Cartel brings Chroma 20 Year Anniversary Tour to Phoenix

Cartel’s Phoenix stop on the Chroma 20 Year Anniversary Tour at The Van Buren on October 12 delivered a potent mix of nostalgia and renewed fire. The air felt electric from the moment they took the stage — a crowd united in memory and present excitement as the band embarked on a full‑throttled tribute to Chroma.

They traversed the album track by track, offering both reverence and reimagination: every guitar riff, vocal harmony, and lyric felt intentional, polished without losing raw edge. There was a sense of time collapsing as longtime fans sang back every line, while newer listeners leaned in, discovering through the performance why Chroma still resonates two decades on.

Throughout the night, Cartel struck a delicate balance between honoring the original versions and embracing the sonic tweaks introduced in Chroma – 2025, their fresh re‑recording. Moments of vulnerability stood beside full-throttle rock anthems; quiet introspective passages gave way to wave after wave of crowd chants and singalongs. The energy never flagged — the audience remained locked in, feeding off the band’s focus and passion.

Visually the show complemented the sound. Lighting cues shifted with the mood, underscoring crescendos and pulling back during softer moments, giving space for the performance to breathe. The stage felt intimate yet grand, as though this was more ritual than concert.

By the time the final chords rang out, it was clear this wasn’t just a reunion or nostalgic throwback — it was a reaffirmation. Cartel showed that Chroma, in all its sonic color and emotional weight, still lives and breathes, not just in memory but in the lives of those who’ve carried it with them. The Phoenix night stood as proof that anniversaries aren’t mere celebrations of the past — they can be prophecies for what’s yet to come.

X Ambassadors’ VHS (X) Tour

Phoenix felt charged as X Ambassadors kicked off their VHS (X) 10-Year Anniversary Tour at The Van Buren, and from the first note, it was clear the night would be a love letter to the album that started it all. Opening with “Renegades,” the band didn’t just perform—they relived every ounce of grit, heart, and hunger that made VHS a breakout moment a decade ago.

Sam Harris commanded the stage with a presence that was both fierce and deeply personal, taking time between songs to reflect on the band’s journey. Tracks like “Unsteady” and “Gorgeous” hit with fresh emotional weight, while deeper cuts like “Fear” and “Low Life” felt like hidden treasures unearthed for longtime fans. Every lyric landed harder with age, and every chorus was met with full-voice singalongs from a crowd that clearly grew up with this record.

The stripped-down moments were just as powerful as the anthemic highs—especially a slowed, aching rendition of “Hold You Down.” By the time the final notes of “Jungle” rang out, the room was buzzing with nostalgia, catharsis, and a deep sense of connection. X Ambassadors didn’t just revisit VHS—they redefined it live, proving that ten years later, it still hits just as hard.

Yo Gabba Gabba

The Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! concert at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix began with a boom with confetti everywhere as soon as they took the stage. As soon as the characters hit the stage, the venue transformed into a dance party packed with confetti, bubbles, and nonstop music. With crowd favorites like “Party in My Tummy” and “Get the Sillies Out,” the show kept little ones dancing and smiling. My personal favorite song was “Dont Bite Your Friends” as the venue filled with laughter.

The total showtime was just about 80 minutes including a 15 minute intermission which felt like the perfect length to keep the little ones attention. The interactive show kept kids dancing all night and reminded parents to lay back and laugh with their kids. The crew brought out a few surprise guests which included fans from the crowded for dance parties, dance offs, and overall having a silly and goofy time.

Whether it was a child’s first concert or a parent reliving memories from a decade ago, the experience offered something special for everyone. The show also reminded everybody regardless of age that its okay to be silly and have fun, which I think more adults need to be reminded of sometimes