DESERT STORIES

Get to know S&C Cannabis–the year-old local Arizona brand creating one-of-a-kind immersive cannabis consumption events all while setting a new, higher standard for the cannabis event community.

Bud Bros Connect vapes are the OG mix-and-match magnetic vapes in Arizona, but are buried by the competition despite having ergonomic bodies, high-quality product, and transparent COAs.

pop-punk band PUP banded together (literally) with alternative artist Jeff Rosenstock and indie band Ekko Astral to treat Phoenix to a one-of-a-kind finale featuring their "triple band."

Will Wood’s August 31st show at Ikeda Theater blurred performance and raw storytelling, blending chaotic humor, vulnerability, and eccentric fanfare. With support from Fish in a Birdcage, the night explored addiction, recovery, surreal crowd interactions, and a surprise engagement, culminating in a deeply human and unforgettable experience.

Gatecreeper's set at 191 Toole in Tucson, AZ proved that their shows are a safe space–as long as you're a headbanger.

In Slouching Towards Branson, Will Wood takes us on a sharp, witty journey through America's manufactured nostalgia. Blending humor with critique, he explores how places like Branson, MO, sell a version of tradition that feels both familiar and hollow. It’s a heartfelt, biting look at the way we package identity for profit—and what gets lost along the way.

FRANKIE AND THE WITCH FINGERS and IGUANA DEATH CULT brought a wild night of psychedelic garage rock to The Rebel Lounge in Phoenix on their “Bug Out” tour. Fans packed the venue, moshing and crowd surfing through high-energy sets featuring tracks from “Trash Classic” and beyond. With blazing guitars, pounding rhythms, and onstage chaos, the night turned into a full-blown rock spectacle that left the crowd buzzing.

Almost two months after our initial investigation into cannabis brand Pressure Extracts and their launch in Arizona, the rabbit hole goes deeper as we dive into their product Certificate of Analyses and how much money truly drives the Arizona cannabis industry.

Colorado cannabis brand Green Dot Labs soft-launched in Arizona late July with limited product drops and an exclusive event at Bud's Glass Joint + a review of the Dali and Paloma pre-rolls.

“Hell House LLC: Lineage" is the ultimate test of franchise loyalty, and surprisingly, it mostly passes. For longtime fans, it's a dense, reference-heavy finale that rewards your dedication. For everyone else, it's homework you never signed up for, but the craftsmanship is undeniable.

Bud Bros' Big Cloud all-in-one vape absolutely delivers on what it promises. If you want serious vapor production from a disposable and you're okay with going through oil faster to get it, this thing works really well. The build quality feels solid, the user experience is thoughtful, and the performance genuinely impressive.

In-depth review of Bud Bros' innovative, first-ever portable dab device, the PuffGo V2.

I've been sleeping on Rove  for way too long, and now I'm basically ready to tattoo their logo on my forehead (kidding, but only barely....

As Pride Weekend arrives in Flagstaff, DJ Quick Kay reflects on the music that shaped our queer journeys—from Lady Gaga’s empowering anthem to riot grrrl rage and QTPOC trailblazers who made space for us all. Local LGBTQ+ artists share the songs that move them, heal them, and make them dance. Celebrate Pride through the playlists of resistance, love, and joy with live events and heartfelt stories from our community.

ANCHIKO's long-lost EP D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L, once discovered on 4chan, led to their cult revival and a packed live show in Tempe, AZ. Joined by ALISON’S HALO and viral act FLYINGFISH, the Marquee Theatre show featured surreal visuals, nostalgic shoegaze, and emotional fan energy. From thrift store CD to viral fame, PANCHIKO’s journey proves the internet can resurrect forgotten music.

An investigation into the cannabis brand "Pressure" reveals glaring regulatory failures in Arizona's legal market. With no visible testing records, questionable branding, and a suspicious online presence, Pressure's launch exposes how easy it is to bypass compliance. Despite lacking verification, major dispensaries like The Mint and events like Budsapalooza and The Errl Cup promote them.

El Blunto’s luxury cannabis blunts—Presidential OG (2g) and Tiffany & OG (1g)—look and hit like premium products, but burn faster than expected. Picked up at Key Cannabis, both strains delivered solid highs and sharp presentation, from diamond-styled wraps to thick glass tips. While the effects impressed, the quick burn time knocks the value. On sale? Worth it. At full price? Only if you're flexing.

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!