Hosted by Dave Manley

Scottsdale Sounds is a free, community music series sponsored by the Scottsdale Public Library and proudly hosted by Dave Manley. Local musicians generously volunteer their time, creating a welcoming space to share talent and enjoy live music.The series takes place monthly on the first Wednesday at the Civic Center Branch from 5:00–6:30 pm in the auditorium, and monthly on Thursdays at the Arabian Branch patio under the stars during cooler months.For more information or to reserve a performance spot, please contact me!

Email: [email protected]

• www.HeyItsSuperDave.com

Upcoming Shows

• Past shows

The Black Mountain Girls

Established in late 2024, The Black Mountain Girls is a four piece all girl band. Featuring Josie on lead acoustic guitar and Cajon, Patti on keyboard and guitar, Nancy on rhythm acoustic guitar and ukulele, Gina on flute, and all four girls behind the mic with vocal harmonies, the band covers popular tunes from the 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond. The joy shines through in every song, and you will be unable to keep yourself from singing along!

Jeff Cohen and Millie Davis

Jeff Cohen, singer and acoustic guitarist, covers a wide variety of tunes, including classic rock, pop, Americana, and country. Focusing mainly on the music of the 60’s and 70’s, he occasionally dabbles in the music of other decades. He recently moved to the Valley from Ohio, where he was a member of an acoustic trio, Mile Marker 1, who played gigs around the Toledo, Ohio area for over 13 years.Millie Davis picked up her first guitar at the age of 10, and is a self-taught musician. She has a deep history in the Arizona music scene and has performed on almost all of the Valley stages, both as a solo artist and in many collaborations (including presently as a member of the Sugar Jam Band). She has a vast background in pop, jazz, folk, R&B, rock and Americana, and singing is her passion and joy.Jeff and Millie are grateful to be joined by Jeff Felske, a skilled percussionist who has played around the Valley for many years with various artists and groups.

Jake Williams

Jake Williams is a Phoenix-based instrumental guitarist and songwriter, performing original compositions that are dynamic and range from lively to introspective. Jake’s music features modern guitar techniques such as alternate tunings, tapping, percussive elements and live looping.Originally from New Jersey, Jake has lived and performed all over the country. For over two decades he has performed, written and recorded music with various genres of bands, singers, and songwriters. He still plays as lead guitarist in acoustic pop duo Ditching Pat that performs around the country. Jake's music has been featured in a Lifetime film and various commercials, and he has performed at renowned venues such as the Musical Instrument Museum.

• www.jakewilliamsguitar.com/

Lisa Lynch

Lisa Lynch loves bringing the best of the ’70s and ’80s pop era to life, along with classic country favorites and modern pop hits. She’s a regular performer at open mics around the Valley, sharing her passion for music with audiences each week.
In addition to performing, Lisa writes contemporary Christian music and has recorded at several local studios. Much of her original work is available on all major streaming platforms. No matter the genre, Lisa’s greatest joy is connecting with her audience—she invites everyone to sing along and share in the music!

Secret Harbor

Secret Harbor's nautical folk music navigates storytelling of hope, love and rebuilding after the storm with maritime singer-songwriter finesse. Michelangelo Caggiano (a retired detective and lover of the sea) skippers a blend of stirring choruses, shanties, metaphorical sea stories and upbeat indie-folk, weathered together with his rich tenor vocals as he connects with both young and salty audiences. Michelangelo's songwriting has been distributed around the world through: Warner Elektra Atlantic (WEA), Alliance, and BMG. Now independent and self produced, Secret Harbor is sailing fair winds of adventure with a bounty of inspiring original music.

• www.secretharbor.bandzoogle.com/home

Ethan Parr and Nicole Farley

Ethan Parr is a singer/songwriter living in Phoenix Arizona. A valley native, he's been involved with multiple locally based musical projects over the last two decades. Currently he sings and plays guitar in progressive rock band Bending Light.Nicole Farley is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter located in Phoenix, AZ. Over the years, she has explored a wide variety of musical genres including classical, rock, blues, folk, and metal, which has undoubtedly contributed to the development of her unique style. Throughout her musical journey, the unifying constant has her passion for experimenting with sound.Nicole and Ethan have come together to celebrate evocative music through a combination of original compositions and curated covers.

Beyond Help Band

Coming soon...

Cahoots

Coming soon....

