Five concerts coming to the Valley you must see

Since Phoenix is so close to Los Angeles, relatively speaking, the Valley gets a wide selection of acts. Throw in some big festivals and spring is a good time for concerts. Here are five to check out:

Green Day, March 1, Talking Stick Arena: The punk rockers are now members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which doesn’t seem very punk, but so it goes. The band brings its Revolution Radio Tour to town, with special guests Against Me!

McDowell Mountain Music Festival, March 3-5, Hance Park: The always-eclectic festival boasts another big lineup this year. Among the headliners: Flume, the Shins, Chromeo, Grouplove, Gov’t Mule and more. There’s enough going on with enough bands that you’re bound to hit upon someone you like.


Panic! at the Disco, March 29, Talking Stick Arena: The band brings its Death of a Bachelor Tour, named after its hit single, to town. Special guests Misterwives and Saint Motel open the show.

Country Thunder Arizona, April 6-9, Florence: If you’re a country-music fan, this is the biggie. The four-day festival packs fans in for its big-name lineup, which this year includes Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett, Chris Young, Maddie & Tae and many more. 

Brian Wilson, May 22, Celebrity Theatre: The legendary Beach Boys genius has extended his “Pet Sounds – The Final Performances,” and comes to town to play the album always listed among the greatest of all time, along with other hits.