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TOP25By Connor Dziawura

“Daddy Long Legs”

TO JULY 17 Directed by Robbie Harper, this Cinderella story kicked off in June, but there’s still time to see it. An off-Broadway musical, “Daddy Long Legs” follows orphan and aspiring writer Jerusha Abbott as she’s sent to college by a mysterious benefactor. In exchange, however, she must write a monthly progress report for the benefactor. See how the story unfolds in the Hormel Theatre.

Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre. com, various dates and times, see website for prices

“Curiouser & Curiouser Too”

TO JULY 23 This isn’t your usual theater show. Described as a blend of an escape room, art installation and performance, this dark, gothic take on “Alice in Wonderland” is 6,500-squarefoot, immersive, multisensory experience. Recommended for ages 16 and older.

Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria, theaterworks.org, various dates and times, $48

Dwight Yoakam

JULY 8 Famed country singer Dwight Yoakam, who has steadily been releasing music since the 1980s, is back. Whether you’re talking hits that have been heavy in listeners’ rotation or deeper cuts from his many albums, Yoakam will have plenty to draw from when building his Tempe setlist. Christopher Shayne opens. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. All ages.

Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, marqueetheatreaz.com, 8 p.m., $58-$123 “Black Widow”

OPENS JULY 9 Marvel Cinematic Universe fans have been waiting a long time for this one. Aside from over a year of delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow character made her film debut over a decade ago and hasn’t had a solo starring outfit — until now. While miniseries such as “WandaVision,” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” and “Loki” have held fans over so far this year, the Black Widow origin story, co-starring Florence Pugh, David Harbour and Rachel Weisz, is set to finally hit theaters simultaneously with Disney+ Premier Access. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence/action, some language and thematic material.

In theaters and on Disney+ Premier Access, disneyplus.com

Sonoran Sippin’

JULY 9 Spend a night out at the Desert Botanical Garden, sipping on drinks while local DJs and musicians set the mood. The vibes are sure to be laidback at this monthly event, which continues through September. Miscellaneous arrival times are available, but tickets are limited, so be sure to head to the garden’s website to snag yours before they’re all gone. See the website for performers.

Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 480.941.1225, dbg.org, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., $7.95-$14.95

Deadbeats Arizona

JULY 10 Headlined by Zeds Dead, the varied cast of EDM acts hitting the stage includes special guest Subtronics, not to mention Rusko, Dirt Monkey, Lick, Level Up and Chiief. Originally planned for The Park at Wild Horse Pass last year, this event has been moved to Rawhide — though the original tickets will be honored. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Ages 18 and older.

Rawhide Event Center, 5244 N. 48th Street, Chandler, 480.502.5600, rawhide. com, 8 p.m. July 10 to 2 a.m. July 11, $60-$105

“My Pet Dinosaur”

JULY 14 TO JULY 25 This puppet-based show tells the story of a young boy named Arthur who receives quite the unique gift from his uncle — a dinosaur egg. Together with his pet parrot, Arthur and the dinosaur are sure to cause trouble. Recommended for ages 5 and older.

Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham Street, Phoenix, 602.262.2050, azpuppets. org, various dates and times, $6-$12, or free for infants if accompanied by a paid child

Melissa Villaseñor

JULY 15 TO JULY 18 On the heels of a hosting gig for the Independent Spirit Awards in April, comedian Melissa Villaseñor is bringing her standup routine to the Valley for several shows at CB Live. You’ve probably seen her face or heard her voice, as the “America’s Got Talent” alum and current “Saturday Night Live” cast member, known in part for her impressions, has lent her talents to numerous TV shows and films, both live action and animated. Admission ages vary based on date/time.

CB Live, 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, 602.910.5161, cblive.com, various dates and times, $22-$25

Tom Papa

JULY 15 TO JULY 17 Comedian, actor, radio host, podcaster, author — Tom Papa is a jack-of-all-trades. You may know him from his recent Netflix standup special. You could be a listener of his new podcast “Breaking Bread with Tom Papa.” Or maybe you know him as a friend of “The Joe Rogan Experience.” He’s also on SiriusXM. Regardless, his resume is deep, and this July, it’s about to get deeper with several shows at Stand Up Live. Admission ages vary based on date/time.

