When it comes to music, one person’s Kobe beef is another person’s Spam. And since we all seem to have an appetite for different sounds, you’ll be glad to know that Downtown has a varied buffet this week.
Robert Plant & The Band of Joy
At 61, you’d think Robert Plant would have retired to a nice little villa in the South of France. But the former Zeppelin front man keeps re-inventing himself with his solo career. Next Tuesday, July 20th, he brings his new group, Band of Joy, to the Dodge Theatre. The set list will include songs by Los Lobos and Townes Van Zandt as well as material from their new CD on Rounder Records.
The Mana Quartet and Francisco Bibriesca
And now, for something completely different, as Monty Python would put it. This Friday, July 16th, Francisco Bibriesca and The Mana Quartet will be performing live at the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center. The Mana Quartet, an award-winning saxophone ensemble, takes chamber music and turns it sideways, performing modern compositions by Philip Glass and others. Bibriesca, a renowned young classical guitarist from Mexico, has wowed audiences around the world.
For the steal of the week, you can see Bibriesca perform for free at 5:30 p.m. The Mana Quartet will play at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are only $10 per person at the door.
Hussy & Astrofunk at Fuse Fridays
Along with the usual suspects upstairs – house music from DJ’s Mara and Sol Martinez – Bar Smith will feature two live bands on the main floor this Friday. Astrofunk, a local contender, will perform along with Hussy, considered the top cover band in the UK. Hussy performs songs by The Stones, Hendrix, The Clash, REM and Kings of Leon, to name a few. (Yow, that’s a lot of material to learn, but these guys are accomplished session musicians). No cover charge before 10 p.m.
Free Concert in Civic Space Park
I wish I could tell you the line-up, but you’ll have to go and see for yourself. This Friday, take the light rail to Central Avenue and Van Buren, walk one block north, and enjoy a free concert under the stars, next to “Her Secret is Patience,” that magical floating sculpture. Bring along a munchie or two from the Fair Trade Cafe, located in the Park.
In any given month, there are more than 30 spoken word/open mic events happening in the Valley.
The Diamondbacks continue their homestand with games 
Come see what they have to offer on Saturday, Feb. 27 at Portland Park (next to the Roosevelt light rail station).
The Community Yoga Project arrives just in time to take advantage of the brisk fall weather and the need to release those pre-holiday knots, now forming in my neck and yours as the relatives fly in and the chores mount.
3. Anyplace at the Arizona Center
I have a soft spot for neighborhood businesses. My father owned one. So did my grandfather. Maybe that’s why I found 
One slice of chunky, walnut-studded banana nut bread later, I headed for the door. The Beatles song, “Get Back,” was playing on the sound system. Was Fair Trade Café playing with my subconscious? No need. I’ll be back.
