Here at Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DPI), we produce, partner and endorse lots of music events and Viva PHX is one our favorites. We appreciate the eclectic sounds, varied genres and interesting styles this festival brings. So at this year’s Viva, which features 90 different bands at 20 venues across downtown, we decided to put together some recommendations of things to do, see and experience. Here’s what we’re really looking forward to on Saturday, March 14.
Andrew W.K. at Monarch Theatre 12 a.m. (21+)

He does rock, punk, J-pop covers, motivational speeches and hosted the Cartoon Network show “Destroy Build Destroy” – he’s the incredibly funny and talented Andrew W.K. We still love his 2001 jam “Party Hard,” which made a recent comeback in a fall 2014 commercial for Google and Android, and can’t wait to see him live in Downtown Phoenix.
Best Coast at CityScape 11 p.m. (all ages)

Headlining the main stage at CityScape, Best Coast captures the beachy sounds of 1960s California surf rock perfectly. The only thing missing is Gidget. Listening to songs like “When I’m With You” or “California Nights” feels like being magically transported to the ocean. Ahhhh, just sit back and breathe in the salty air.
Coolio at Monroe St. Stage 10 p.m. (all ages)

Not only is “Gangsta’s Paradise” one of Billboard’s Greatest Songs of All-Time, but it’s also the 20th anniversary of its release – so we’re crossing our fingers he performs this hip hop classic. Plus, there’s only one thing Coolio’s been doing longer than rapping — and that’s cooking. Creator of “Ghetto Gourmet,” he wrote a cook book in 2009 and even has a web-based cooking show, which is pretty hilarious. There’s just so many reasons to love him.
Cumbia at the Goldwater Room (21+)

From cumbia to musica tropical, the dance floor will be smoldering at the Goldwater Room inside Renaissance Phoenix Downtown. Soak up some spicy Latin flavor with a packed lineup of bands and DJs from across Arizona, California and Mexico.
Fishbone at the Monroe St. Stage 11 p.m. (all ages)

Formed in 1979, Fishbone helped pioneer the alt-rock sound and continues to define the genre through a fusion of ska, punk, rock and funk. It’s time to mosh like it’s 1992. Oi!
Geographer at Crescent Ballroom 11 p.m. (21+)

Electronic beats and acoustic melodies layered with the soulful voice of Michael Deni, Geographer might just be one of the best acts performing at Viva PHX. We love this band and are even more excited to see them in such an intimate space.
Jim Adkins at Phoenix Masonic Temple 10 p.m. (all ages)

When he’s not touring with Jimmy Eat World, front man Jim Adkins plays stripped-down solo acoustic pop. He’s playing at the historic Masonic Temple, which will be an interesting venue to say the least.
Kalliope at Crescent Ballroom on Second Avenue (21+)
With 20,000 watts of subwoofer power, neon lights, smoke and lasers, the electric “art cart,” also known as Kalliope, provides an EDM experience which can only be described as amazing. Creators of Kalliope, the Walter Project, will also be bringing along Big Red, an oversized tricked out Volkswagen Baja Beetle.
 
 
Lucha Libre Wrestling at Monroe Street Mercado (all ages)
Characterized by colorful masks, aerial maneuvers and fast-paced action, Mexican wrestling, or lucha libre, adds some action to the festival environment. This deeply-rooted cultural pastime celebrates the fighters, or luchadores, for their strength and agility, but also their ability to put on a great show and entertain crowds.
PPL MVR at Monarch Theatre 9 p.m. (21+)

There’s something enigmatic and enchanting about three guys dressed as yetis, employing auto-tune. The fact that their origins are listed as “unknown” on the official festival lineup is fairly alluring too. So far, the only information we have to go on is the self-titled single “People Mover.” But we want to know more.
Party Gardens at Punk Rock Alley 9 p.m. (all ages)

These guys know how to party. With a noisy, psychedelic surf-rock sound and high energy, they’re a local favorite for fans of all ages. Hearing them play on a pop-up stage in a random alleyway in downtown will make for a fun and unforgettable backdrop.
Twin Shadow at CityScape Stage 9:40 p.m. (all ages)

With a brand new album slated to be released March 17, indie pop sensation George Lewis Jr., also known as Twin Shadow, brings a new and experimental sound to the main stage at CityScape. He may sing about estranged lovers, loss and solitude, but set against a funky synth-pop beat; it’s hard not to dance.