Stand Up Live, 50 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 480.719.6100, phoenix.standuplive.com, various dates and times, $22-$25 Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Chicago Cubs

JULY 16 The D-backs face off against the Chicago Cubs several times this month, both home and away, but it’s this midmonth Phoenix matchup that features a postgame fireworks show, presented by Gila River Hotels & Casinos.

Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.462.6500, mlb.com/ dbacks, 6:40 p.m., $29-$225

Maricopa County Home Show

JULY 16 TO JULY 18 Walkup landscape consultations, DIY workshops, citrus bath bombs and lavender botanical bath salt making, wood sign painting, terracotta pot painting, string art, glass etching, honey sampling and beeswax candle making — there’s so much to check out at the upcoming Maricopa County Home Show, and this is just a taste of it!

State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 602.485.1691, maricopacountyhomeshows.com, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, $3-$8, or free for children 2 and younger

“Space Jam: A New Legacy”

OPENS JULY 16 Bugs Bunny and his fellow Looney Tunes are back — this time teaming up to help LeBron James rescue his son from a rogue AI (played by Don Cheadle) after they’re sucked into the Serververse. But if James wants his son back, he has to play ball. Zendaya (Lola Bunny) and Gabriel Iglesias (Speedy Gonzalez) join the team of voice actors, in addition to a diverse lineup of throwback Warner Bros. characters. Rated PG for some cartoon violence and some language.

In theaters and on HBO Max, hbomax.com

One More Time

JULY 17 The legendary French house duo Daft Punk may have recently called it quits, with fans having been clamoring for new music over the past eight years since the disco throwback album “Random Access Memories,” but this tribute act is still keeping “da funk” going. With replica helmets and a full-scale pyramid stage, it’s probably as close as you'll get to the real thing in 2021. Doors open at 8 p.m. Ages 21 and older.

Phoenix Rising vs. LA Galaxy II

JULY 17 Phoenix Rising Football Club will face off against the LA Galaxy II for the second home game at Phoenix Rising Stadium this month.

Phoenix Rising Stadium at Wild Horse Pass, 19593 S. 48th Street, Chandler, 623.594.9606, phxrisingfc. com, 7:30 p.m., $20.63-$40.11

Snoop Dogg vs. DJ Snoopadelic

JULY 17 Three decades into his career, Snoop Dogg needs no introduction. This latest show is in support of his recently released album “From tha Streets 2 tha Suites,” which, aptly for Snoop, dropped on April 20. But, in addition to rapping and singing, Snoop will show off his other talents as DJ Snoopadelic. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.267.1600, celebritytheatre. com, 8 p.m., $45-$255

July Pop Punk Camp

JULY 19 TO JULY 23 Pop punk nostalgia is all the rage as of late, with hip-hop artists and others throwing it back to their influences from the late ’90s through the 2000s. This weeklong camp will pay tribute to the classics of the genre, from Paramore back to blink-182, Green Day, No Doubt and the Offspring. Targeted at students ages 10 to 18, this camp will teach and practice songs, leading up to an end-of-week performance.

School of Rock, 13610 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.483.7625, schoolofrock. com, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, $500

“Pump Boys and Dinettes”

JULY 21 TO AUGUST 22 Beginning this July and continuing through mid-to-late August, “Pump Boys and Dinettes” tells the story of L.M and Jim, who run a filling station down Highway 57 in Grand Ole Opry country, and Rhetta and Prudie, who run the nearby diner. Directed by Michael Barnard and set in the Mainstage Theatre, Phoenix Theatre Company promises “a toetapping evening of country western songs on guitar, piano, bass and even a kitchen utensil or two.”

Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre. com, various dates and times, see website for prices Katastro

JULY 23 AND JULY 24 These shows are special for Katastro. Based right here out of Arizona, the eclectic band, which creates a sort of fusion of rock, funk, blues and hip-hop, plans to celebrate the release of its latest album, “Sucker,” at the Marquee on July 23, followed by another performance the next day. Kash’d Out and Barefoot open July 23, while DENM and Cydeways perform July 24. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. each night. All ages.

Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, marqueetheatreaz.com, 8 p.m. both nights, $15-$35

Louis the Child

JULY 24 Chicago duo Louis the Child has already racked up over 3 million Spotify plays of its new single “So What,” a collaboration with A R I Z O N A, and now the pair — Robby Hauldren and Freddy Kennett — is coming to Arizona. The duo has garnered much attention, making hits with the likes of Future and Rae Sremmurd. Jai Wolf, K.Flay and ilo ilo open. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Ages 18 and older.

Rawhide Event Center, 5244 N. 48th Street, Chandler, 480.502.5600, rawhide. com, 8 p.m. July 24 to 2 a.m. July 25, $51-$91

Whitey Morgan

JULY 24 It’s been a couple years since this Flint, Michigan, honky-tonk country musician came to the Valley, but soon that will change. Whitey Morgan returns to The Van Buren stage this July, bringing with him an array of the Americana tunes his fans know and love. Doors open at 7 p.m. Ages 18 and older.

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, thevanburenphx. com, 8 p.m., $25-$28

“The Princess, the Unicorn, and the Smelly Foot Troll”

JULY 28 TO AUGUST 15 A hit is returning! According to the Great Arizona Puppet Theater, “The Princess, the Unicorn, and the Smelly-Foot Troll” is its most popular original show. But what’s it about? Well, when Princess Harriet celebrates her birthday, she leaves the Smelly Foot Troll out of the invitations, and he’s sure to feel left out. This show can be caught through August 15. Recommended for ages 3 and older.

Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham Street, Phoenix, 602.262.2050, azpuppets. org, various dates and times, $6-$12, or free for infants if accompanied by a paid child

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

JULY 28 The D-backs are gearing up to take on the Los Angeles Dodgers, after which Gila River Hotels & Casino sponsors postgame fireworks.

Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.462.6500, mlb.com/ dbacks, 6:40 p.m., $29-$225

“The Green Knight”

OPENS JULY 30 Another victim of COVID-19 delays, director David Lowery’s latest is “The Green Knight,” an Arthurian tale starring Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander and Joel Edgerton. Originally expected to debut last summer, this A24 adaptation of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” follows Lowery’s previous works, such as “Pete’s Dragon,” “A Ghost Story” and “The Old Man & The Gun.” Already looking like an example of why Lowery could be one of the most versatile working directors, it’s likely to be epic and fantastical if its trailer is anything to go by. Rated R for violence, some sexuality and graphic nudity.

In theaters, a24films.com

Cole Swindell

JULY 31 Singer-songwriter Cole Swindell may not have a new album out, but with shows returning, country fans can rejoice at a chance to see Swindell in person. With three full-length studio albums to his name, Swindell has supported country giants like Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean and helmed his own shows, like this one at Harrah’s Ak-Chin.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino, 15406 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa, 480.802.5000, caesars.com/harrahs-akchin, 8 p.m. $54.50-$363

Phoenix Rising vs. Rio Grande Valley

JULY 31 Phoenix Rising Football Club will face off against the Rio Grande Valley Football Club.

Phoenix Rising Stadium at Wild Horse Pass, 19593 S. 48th Street, Chandler, 623.594.9606, phxrisingfc.com, 7:30 p.m., $20.63-$40.11

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HOMETOWN HEROES

Katastro returns to Marquee stage for 2 shows

By Claire Spinner

Katastro bassist Ryan Weddle is eager to come back to Tempe. Nearly two full years since the genre-bending band last graced the Valley’s stages, Weddle and his bandmates have booked two shows at the Marquee Theatre in July.

Weddle expects the shows could be the band’s most exciting to date.

“None of us expected to go over a year without playing shows, and it makes you realize how much of your identity goes into touring,” Weddle says.

“We’re all ready to get back out there and meet people and have a good time. We’re really excited, and it’s super fitting that our first show back after everything is going to be this massive, hometown Arizona party.”

The July 23 and July 24 shows come on the heels of its new album, “Sucker,” which will hit stores on July 16. It’s the full-length follow-up to 2019’s “Tropical Heartbreak.” Weddle says fans can expect a change of pace.

“Every time we write an album, we try to change the sound a little bit. We keep our style but explore different versions of it,” Weddle says. “Previously, we were focusing on a lot of really dark and introspective lyrics, but after coronavirus, it didn’t feel right to make another sad, down-in-the-dark album.”

