After a nervous week for the nation, everyone is ready for a little entertainment, and if it’s musical all the better.

This weekend kicks off with The Tucson Jazz Festival and will bring noted performers including Mavis Staples, the David Sanborn Quartet and Veronica Swift and many other artists to a variety of venues around the Tucson metro for 10 days starting Jan. 10. The centerpiece of the festival is the daylong Downtown Jazz Fiesta on Martin Luther King day featuring two outdoor stages and performances at multiple venues in Tucson.

Hey, man, there’s also The Floyd and a little mind-bending fare with the Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular Show Jan. 10 at the Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave. in Tempe.

No way, dude. Cowboy up with “Cowboy Boots to the Revolution: All Star Spoken Word Event” celebrating the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote. Performing will be Rachel Egboro, Angelica Lindsey-Ali, Rep. Jen Longdon, Molly McCloy, Kim Porter, Kathy Ritchie, Amy Silverman and Joy Young. Tickets are $15.

For a bluesier way to celebrate January, check out Arizona Blues Hall of Fame Fundraiser and Induction Ceremony beginning at noon, Jan. 19 in The Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road. Being inducted are Dave Riley/Bob Corritore’s Juke Joint, and The Rhythm Room itself. Numerous Hall of Famers will perform, including Andy Gonzales, Maria Moreno and Rocket 88s. The cover charge is $10.

But these are only the highlights. There’s a hell of a lot more great events down below, organized by date...

THIS WEEK
Jan. 10 to 20
The Tucson Jazz Festival will bring noted performers including Mavis Staples, the David Sanborn Quartet and Veronica Swift to a variety of venues around the Tucson metro. The centerpiece of the festival is the daylong Downtown Jazz Fiesta on Martin Luther King day featuring two outdoor stages and performances at multiple venues in Tucson.

Jan. 10 to Feb. 2
What if science could tell people if their relationship was doomed to fail or fated to succeed? The Envelope Play, written by Beth May, addresses that. The play will be on stage at Space 55, 1524 N. 18th Ave, Phoenix. It’s directed by Bethanne Abramovich, in collaboration with Howl Theatre Project. General admission is $20 or $10 for students. 

Friday, Jan. 10 and Saturday, Jan. 11
They’ve been a musical force since the early 1970s (with their first hit Lady), and rock band Styx isn’t stopping. The band will play the Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St. in Phoenix. Ticket prices start at $40.



Friday, Jan. 10
The former Californian, now Phoenix-based, alternative R&B artist Bodie will perform at the Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave, Phoenix. Alec King, Reagan Capaci, and DJ Yellawave are opening acts. The show starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are $12. The show is open to those 16 and up.

Ready for some ‘70s nostalgia in the new decade? Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular Show, is happening at 8 p.m. at the Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave. in Tempe. Of course, along with cool images, it will feature the music of the massively influentual British rock band. Admission starts at $30.75.

Saturday, Jan. 11
Phoenix Rock Lottery is happening today, to benefit Rosie’s House, at Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave, Phoenix. Twenty-five bands will start the event at 8:30 p.m., and five will finish it. Some of the artists participating include Scott Johnson, of Phoenix’s Gin Blossoms; Matt Aldawood, of Troubled Minds; and Molly Mashal, of Good Boy Daisy. Tickets are $10; the show open to those 21 and older. 
 
Full Moon Festival Fourth Anniversary is happening starting at 8:45 p.m. at The Pressroom, 441 W. Madison St. in Phoenix. Described as a celestial celebration of the Wolf Moon, preceded by a prenumbral lunar eclipse, this DIY music and arts festival will feature fire effects, dancing and “blissful fun.” It will feature music by Alex Avila, Blossom (Night Bass), The Hourglass Cats and Sean Watson (BFF). There will be five immersive environments and stages contained within a downtown block party. Admission ranges from $20 to $30.



Wednesday, Jan. 15
Fans of The Princess Bride and Homeland know veteran actor and performer Mandy Patinkin is highly gifted. He’ll show more range with Mandy Patinkin in Concert: Diaries; with Adam Ben-David on piano. He’ll sing numerous Broadway and classic American tunes. The show will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $45 to $85. 

Writers in the night sky is the focus of Desert Nights: Rising Stars Fellows Reading, which starts at 6 p.m. at The Crescent Ballroom. Featured writers include Sean Avery, Rogelio Juarez, Susan Nguyen, Fargo Tbakhi and more. The event is free, and open to those 21 and older. 

Thursday, Jan. 16
The Texas rockabilly icon Reverend Horton Heat will play Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave. in Tempe. The Buttertones, The Paladins and Deke Dickerson are special guests. The show will start at 7:30 p.m., with tickets ranging from $15 to $55. 

Friday, Jan. 17
Stanley Clarke Trio, featuring the Grammy-winning jazz-fusion guitarist, will perform at 7:30 p.m. at The Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St. Admission is $50. 

When it comes to soul/R&B legends, this duo is hard to beat: The Temptations and the Four Tops will play the Arizona Federal Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. For over a half-century, both groups have had dozens of classic hits and performed for millions around the world. The show will start at 8 p.m.; check the link for ticket prices.

Cowboy up with “Cowboy Boots to the Revolution: All Star Spoken Word Event” celebrating the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote. Performing will be Rachel Egboro, Angelica Lindsey-Ali, Rep. Jen Longdon, Molly McCloy, Kim Porter, Kathy Ritchie, Amy Silverman and Joy Young. Tickets are $15.

Jan. 17 and 18
Formerly of the influential John Mayall & The Blues Breakers, veteran guitarist Coco Montoya will take the stage at The Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix. His latest album is Coming In Hot.The show will start at 8 p.m.; admission is $18. 

Saturday, Jan. 18
Magician and TV host Michael Carbonaro will perform at 8 p.m. at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale. Carbonaro launched into stardom with his numerous late night appearances and his hit comedic series, The Carbonaro Effect,  on truTV. Admission is $35.

Jan. 17 to Feb. 1
The play Kunstler is being staged at The Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St. in Phoenix. Written by Jeffrey Sweet, it focuses on the famed defense attorney (who defened The Chicago Seven) who delivers a seminar at a college campus, but a brilliant young student confronts him. Admission ranges from $11 to $27.50. 

Sunday, Jan. 19
Peace and Community Day: 33rd annual Sunday A’Fair Concert Series will get underway at noon at Civic Center Park. Native folk and rock singer Darryl Tonemah, an award-winning musician, will perform. Along with free musical entertainment, this event will include interactive art activities for all ages.



Mexico’s acclaimed Ballet Folkorico, now entering its sixth decade, will perform at 3 p.m. at the Mesa Arts Center. Tickets start at $25.

For a bluesier way to celebrate January, check out Arizona Blues Hall of Fame Fundraiser and Induction Ceremony beginning at noon, Jan. 19 in The Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road. Being inducted are Dave Riley/Bob Corritore’s Juke Joint, and The Rhythm Room itself. Numerous Hall of Famers will perform, including Andy Gonzales, Maria Moreno and Rocket 88s. The cover charge is $10.


UPCOMING
Jan. 24 to Feb. 28
La Cage aux Folles

Saturday, Jan. 25
Patton Oswalt

Jan. 29 to Feb. 23
Americano

Friday, Jan. 31
Alan Parsons Live Project

Monday, Feb. 10
Arts Congress 2020

Feb. 7 to 23
Back Theatre Troupe: Trouble in Mind

Feb. 13 to 16
A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Saturday, Feb. 22
Bill Maher