Live Music in Phoenix, AZ - The top 10 best spots to visit in 2010   by John Durham

Arizona may not be well known as a music hotspot, but in the valley of the sun there are some great music hotspots that anyone must visit. Consider checking out these spots for some good old rock, indie, metal or jazz.

1.) Venue of Scottsdale - This is a large 1200 person venue located right in the center of Old Town Scottsdale. They make great drinks, but are only open when they have a concert of event. Check there website for more information on upcoming shows. The Venue of Scottsdale is located at 7117 East 3rd Avenue, Scottsdale, AZ? - (480) 945-5150

2.) Dodge Theatre - This is a beautiful venue located right in downtown phoenix. They have many national and traveling artist appear here. This is also the premier spot for national latin artist. Visit there website or livenation.com for more information on this venue. Park can be a pain here, on sold out shows. Plan ahead. The Dodge Theatre is located at 400 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ? - (602) 379-2800

3.) The Marquee Theatre - If you want to see a punk, indie or rock show, this is the venue for you. It is located in Tempe, AZ right near ASU just off of Mill Ave. Parking here is also a pain, so plan ahead. This venue huge and had great sound. The Marquee Theatre is located at 730 N Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ - (480) 829-0707

4.) The Clubhouse - This is a smaller bar/venue, but seams to be the hotspot for all up and coming artist. It is also located in Tempe, and has another dive bar attached to it if you need some quite for a bit. The Clubhouse is located at 1320 East Broadway Road, Tempe, AZ? - (480) 784-4444

5.) The Red Room - This is another Tempe bar and live music venue. They typically only have shows on Thursday through Saturday, but it is a great place to hear music. The Red Room is located at 2155 East University Drive, Tempe, AZ - (480) 258-2733

6.) Yucca Tap Room - This is where all the local bands and artist perform. The place is a total dive bar, but the locals love it. It has a "western" feel to it. You can even see rockabilly music here. Yucca Tap Room is located at 29 West Southern Avenue, Tempe, AZ? - (480) 967-4777

7.) Sail Inn - Wanna see reggae, dub, or new age? Check out the sail in for all the alternatives to popular music. This place has a great patio stage for the spring and fall seasons. Sail Inn is located at 26 South Farmer Avenue, Tempe, AZ& - (480) 966-9565

8.) Modified Arts - If you are into indie, artsy, or experimental music Modified is the place for you. It caters to that crowd and does not serve alcohol. But it is a great place to check out on the first Friday of every month, during the Phoenix Art Walks. Modified Arts is located 407 East Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, AZ - (602) 462-5516

9.) Joe's Grotto - If you love real rock or heavy metal then Joe's Grotto is your hot spot. This is a West-side bar and features some of Phoenix's best. Great Drink specials too. Joe's Grotto is located at13825 North 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ - (602) 992-1007

10.) Martini Ranch - This is a multi-room facility, it the live music room you can catch many great cover bands, and the occasional regional or national artist. It is a great place to see music, located in old town Scottsdale. Martini Ranch is located at 13825 North 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ& - (602) 992-1007.

A family vacation in this corner of the American Southwest offers more than cool pools and slippery water slides.

One of America’s top outdoor destinations and the country's fifth largest city, it is not an accident that Phoenix is home to several of the best destination resorts located in the United States. Explore desert parks and lakes, tour archaeology ruins and historic gold mining towns, or visit one of the many the museums and state-of-the-art sporting facilities.

From Surprise to Apache Junction, the twenty distinct communities that make up the greater Phoenix area offer visitors everything from the slow-paced rural southwest to a bustling college atmosphere. Whether your interest is sports or archaeology, history or hiking, biking, horseback riding, or bird watching Phoenix offers something for everyone not wanting to venture beyond the Valley of the Sun.

Enjoy hiking, biking and horseback riding at the many area parks such as South Mountain, McDowell or Papago. And if quintessential southwest is your goal, explore Hohokam Indian ruins and participate in a simulated excavation at the Deer Valley Rock Art Center or pan for gold and tour a gold mine in Goldfield Ghost Town.

On the chance that it does rain or the kids simply need a break from the great outdoors, take advantage of Valley’s cultural side. Children of all ages will enjoy exploring a re-created Zuni Pueblo and participating in hands-on activities at the Heard Museum, discovering science and technology at the Arizona Science Center, or taking in a performance at one of the children’s theaters, Childsplay or Valley Youth Theatre.

While you will need to do a fair bit of planning if you intend to take advantage of the many activities unique to Phoenix, there is no need to venture very far. Many child-friendly activities are less than an hour’s drive from anywhere in the Valley.

So if you are looking to escape the bitter cold of winter or an overcast rainy spring, plan a trip to Phoenix and once you've pulled your kids away from the numerous activities offered at your destination resort, explore a few of the many fun things to see and do in the Valley of the Sun.

Getting there
The Sky Harbor International Airport is conveniently located in the heart of Phoenix. Direct flights to/from most U.S. locations. International flights to London (UK) and several cities in Canada and Mexico.

Getting around
Your mode of transportation will greatly influence your options. While shuttle services will get you to and from your hotel and public transport will get you around downtown, families wishing to venture beyond their resort should consider renting a car. A light rail system is scheduled to begin operation in 2009.

When to travel
The best time to visit is from November to April.

Health & safety
Car seats are required for children weighing 40 pounds or less. Booster seats are required for children under the age of 8 or less than 4 feet 9 inches (144 cm) tall. Children under 12 should sit in the back seat and buckle up.

Things to keep in mind
Distance! The greater metropolitan area covers nearly 2000 square miles.