Weddle says, initially, the band struggled with finding the correct, positive sound.

“We really just ran with writing more in a major key and using more happy, upbeat music and lyrics,” Weddle says. “We actually found it really difficult at first because we were so used to that dark, deep sound we had been doing for years. But once we got the hang of that, it turned out really fun and completely different from what we’d done before.”

The pandemic played a pivotal role in the making of “Sucker,” Weddle says. Without a real deadline, Katastro felt less pressure, and with time and freedom, it produced music that is entirely new and imaginative.

“This was the first time we were able to make a ton of songs and then have time to sit and listen to them,” Weddle says.

“Because we had no deadline and we didn’t have to go on tour, we just had all the time in the world for the four of us to be together and write and really focus on what we wanted and what we thought our fans would enjoy.”

Katastro — which also includes vocalist Andy Chaves, drummer Andrew Stravers and guitarist Tanner Riccio — made its music industry debut nearly 15 years ago when it eased into Tempe and Phoenix’s underground reggae scene. However, Katastro isn’t necessarily reggae, blending rock, funk and hip-hop. Katastro drew large crowds opening for Dirty Heads.

“We honestly never thought about ourselves as a reggae band at all, but we played with the Dirty Heads and kind of made our way into that scene without playing that type of music,” Weddle says. “We realized that those fans really connected with us even though our music was so different.”

Weddle and his crew are still based in the Valley, although they briefly moved to California to expand their fanbase. Ultimately, Weddle says, the band couldn’t stay away from Arizona.

“Things are really just different here, and I think it’s something that has influenced our entire careers in some sense, just being part of this community,” he says. “It’s really a melting pot of all these different people and cultures that’s sort of all encompassing. So, with that, you really get a lot of inspiration to work with.”

Although it has mostly stayed put, Katastro has been anything but stagnant in its 15-year career. It continues to release innovative music that’s intricate and complex. With “Sucker,” Weddle says the band feels more cohesive than ever.

“We’ve been in this band together for half our lives, and we know each other’s writing styles now,” he says.

“We have learned so much from each other in the last 14 years that it’s impossible not to adapt. This new record was a true group effort, and all of it was really intentional, because we’re at a place where we know what we’re going for.”

As the country begins to return to some form of normalcy, Weddle says he hopes “Sucker” will help fans relax and take their minds off of the negativity of the last year and a half.

“Even though this album was written during a time that was dark and politicized and difficult, it’s more about being fun and upbeat and happy,” Weddle says.

“To release something that has nothing to do with coronavirus feels like the right thing to do at this time. Ultimately, we want people to feel like they can escape with this album, and we’re just really excited to be able to escape with them when we start playing again.”

Katastro w/special guests

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, July 23, and Saturday, July 24 WHERE: Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe COST: Tickets start at $15 INFO: luckymanonline.com

TOY STORY

The Great Arizona Puppet Theater brings magic to the stage

By Claire Spinner

Nancy Smith has always been fascinated by puppetry.

After receiving a set of puppets and a stage when she was 5 years old, the art form quickly became the center of Smith’s life and, later, her career.

In 1983, Smith founded a puppeteer touring company, which laid the foundation for the Great Arizona Puppet Theater, the largest puppet theater west of the Mississippi.

Reopened after the pandemic, the Great Puppet Theater is triumphant proof of Smith’s determination.

“I’ve always done puppets,” she says. “I can’t really remember a time when I wasn’t, because it really started during my childhood. There’s so much you can do with them, and if you were to ask me ‘why puppets?’ I wouldn’t even really have an answer. It’s like asking a dancer why they dance — because I have to.”

When Smith met her husband, Kenneth Bonar, in 1972, they were destined to go into puppetry. Smith says their combined skills set them up for success. Ten years later, they started a touring puppet company.

“I had a lot of knowledge about theater and production, as well as makeup and costumes, and my husband is a really good sculptor and visual artist, so we thought we’d try our hand at doing puppetry professionally,” Smith says. “The two of us together actually made the perfect puppet team.”

Smith studied theater and music as an undergraduate and graduate student. Her education nudged her to write her own scripts.

“When we started, we discovered that we really are storytellers, and we wanted to do those stories with our puppets,” Smith says. “We wanted to do classic stories that survived and spoke to people for one reason or another and really focus on that. I couldn’t find a good script for puppets, so I thought, ‘I guess I’ll just write one myself,’ and that’s how I started writing scripts.”

