Festival, which was held on May 17-18, was a two-day music and arts festival that lived up to its name…a gorgeous weekend with plenty of amazing music to tickle that craving with people who have become friends and family over the past few years. What more in life can one ask for?” –Chris Ortiz, The Daily Courier, May 22, 2024 The line up for Pure Imagination 2025 is: Cheap Trick Matisyahu Arrested Development The English Beat Gone Gone Beyond Kelsey Waldon Ponderosa Grove Bird and Byron Kids In America Pijama Piyama Dutch Holly Take The Stage contest winner

Michael Franti & Spearhead at Pure Imagination 2024. Photo credit: Blushing Cactus Crowds at Pure Imagination 2024. Photo credit: Blushing Cactus Aerial artists at Pure Imagination 2024. Photo credit: Blushing Cactus Ponderosa Grove at Pure Imagination 2024. Photo credit: Blushing Cactus

Young fans at Pure Imagination 2024. Photo credit: Wison VanNess Connect with Pure Imagination: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Dawes Release "I Love LA" Single following opening the Grammys last night

For those moved by Dawes' terrific performance of "I Love L.A." at the Grammy Awards last night, read on...Robert Kinsler

DAWES SUPPORT HOMETOWN WITH “I LOVE L.A.”   LOS ANGELES-BASED BAND FOLLOW SURPRISE ALL-STAR PERFORMANCE AT LAST NIGHT’S 67TH ANNUAL GRAMMY® AWARDS WITH EXCLUSIVE RENDITION OF RANDY NEWMAN CLASSIC – LISTEN   PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE RECORDING ACADEMY AND MUSICARES’ LOS ANGELES FIRE RELIEF EFFORT TO SUPPORT MUSIC PROFESSIONALS   OH BROTHER TOUR RESUMES APRIL 9 IN WOODSTOCK, NY