Black River Barn Band

Black River Barn Band is a group of musical friends that play Old-Time Music" including Irish jigs, Scottish reels, Appalachian Mountain Music, and a little Piedmont Blues. Among the group is a broad range of instruments, including guitar, banjo, fiddle, mountain dulcimer, Irish whistle, rhythm bones, bodhran, accordion, shruti box, washboard, recorder, and vocals. We take our audience on a musical tour from Appalachia to Europe and beyond.

• YouTube/Black River Barn Band

Rob DeFriese

I’m a Phoenix-based singer/songwriter, vocalist, bassist, and guitarist, performing original music as a solo artist. I write songs that reflect real life—its joys, its struggles, and everything in between—because I want people to feel seen and connected.My music ranges from upbeat and optimistic to dark, brooding, or quietly reflective, depending on the story the song needs to tell. Above all, I hope my work reminds people they’re not alone and inspires a little more understanding and awareness in the world… one song at a time.

• www.www.robdefriese.com

Nitehawk Diner

Doug, Mike, and Kirk have been making music together—on and off—since the mid-1970s. They first played across Arizona as Nitehawk Diner, a country-rock band featuring Mike’s standout fiddle work, Doug’s lead vocals and rhythm guitar, and Kirk’s signature lead guitar solos. Mike was even the Arizona State Champion Trick and Fancy Fiddler during that era.Their twin-lead arrangements, tight harmonies, and easy camaraderie became the band’s trademark sound. Though Nitehawk Diner eventually lost its original drummer and bassist, the core trio has continued to reunite over the years, and they still enjoy performing together whenever they get the chance—keeping the spirit of those early days alive.

James Cowden

Hailing from New Orleans, James is a versatile artist whose musical approach is shaped by the city's unique local rhythms and styles. He expertly synthesizes his foundational roots with contemporary creativity, delivering a broad repertoire that spans from sophisticated ballads to high-energy funk.

• www.jamescowdenmusic.com

Ice Machine

Ice Machine is a band of experienced players who have performed all over the Valley. They play a variety of musical genres including rock, folk, blues, old time music, bluegrass, Irish folksongs and ballads. The musicians include "Ice Machine" Tom Braatelien on guitars, "Six String" Patrick Shaw on banjo, and "Lightning" Mike Baxter on harmonicas, dulcimers and percussion.

Gedalife

What music does gedalife play?Anything is fair game - rock, blues, folk, country. On any given night you're likely to hear songs by CSN&Y, The Who, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, Elton John, Traffic, Tom Petty, The Beatles, Linda Ronstadt, Doobie Brothers, Bon Jovi, REM, Barenaked Ladies, Gin Blossoms, KT Tunstall, Jason Mraz, Darius Rucker, Echosmith, Phillip Phillips and Zac Brown Band. Our music is all over the place, but we guarantee you'll have fun!

• www.GedaLifE.com

Sugar Jam Band

Coming soon ....

TBD (available)

Available spot. Contact me if you would like to perform.

Sal & Peter Palazzo

Peter and Sal Palazzo, brothers who have been making music together for the past six years, perform folk and soft rock from the 60s through the 90s. They bring their shared history to the stage at local venues and open mics around the valley.

Caught in the Act

Since the early 1970s, Caught In The Act with Billy Francis has been delivering electrifying performances throughout the Phoenix area, earning a reputation as one of the region’s most dynamic live acts. Fronted by the charismatic Billy Francis, the band offers a powerful mix of rock, rhythm & blues, and soulful ballads—each show marked by tight arrangements, energized stage presence, and a strong connection with the audience.

Street Light Curfew

Street Light Curfew is an acoustic trio made up of Dave Manley, Joe Barker, and Adam Nudo—three accomplished solo musicians who’ve joined forces to celebrate the unforgettable sounds of the 1980s. With stripped-down arrangements and a casual, fun-loving style, they bring a fresh acoustic take to the songs you know and love. From synth-pop to stadium rock, Streetlight Curfew invites you to sing along, reminisce, and enjoy the soundtrack of a totally awesome decade.

Country Crossing

Country Crossing formed about 7 years ago, playing mostly country music. They have added bluegrass, gospel, folk, and some contemporary rock and roll to their repertoire of music. The newest addition to the trio is Alan Lister on guitar. Steve Kehler plays guitar, mandolin, and harmonica with his wife Darlene on bass. You will find this group playing festivals, churches, libraries, assisted living homes, and even patio parties. Don't be surprised to find yourself singing along, clapping to the beat, or even tapping your toes during their performances.

Spencer Vandevier

Spencer is an Arizona singer songwriter in the folk, country, Americana genres. He takes a lot of influence from John Denver, Iron and Wine, John Prine and Simon and Garfunkel.