Success brought on the desire for a permanent location. In 1988, five years after the touring company was created, the Great Arizona Puppet Theater found its first home.

“We wanted to open a place that was a venue to the public,” Smith says. “We leased an old fire station and turned it into our puppet theater. Some of the people that brought their children to that theater are now bringing their grandchildren to our current location.”

As a nonprofit, the Great Arizona Puppet Theater struggled to find a longterm home.

“It was just too hard trying to lease,” she says. “So, I would drive around every day looking for places. We wanted to be in the center of town to better serve the whole community.”

In Downtown Phoenix, Smith found a former Mormon church that had been closed for decades. The building was slated to be torn down for the I-10 in the 1970s, but, as the Valley’s oldest Mormon church, the neighbors rallied for its addition to the National Registry of Historical Places. Smith and Bonar purchased the building in 1996.

“No one had really been taking care of the church, so it was in pretty bad shape at the time that we bought it,” Smith says. “It took us three years of renovation before we could open up.”

When the theater opened, Smith knew she could truly promote the Great Arizona Puppet Theater’s mission, which is “to advance and promote the art of puppetry, to celebrate the great state of Arizona, to educate children and families, and to enhance Arizona’s cultural climate.”

“My goal was always to become so much a part of the community here that people wouldn’t be able to imagine life without it,” Smith says.

Since 1999, the puppet theater has staged shows five days a week. Smith and her staff teach kids about the environment, different cultures and history. Smith has a knack for creative storytelling, penning catchy tunes and sharing magical puppeteering.

“I think puppets are really a great way to educate, because it brings a really personal and unique touch to topics that kids can find boring. Making learning fun is something that we have always done at the theater,” Smith says.

The Great Arizona Puppet Theater was one of the first in the country to develop curated “puppet slams.”

When the pandemic forced the theater to close, Smith says she was unsure if it would bounce back. Schools and organizations prepaid for spring and summer 2020 shows. The theater wasn’t just losing revenue on performances, but it actually owed money.

“It was a scary time, but we persevered, because what else were we going to do? So, we came up with drive-in puppet shows,” Smith says.

Adult and children drive-in shows were staged in the parking lot, with FM transmitters broadcasting the audio. Smith and her team created three new shows, excluding the puppet slams, from scratch to create lively drive-ins.

“We just wanted to make sure we were still able to bring joy into people’s lives in a way that was fun but also sanitary and safe,” Smith said.

The drive-ins were successful. After a year of parking lot shows, the theater is ready to allow patrons in the theater.

“We really love our audience, and I’m looking forward to being able to see those genuine reactions on kids’ faces when we bring out the puppets,” she says.

Smith encourages families, children and adults to visit the theater at least once a summer.

“I think everyone should experience the joy of puppets,” Smith says.

“They’re just fun, and it’s something unique and refreshing. It’s also a form of live performance, which I think a lot of people have missed. And I think we are going to put on our best shows yet. Every time I get on that stage, I always think, ‘I want this show to be the best one I’ve ever done.’ And that’s the whole company. We truly love puppets and what we do, and we’re ready to get back to it.”

July shows

Here is information on July performances at The Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham Street, Phoenix. “Goldilocks,” through July 11, except July 4. “My Pet Dinosaur,” July 14 to July 25.

“The Princess, The Unicorn and the Smelly-Foot Troll,”

July 28 to August 15. Showtimes are 10 a.m. Wednesdays to Fridays, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. Advance ticket purchases are required. Tickets are $12 for those 13 and older; $8 for children through age 12. Call 602.262.2050, ext. 0, or visit azpuppets.org to purchase tickets.

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A SOUND PURCHASE

Record Store Day keeps heads spinning

By Alex Gallagher

Zia Records’ Mary Papenhausen knows the appeal of Record Store Day. She sees customers come in and out of the stalwart stores. She purchases records, too.

“The beautiful thing about Record Store Day is that you can look at the list a million times, and when you get to the store and see things, you’ll realize you’ll end up wanting more,” says Papenhausen, the chain’s director of marketing.