Acclaimed California rock band Dawes are following last night’s surprise appearance at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards with today’s release of their exclusive cover version of “I Love L.A.,” available everywhere now. Proceeds will benefit The Recording Academy and MusiCares’ Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort To Support Music Professionals. To contribute to the Recording Academy and MusiCares’ Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort, or if you or someone you know needs help, please visit musicares.org/firerelief.  LISTEN TO “I LOVE L.A.” Last night saw Dawes co-founders Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith kick off the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards by leading an all-star lineup – including Brad Paisley, Brittany Howard, John Legend, Sheryl Crow, and St. Vincent – for an unforgettable performance of Randy Newman’s classic ode to his beloved Los Angeles, honoring the City of Angels’ strength and resilience in the wake of last month’s devastating fires. Dawes now joins an impressive list of artists who have opened the GRAMMY® Awards over the years, including Beyonce and Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John and Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, U2, and many more.  Dawes – whose own lives were shattered by the fire’s unprecedented destruction – were also among the stars performing at last week’s star-studded FireAid benefit concert at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum. After opening their set with their own “Time Spent in Los Angeles,” Dawes were joined onstage by Stephen Stills and Mike Campbell for a performance of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth.” The supergroup then welcomed Stills’ longtime friend and musical partner Graham Nash for an unforgettable rendition of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Teach Your Children” that saw everyone in attendance at the arena singing along in unison. Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith are among the many Los Angeles area residents whose lives have been impacted by the destructive fire. Griffin lost his home while Taylor lost his studio and most of the band’s musical gear and equipment. Dawes further supported MusiCares efforts to assist fellow musicians affected by the fire by visiting ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! to perform a special version of “Time Spent in Los Angeles,” originally found on their 2011 album, Nothing Is Wrong. WATCH “TIME SPENT IN LOS ANGELES” ON JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! “I Love L.A.” follows last year’s acclaimed release of Dawes’ ninth studio album, Oh Brother, available everywhere now. Exclusive split color vinyl, as well as an array of deluxe Oh Brother bundles, are available via the Dawes online store. Hailed by No Depression as “a staggering soundscape where guitar-talking, folk-rock, bleary-eyed grooves, and a kind of misfit pop all blur into one succinct soundtrack for these unprecedented times,” Oh Brother marks a distinctive new chapter for Dawes following 2022’s epic Misadventures of Doomscrollerand the amicable departure of two bandmates last year. The album steers Dawes decidedly forward, honoring 15 years of Taylor and Griffin’s musical relationship, as well as the next era and natural evolution of their beloved band. That spirit informed much of the writing and recording, with each track initially recorded live with just Taylor on guitar and vocals and Griffin on drums, later incorporating additional studio instrumentation and collaborating with touring guitarist Trevor Menear. Across its nine heartfelt songs — which move seamlessly between folk rock, piano ballads, and sprawling jams while maintaining both an immediately recognizable sound and a freedom from expectations — Oh Brothersees Dawes navigating new vistas in their personal and professional lives while remaining steadfastly creative, ambitious, and inspired.  Co-produced by Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith alongside longtime friend Mike Viola, Oh Brotherincludes such singles as “Mr. Los Angeles,” joined by a hilarious official music video starring Conan O’Brien and streaming now at YouTube following its exclusive world premiere via PEOPLE.com. Further highlights include the sprawling album centerpiece, “Surprise!,” “Still Strangers Sometimes,” and “House Parties,” the latter two accompanied by creative fan-focused official music videos streaming now at YouTube. Dawes have also shared an exclusive live studio performance videos of “Surprise!,” “House Parties” (featuring special guest Brad Paisley) and “Still Strangers Sometimes” (featuring Madison Cunningham and Mike Viola). In addition, Dawes paid a visit to ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! for a late night TV performance of “House Parties” praised by Relix for “(Dawes’) energized approach and affinity for tapping into a feeling of sentimentalism through satirical lyrics – all the while maintaining their distinctive ability to conjure a scene and emulate a desired feeling.” STREAM OH BROTHER ORDER OH BROTHER EXCLUSIVE SPLIT COLOR VINYL + MORE Dawes spent much of last fall celebrating their new era traveling the US on their epic Oh Brother Tour, resuming April 9 at Woodstock, NY’s Bearsville Theatre. Support on most dates comes from Michigander. Dawes will also be among the artists joining Goose for Viva El Gonzo, a three-day destination festival presented by 100x Hospitality and set for May 8-10 in San José del Cabo, Mexico. In addition, Taylor Goldsmith will join forces with his longtime friend MC Taylor (of Hiss Golden Messenger) for The MC Taylor Goldsmith Show, a collaborative tour that will see the two Taylors play onstage together, performing a mix of songs from both artist’s catalogs in a number of intimate venues around the country. The once-in-a-lifetime live run begins March 6 at Chicago, IL’s Thalia Hall. For complete details and ticket availability, please visit dawestheband.com/tour.  DAWES - OH BROTHER TOUR 2025 MARCH 6 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall † 7 – Columbus, IN – The Oil Can † 8 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark † 9 -Charleston, WV – Mountain Stage † 11 – Albany, NY – The Egg † 12 – Beverley, MA – The Cabot † 13 – Fall River, MA – Narrows Center For The Arts † APRIL 9 – Woodstock, NY – Bearsville Theatre * 10 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse * (SOLD OUT) 11 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia * 12 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre * 13 – Princeton, NJ – Matthews Theatre at McCarter Theatre Center 16 – Davenport, IA – Capitol Theatre * 17 – Madison, WI – The Majestic Theatre * (SOLD OUT) 18 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue * 19 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note * 21 – Des Moines, IA – Hoyt Sherman Place * 23 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre * 25 – Kalispell, MT – Wachholz College Center * 26 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre * 27 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall * MAY 2025 8-10 – San José del Cabo, Mexico – Viva El Gonzo ^ * w/ Special Guests Michigander  † The MC Taylor Goldsmith Show ^ Festival Appearance # # #   DAWES OH BROTHER (Dead Ringers) Tracklist: Mr. Los Angeles Front Row Seat Still Strangers Sometimes Surprise! House Parties King of the Never-Wills The Game Enough Already Hilarity Ensues   CONNECT WITH DAWES: DAWESTHEBAND.COM | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK |TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

New music: 20/20, Vince Guaraldi, He's Dead Jim, Joe Giddings, Harakiri For The Sky

A wide range of recommended titles are available to add to any music lover's library.

Artist: 20/20

Title: Back To California (Spyderpop Records / Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: R.E.M., Action Skulls, The Plimsouls, Psychic Rain

Tell me more: The return of 20/20 is one of the most exciting realities of early 2025. The beloved Tulsa, Oklahoma-spawned power pop legends have just released Back To California, the band's first new album since 1998's Interstate. Steve Allen (vocals, guitar), Ron Flynt (bass, vocals) and Ray Flynt (drums, percussion) have delivered a new studio album that expands 20/20's discography and legacy. The opening title track is undeniably catchy while simultaneously tapping into sorrow-tinged overtones that are wonderfully palpable. The album's strengths continue to reveal themselves across the 11-track masterwork via literate and instantly-memorable originals. The shimmering "The End Of The Summer" is a melodic juggernaut, bolstered by great lead vocals, sublime harmonies, jangly guitars and an artful arrangement. The edgy guitar-anchored rocker "Springtime Love Song," driving "Lucky Heart," sumptuous "Laurel Canyon" tapping into the mythology of the fabled mountainous area in the Hollywood Hills, infectious romance-minded ear candy "Spark" and heartfelt closer "Farewell" are among the other terrific cuts on the album. Back To California is one of the first great albums of 2025. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artist: Vince Guaraldi

