4 places to see free concerts this summer around Phoenix

Linda Peters | Special for the Republic | azcentral.com

Show Caption Hide Caption Best things to do this weekend in Phoenix June 1-4 Here are the top five things to do this weekend in Phoenix, June 1-4.

As the heat rises, so do the number of free summertime concert series throughout the Valley. A variety of bands can be found in parks, pubs and malls most weekends.

This Sunday, June 4, and every Sunday through July 2, Scottsdale’s McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park hosts its free summer concert series in the evening. This week, Outside the Line will be playing.

Outside the Line is a soulful, versatile band playing classic rock, R&B, Motown and dance tunes.

Summer concerts at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Other bands who will be playing through July 2 include The Real Thing, Americana, Smashed and Mogollon.

The Real Thing is a variety band playing everything from pop to country to blues. Smashed is all about high-energy top-40 dance, pop and hip-hop hits. And Mogollon has more than a 30-year performance history. They are a country-rock group that can play most anything including original music of their own.

“Crowd size ranges from 2,000 people to 4,500 people,” said Carolyn Moyle, assistant coordinator at the park. “It’s definitely fun for the whole family.”

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Moyle said people start arriving at about 6 p.m. to find a spot on the grass for their blanket or folding chairs, though the concerts don't start until 7:30 p.m.

A concession stand is set up at one of the ramadas, selling hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, popcorn, frozen fruit bars, canned soda, bottled water and tea.

In addition, the park’s Hartley’s General Store is open until 9 p.m. and sells other snack items, such as ice cream and beverages.

Rides are also open throughout the concert including the trains and Charros Carousel. All rides are $2 for those 3 years and up. and free for younger.

Overflow parking is available.

Details: 7:30-9 p.m. Sunday, June 4 (and every Sunday through July 2). McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale. Free. therailroadpark.com.

Guitarras Latinas at Westgate Entertainment District

This summer, the weekends are full of free live music at the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale. This Saturday evening, June 3, the featured artist is Guitarras Latinas.

Guitarras Latinas will take guests on a passionate musical tour of the world including the sounds of Brazil, Cuba, Venezuela, Mexico, the Andes and Spain.

Enjoy the sounds of beautiful flamenco guitars, romantic vocals and dynamic Latin percussion.

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Westgate hosts live music every Friday and Saturday in Fountain Park throughout the year.

Some of June’s line-up includes a unique band called The Glides. They perform Friday, June 9 with an original sound that has been described as alternative retro groove.

If classic rock and soul is more your thing, you will enjoy Cosmic Shindig, who will be performing on Saturday, June 17. A Queen tribute band performs on Friday, June 23 and a rockabilly-blues band takes to the stage on Friday, June 30.

A full line-up of Friday and Saturday evening live performances will also take place in July at Westgate.

Details: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 3 (Fridays and Saturdays year-round). Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Glendale. Free. westgateaz.com/events/full-calendar/.

Tempe Marketplace concerts

Great live music will entice shoppers throughout the summer at the Tempe Marketplace’s free concert series. Talented musicians will take to the stage on both Friday and Saturday nights on the District Stage throughout June and July.

The Laura Walsh Band, known for their high-energy country rock, will perform this Friday evening, June 2. Walsh released an album in 2011, “Take Your Time,” and has been a pre-show opener for Miranda Lambert and Sugarland.

She is a regular about town performing at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill, Handlebar-J, Hard Rock Café and Martini Ranch.

Walsh has a powerful voice and undeniable songwriting abilities. Her songs speak of the rites of passage of a young girl knocking on the door of greatness.

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Other entertainers throughout the summer will include a great combination of all genres of music including funk, soul, jazz, R&B, American rock, indie pop, blues, alternative rock, Latin, reggae and metal.

In addition to the regular free performances, Tempe Marketplace will periodically host the Rock It Up concert series features a beer garden sponsored by Bud Light and Four Peaks Brewing. The next Rock it Up concert is Dreamers on June 23.

Details: 7-10 p.m. Friday, June 2 (Friday and Saturday evenings through July). Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. Free. tempemarketplace.com/events/live-music/.

Static at Copper Blues Rock Pub and Kitchen

If you’re looking for a night out during the week instead of the weekend with a little live music involved, look no further than the Copper Blues Rock Pub and Kitchen in Phoenix. Most nights, the pub’s Stage Bar is rocking with resident bands playing top-40 and classic rock.

This Saturday evening Static will be entertaining the crowd at Copper Blues. Static is described as a high-energy dance band that’s sure to get you up dancing and singing along.

Other musicians who will be playing throughout the month of June include Coach Taylor playing reggae, hip-hop and folk; country musician Chad Gregory; pop music cover-band Nineball; top-40 cover-band 34 North; Rock Lobster playing 1980s retro music and soul; and pop artist Kyle Phelan.

Arizona’s own Black Bottom Lighters will be making a special appearance on Wednesday, June 14, playing their original music that they have dubbed desert reggae. If you’re wondering what the heck desert reggae is, you’ll just have to experience it for yourself.

Copper Blues also features more than 50 beers on tap and an elevated pub menu.

Details: 9 p.m. Saturday, June 3. Copper Blues (live music daily year-round), 50 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix. Free. copperbluesphoenix.laughstub.com/shows.cfm.