The ‘Must See’ Acts at Phoenix’s 2020 Innings Festival
Tempe Beach Park, Tempe, Ariz.
February 29-March 1, 2020
by Mary Andrews
The third annual Innings Festival will be held over two days, February 29-March1 2020. The festival is produced by the same folks who produce Lollapalooza in Chicago each year. Innings Festival was created to commemorate baseball spring training and music. The first two years have been wildly successful and Innings Fest is back.
Arizona has been a popular site for spring training for professional baseball teams both in Phoenix and Tucson. It is also a destination for the first tour stop for the world’s most coveted bands in music. It seems to be a no brainer to marry the two pastimes for a festival in Ariz.
The environment was simply sublime last year with the waterfront of Tempe Town Lake on one side of the grounds and the sight of the moon rising above the water. This time of the year brings moderate temperatures that can’t be beat anywhere else in the U.S. Add some of the best music available in the air. and you have pure satisfaction.
For the passionate baseball fans, this year’s baseball legends Ryan Dempster, Jake Peavy, Bret Saberhagen, Miguel Montero, Aaron Rowand, and surprise guests will be there for baseball demonstrations, interviews, and meet and greets. Last year many fans came to the festival just for the baseball experience.
Here are our suggestions for the no-miss musical acts that are scheduled to appear this year:
Dave Matthews Band (DMB)
Very few bands have achieved the meteoric and sustained success of the DMB. They have had worldwide fame since 1994. They are one of the best performing rock bands in existence. They are known to never play the same song in the same way during their performances. This multiplatinum-selling band never fails to thrill audiences during their performances.
Weezer
The band made its debut in the early 1990s and had multi-platinum success with their first self-titled album with hits “Buddy Holly,” “Undone-The Sweater Song, “ and “Say It Ain’t So.” Since then, the band has consistently delivered top-notch music that has resulted in worldwide albums sales topping 35 million.
Their packed, live shows have been a romp through their delightful alt-rock radio staples that have fans on their feet clamoring for more Weezer.
Portugal. The Man
The Alaskan native indie band has finally gained international recognition after nine albums. The band garnered a Grammy Award for their hit song “Feel It Still” and became a headlining act selling out venues worldwide. Portugal-The Man’s shows have been described as an intoxicating experience. The band will exceed your expectations.
ZZ Ward
ZZ Ward has brought a breath of fresh air to the blues genre since her debut album Til the Casket Drops in 2012. Ward has the sass of Etta James, the soul of Muddy Waters, and the power of Big Mama Thornton. She has had a commanding presence on stage from the beginning that translates into a festival setting as well as in an intimate club. Ward can sing any genre of music as she has professed her love for hip-hop, R&B and pop. She manages to put her skills to test on harmonica and work even more magic.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Jason Isbell is often pigeon-holed into the Americana genre, but he and his great band can play some down-home roll and roll as well. His live shows have been characterized as blistering, full force musical wizardry. Isbell has an uncanny ability to lyrically tap into the human emotions like no other songwriter today. His songs inspire deep reflection into our relationships and the human condition. Isbell’s show is epic and deserve many repeat visits.
Death Cab for Cutie
Death Cab For Cutie has made many appearances in the Phoenix area since they formed in the late 90s. It’s hard to pass up a chance to see them again. Their live shows showcase the band’s unconventional instrumentation, distinct vocals, and lyrical style. Their shows are mesmerizing and never grow old.
There is much more that the Innings Festival has to offer. If your taste is more Southern rock, Whiskey Myers will be in your lane. Nikki Lane fills the spot for country fans. Catch Big Head Todd and the Monsters for your blues fix. Rainbow Kitten Surprise is a great alt-rock band. There truly is something for everyone’s musical taste at the Innings Festival.
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