Title: Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown [50th Anniversary Extended Version] (Vince Guaraldi Film Productions)

You might like if you enjoy: Vince Guaraldi's music scores for other "Peanuts" animated classics in the 1960s and '70s

Tell me more: Although it has been 50 years since the beloved "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown" debuted on CBS-TV, composer-pianist Vince Guaraldi's full score has finally been issued via an expanded 30-track edition available on audio CD, vinyl and via streaming services; the title includes the complete 22 cue score and eight never-before-heard bonus tracks. Guaraldi layers his Fender Rhodes and acoustic piano to bolster his signature jazz sound, and his own artistry is enhanced by a trio completed by Seward McCain (electric bass) and Vince Lateano (drums). Among my favorite selections on the wonderful collection are the playfully uptempo "Paw Pet Overture," wistful "Freddie's Mood (Chopin's Nocturne in E flat major, Op.9 No.2)," emotive "Never Again," a decidedly alternative take on "Linus and Lucy," the jazzy delight "Last Call for Love," and a number of alternate versions of his memorable "Heartburn Waltz." The CD includes an 8-page insert, and the vinyl includes a 4-page insert. Both the CD and vinyl include art from the special and liner notes that give a track-by-track analysis by producer Sean Mendelson and notes by producer Jason Mendelson and Derrick Bang (author of "Vince Guaraldi at the Piano"). The vinyl has additional photographs and images from historical documents. For more information on the CD version, go HERE. For details on the vinyl edition, go HERE.

Artist: He's Dead Jim

Title: Head Like A Toyshop (Kool Kat)

You might like if you enjoy: Jellyfish, the Move, Blue Öyster Cult

Tell me more: Lovers of power pop, art rock, synth pop, post punk and classic rock will all find something to love on He's Dead Jim's wonderful new album Head Like A Toyshop. The Scotland troupe featuring Andy Milne (drums), Neil Christie (guitar, vocals) and Allan Bell (vocals, bass) isn't afraid to mix it up across the 14-track album, incorporating a number of musical genres and wide-ranging topics (ranging from science fiction and trash comics to literature, war and more) along the way. The speedy "On The Beach" and "Ticket To Explode," confessional "Why I Gave Up," power pop gem "Wire Buddha," indie rocker "Haywire," electronica foray "Tomorrow Is Yesterday" and other tracks on the album collectively add up to something very special. In addition, the trio's bewitching cover of Blue Öyster Cult's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" is an absolute delight. Information: koolkatmusik.com.

Artist: Joe Giddings

Title: Stories With Guitars (Kool Kat)

You might like if you enjoy: Cheap Trick, Matthew Sweet, Rick Springfield, Jeff Lynne's ELO

Tell me more: Joe Giddings' second album for the Kool Kat label is a solid collection of great songs that are as infectious as they are smart. The singer-songwriter began writing and recording the collection in March 2024, starting things off with the scintillating harmonies-filled gem "Then Came Madeline" for his daughter before quickly embarking on a quest to complete the 11-track masterwork. Memorable tracks abound on the release, including the soaring opener "Tonight Tonight," Queen-flavored "My Riviera," the decidedly timely melodic punk rocker "A.I. Lover," 12 string guitar-fueled "David Stepanski," and the enticing closer "Won It All Before Saying Goodbye." Information: koolkatmusik.com.

Artist: Harakiri For The Sky

Title: Scorched Earth (AOP Records)

You might like if you enjoy: All That Remains, The Halo Effect

Tell me more: Austria's leading post black metal band Harakiri For The Sky is back with a new studio album (Scorched Earth) that finds the band unleashing a fiery mix of atmospheric hard hitting rock, hardcore and metal in the service of songs that pry into the our torn modern day society. Scorched Earth clocks in at over an hour and features seven tracks tapping into our uncertain times; highlights on the disc include the blistering opener "Heal Me," "Keep Me Longing" with its lovely piano opening and subsequent rapid fire anger, sweeping "Without You I'm Just A Sad Song," and assaultive "Too Late For Goodbyes." Information: aoprecords.de.

Robert Kinsler