George & Georgia

We found each other in music in Denver, Colorado and worked our way to the Phoenix area. We love to play all styles of music and make harmony, while creating our own version of the music you know. We play music all over Phoenix, and were named 2024 ‘Duo of the Year’ by the West Valley Country Music Association.

Eric Douglas

Eric Douglas is a songwriter who paints a vivid American landscape, telling stories of people finding their place in the world...for better or for worse. His songs combine folk, Americana, blues, and jazz, and his songwriting has been recognized in nationwide competitions. Eric began performing in New York City bars and coffeehouses in the late 90s, and has lived in Arizona since 2002.

Thorn & the Rose

Thorn & the Rose plays acoustic folk and flute. The husband-and-wife duo is made up of Doug Barnett on guitar and vocals, and Barbara Barnett on flute, guitar, and backup vocals. They cover over 100 years of folk, pop, country, Celtic, and Americana as well as indie originals by Doug, who is an award-winning songwriter.

Born Yesterday

Born Yesterday is a band that plays originals and obscure 60s garage rock, surf instrumentals, rockabilly and assorted older tunes that you don't often hear on the radio. The band features Steve Carter on vocals and guitar, Janet Carter on bass guitar and Mike Hutch Hutchinson on percussion and drum kit.

Eric Ramsey

Among other things, award winning songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and Arizona Blues Hall of Fame member Eric Ramsey is the 2022 Winner of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. He is three time champion of the Phoenix Blues Society's Blues Showdown and is the winner of the Stefan George Memorial Songwriting Contest. He was named Peoples’ Choice Award winner at the Wildflower Music Festival, and a Finalist in the Al Johnson Songwriting Competition in 2022, a four time featured performer at the Dripping Springs (TX) Songwriters Festival and has been tapped for the prestigious Songwriter's Showcase produced by Tempe Center for the Arts, filmed for PBS distribution.Eric has been active in the Arizona music scene since the mid 70s, performing solo or as part of any number of bands. Following a career as an electrician, he has recently - thanks to the support of his wife and family - been able to concentrate on writing and performing full time. He has self-released six CDs - 2015’s debut Wills And Won’ts, 2016’s acclaimed Up We Go, 2017’s bluesy, resonator soaked It’s A Rough World, Baby and 2018’s Road Of Man. 2018 also saw the release of Rough, Raw Or Wrong:LIVE, recorded live in concert. His newest releases, in May and September of 2022, are On The Record and The Blues.With soaring vocals and organic arrangements, Eric's writes from experience about the human condition - at times sensitive, at times humorous, always thought-provoking. His arrangements and delivery encompass a spectrum of styles, from delicate fingerpicking to raucous, bluesy bottleneck slide, and he can often be found in his garage, where his family prefers he practice. Especially the banjo….

Mark Biship Evans

Mark has played extensively on both the West and East coasts, pleasing audiences in upscale restaurants, local bars, coffeehouses, listening rooms, festivals, house concerts
and Honky Tonks.He plays tasteful covers from the 20’s thru today, as well as his original songs. Some of the artists he covers are, Paul Simon, Gordon Lightfoot, Lennon and McCartney, America, Dougie Mclean, Kenny Loggins, George Michael, Glen Campbell, The Eagles, Dan Fogelberg James Taylor and many more.In his original music it is said he has a way with melodies and a special touch on the guitar, bringing them together in pleasant and poignant combinations. His music is an intriguing blend of Folk, folk rock, and ballads. He currently resides in the Phoenix area where he continues to create and perform.

Dave Manley and Friends

Dave Manley, Jeff Cohen, and Millie Davis come together for one night only to create a warm, spirited Chanukah celebration. Dave brings his experience in Jewish music from his time as a Cantorial Soloist and as a member of Yehudie and the Gefilte Fish. Jeff adds his vocal and guitar talents, while Millie rounds out the trio with her guitar work and beautiful harmonies.

• www.HeyItsSuperDave.com

Out of the Box

We’re are Scottsdale musicians who simply love making great music together. Our sound blends the warm soul of jazz and blues with fresh, modern energy. Drawing from decades of timeless songs, we put our own spin on classic standards while keeping their heart and history alive. And during the holidays, we will be performing a selection of classic Christmas standards with the same smooth style and soulful feel.Perfect for upscale venues, special events, or anyone who just wants to relax and get lost in live music, our performances bring smooth grooves, rich melodies, and a vibe that feels both nostalgic and new. Let us take you on a musical journey—easy to listen to, fun to dance to, and always from the heart.