Fans who shopped on the June 12 Record Store Day have a second chance on July 17. The event was split into two days due to the pandemic.

With one Record Store Day in the books, shops like Uncle Aldo’s Attic in Northeast Mesa and Zia Records are gearing up to see large crowds from the moment doors open once again.

“Things are becoming a bit safer, and it seems that more and more people are getting out and want to do things,” Papenhausen says.

Uncle Aldo’s Attic owner Desi Scarpone says Record Store Day was slightly daunting.

“We always have a line outside our store, and this year we had a long one, which is a little scary for a small store like ours,” Scarpone says.

Both stores have put capacity limits in place to give shoppers more room to peruse the specials and keep everyone safely distanced.

“With the smaller crowds, it’s more manageable,” Papenhausen says. “People have more space. People can see the records a bit clearer, and it’s easier, in terms of stress, for customers and employees.”

Besides capping capacity, the stores are limiting what customers can buy.

“When we open, we let people in one at a time and they get to choose up to three of the Record Store Day things,” Scarpone says. “We do this until the line is gone and then we let people come and go as they please.”

Zia Records will allow 15 people in at a time, all of whom can only purchase one record per title.

“If there’s 22 titles out there, you can get 22 different titles, but not 22 of one title,” Papenhausen says.

She explains Zia makes it an easy shopping experience.

“We make it so that it’s extremely easy to shop at the store,” she explains. “We give people enough space. We put the records in alphabetical order. We have people directing people over to the sections and helping them with what they may need.”

At Uncle Aldo’s Attic, a staff member will search the inventory for the pieces customers would like to purchase.

“We will sometimes check with people in line to see what they want and, if we’re running low on inventory, we will tell them they may be better off elsewhere,” Scarpone says.

Scarpone has tried to combat this by purchasing a fair amount of Record Store Day exclusive vinyl for his store.

“This is the most Record Store Day records that I’ve ever bought, because so often I’ll have customers ask me for stuff that we don’t have,” Scarpone says. “I went wide and ordered stuff that I don’t usually get.”

For customers who missed out on a few of the first Record Store Day releases, Uncle Aldo’s Attic still has several titles remaining.

This time, the most anticipated releases are “Remixes,” Amy Winehouse; “Live in 1972,” Aretha Franklin; “Aglio E Olio,” Beastie Boys; “Czar Noir,” Czarface; “Lose You Now,” Lindsey Stirling; “Fallen Torches,” Mastodon; “Missing Links Vol. 1, 2 and 3,” The Monkees; “Lean Into It,” Mr. Big; and “Mechanical Resonance,” Tesla.

Several compilation records will hit shelves, too.

Zia Records opens at 7 a.m., but for shoppers who are not yet comfortable with going to stores, leftover Record Store Day exclusives will be sold online beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 17.

Exclusive records will not be the only thing on sale that day. Uncle Aldo’s Attic offers 10% off all non-Record Store Day exclusives in the store.

Zia Records will sell exclusive branded merchandise. The chain hasn’t released the merchandise designs yet, but last time it was a slip mat and an exclusive T-shirt.

Record Store Day is an exciting day not just for customers but for the stores’ staff.

“It’s a really exciting day,” Papenhausen says. “You can expect energy right off the bat both from instore shoppers and the people waiting in line.”

She has a bit of advice for shoppers attending their first Record Store Day.

“I’d recommend getting there early, staying hydrated and looking at the list before you come in,” Papenhausen says.

She reminds shoppers, too, that Record Store Day isn’t just about musicians and stores making a profit.

“The thing about supporting record stores on Record Store Day is that you will find the fairest price on that day,” Papenhausen says. “We want as many people to get as many records as possible at a fair price.”

Record Store Day

Zia Records

Stores open at 7 a.m. Saturday, July 17 Tempe: 3021 S. Mill Avenue. Camelback: 1850 W. Camelback Road Chandler: 3029 N. Alma School Road Thunderbird: 2510 W. Thunderbird Road Mesa: 1302 S. Gilbert Road Online records go on sale at 10 a.m. ziarecords.com

Uncle Aldo’s Attic

Store opens at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 17 6016 E. McKellips Road, Northeast Mesa 480.218.1415, unclealdosattic.com For the full list of Record Store Day releases, visit recordstoreday.com

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