Each year Canal Convergence presents a variety of free, live music performances by local bands and musicians. The lineup for spring Canal Convergence 2018 includes:
Arizona Trio
Friday, Feb. 23 | 4–5 p.m.
The Arizona Trio’s family-friendly style of entertainment takes audiences back to the era of Roy Rogers, The Kingston Trio and The Everly Brothers. Their original songs and zestful humor are suitable for all ages.
MARIACHI PASION
Friday, Feb. 23 | 5:30–7 p.m.
Formed in April 2002, Mariachi Pasion is a 15-member, all-female mariachi band. The original eight members all met in a music class at Arizona State University. Since then, Mariachi Pasion has grown and performed to rave reviews throughout Arizona.
The Hourglass Cats
Friday, Feb. 23 | 9–10 p.m.
The Hourglass Cats are a Sonoran reggae and rock ‘n’ roll sound collective based out of the desert of Phoenix. The group is known for its high-energy live shows, use of 432 Hz frequency and a unique brand of hip hop, desert rock and funk, seamlessly melded with the rhythmic flavors of the East and West.
Young Sounds of Arizona
Saturday, Feb. 24 | 4–5:30 p.m.
Young Sounds of Arizona is a non-profit organization featuring students from 12–18 years of age, all of whom must audition to become members of the group. Young Sounds features two big bands and a jazz combo and is supported through generous governmental, business and community grants.
Soul Remainders
Saturday, Feb. 24 | 6:45–7:45 p.m.
The Soul Remainders, a combo formed from the rhythm and horn section of Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra, play the sounds of funky, soul, jazz and world music.
Whiskey’s Quicker
Saturday, Feb. 24 | 8:30–10 p.m.
Whiskey’s Quicker is a Valley-based rock cover band launched in 2011 by sports media personality Dan Bickley. Specializing in classic and alternative rock, Whiskey’s Quicker covers Godsmack, Alice in Chains, Billy Idol, Journey, AC/DC and more.
House of Stairs
Friday, March 2 | 4–5 p.m.
Founded in 2014 and named after M.C. Escher’s manipulations of 2-D mediums, House of Stairs is a quartet of multi-dimensional jazz musicians that mix elements of pop and progressive soul with electronic instruments and looping devices.
Brea Burns and The Boleros
Friday, March 2 | 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Brea Burns and The Boleros are a classic country/honky-tonk band based in Phoenix. Backed by some of the best classic country and rockabilly musicians the city has to offer, singer-songwriter Brea Burns and her band have quickly become a prominent force in the Arizona country music scene.
Ben Anderson
Friday, March 2 | 7:15–8:15 p.m.
Born in Phoenix, Ben Anderson started singing and songwriting at the age of 14. His bluesy, soulful sound has since helped him become a predominant Valley musician.
Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra
Friday, March 2 | 9–10 p.m.
Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra (PAO) carries on the musical and social torch that was first lit by Fela Kuti and Tony Allen, inventors of the Afrobeat sound. Led by Camille Sledge, the 16-person orchestra comprises some of the most ambitious and outrageous musicians in Phoenix.
AZ Beat Lab
Saturday, March 3 | 4–5:30 p.m.
Founded by the Arizona State University School of Music’s community engagement coordinator, Samuel Pena, AZ Beat Lab creates beats through technology, including Launchpads, laptops, iPads and more. Pena applies curriculum design, program development and community engagement to facilitate audience interaction and learning experiences.
Crystal Radio
Saturday, March 3 | 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Founded by Amelia Poe and Daniel Martin Diaz in 2013, Crystal Radio sounds like a haunted Western about ghosts and dreams. The project is inspired by the mysticism of the West and Amelia’s ghost from 16th Century France, Elisabeth of Valois.
Fayuca
Saturday, March 3 | 9–10 p.m.
Founded in 2005, Fayuca is a Phoenix-based reggae-rock/Latino group. Fronted by founding member, Gabo, their sound shifts through genres while blending modern-reggae melodies with Latin percussion.