DESERT STORIES

Willie Nelson wowed, Billy Strings dazzled, and Bob Dylan baffled at the Outlaw Music Festival's 10th anniversary in Phoenix. With Willie’s timeless presence, Billy’s genre-defying energy, and Dylan’s polarizing performance, fans experienced a night of musical highs and unexpected lows. Discover why this festival continues to captivate generations—and what left some texting “Bob Dylan SUCKS!” mid-show.

AJ Wilkerson brought heart, hilarity, and his signature “Captain Autism” energy to Desert Ridge Improv in a set that felt both personal and laugh-out-loud funny. Whether you’ve seen him once or a dozen times, he somehow keeps it fresh. With honest takes on ADHD, autism, and weed, Wilkerson turns real life into real connection—and real laughs. If you missed it, keep an eye out for his Netflix special!

Punk Rock Bowling 2025 brings more women, queer, and nonbinary bands to the stage—but men still headline every main slot. From The Interrupters to Laura Jane Grace, Upchuck, Lambrini Girls, and Bridge City Sinners, this year’s lineup proves the scene is evolving. Dive into this guide by Flagstaff's very own DJ Quick Kay spotlighting the fiercest non-male acts worth your time—and why punk still has a long way to go toward true equality.

We review the best concentrates, vapes and cartridges from Budsapalooza, featuring standout brands like Electric Honey, Trip, Sauce, and Gelato. From smooth hits to bold terpene profiles, discover how each brand performed in flavor, potency, and overall experience. Whether you're hunting for top-tier carts or just vape-curious, this roundup highlights the best products of the festival and what makes them worth trying in today’s competitive cannabis market.

Final Destination: Bloodlines delivers brutal, inventive kills and non-stop tension in a thrilling return to the cult horror franchise. With top-tier CGI, twisted death traps, and unexpected plot twists, it embraces its campy roots while feeling fresh and unpredictable. Fans of macabre horror won’t be disappointed—this is a fierce, fun, and blood-soaked ride that proves the series still has deadly momentum.

Bring Me The Horizon's Lee Malia offered rare candid insights at a Guitar Center Q&A, covering his Fender signature guitar, production techniques, and BMTH's 21-year evolution. He revealed how they create their hyper pop sound, advised beginners to learn songs they love, and reflected on their journey from being booed offstage to headlining festivals. Despite success, Malia stays grounded, still enjoying METALLICA riffs and gaming with bandmates after shows.

Usually, when brands use words to invoke a feeling of being premium, the product falls short. Caviar Gold blows that stereotype away, delivering easily one of the most premium experiences we've inhaled.

Phoenix got dragged through the mud when NAPALM DEATH, THE MELVINS, WEEDEATER, and DARK SKY BURIAL stormed The Van Buren on the "Savage Imperial Death March" tour. WEEDEATER’s dirty sludge riffs, THE MELVINS’ chaotic swagger, and NAPALM DEATH’s raw grind left the crowd bruised but hungry. Even as the pit thinned out and the politics fell flat, the night was a heavy, sweaty mess of riffs, rage, and wreckage.

Movie poster for “Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie” at Desert Ridge in Phoenix, AZ for the world premiere on 4/20 at 4:20pm. Photographed by...