Four-time Grammy winners For King & Country are bringing A Drummer Boy Drive-In: The Christmas Tour to Gila River Arena on Nov. 21 in support of their first Christmas album, “A Drummer Boy Christmas.”

They’ve partnered with the Salvation Army for a national toy drive, asking concertgoers to bring new, unwrapped toys that will be collected by representatives from the local Salvation Army and distributed to families struggling during the holiday season.

In a press release, Joel Smallbone of For King & Country said, “It’s been a difficult year for so many. Now more than ever, we felt compelled to get out on the road in a safe and socially distanced way to spread the joy and spirit of Christmas in the best way we know — by sharing a night of music celebrating the greatest hope the world has ever known.”

The Salvation Army, Smallbone said, is “a cause that’s dear to us,” adding, “We came to this country from Australia and were headed for bean burritos and gifts from the dollar shop before an act of kindness from a first-grade school class gave us a Christmas that we will never forget. They provided our family with food and toys to celebrate the holidays and for that reason we are so proud and honored to be partnering with the Salvation Army, to share a bit of joy with others that might be facing the same fate this Christmas.”

They’re promising a safe, socially distanced concert.

There’s an artist presale starting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at forkingandcountry.com. (the code is DRUMMER). Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9.

Grupo Firme to play Talking Stick Resort

It’s been six months since any artist has announced a new arena date for metro Phoenix as the touring industry continues to respond to a global pandemic. 

Several hundred Valley concerts have been postponed, canceled or rescheduled since Blake Shelton played what looks to be the last arena show we’ll see in 2020 back in early March. 

That makes the news that Grupo Firme have announced a date Talking Stick Resort Arena on Saturday, April 3, 2021, especially exciting.

Among the hottest new regional Mexican acts around, they’ve sold out concerts across the U.S. and Mexico with their dance tunes, norteñas and corridos.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Ticketmaster.com.

Due to ongoing construction, the Talking Stick Resort Arena box office will be inaccessible until further notice.

The date is subject to state and local government guidelines for helping the community stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Maine 8123 Fest

Local rockers The Maine have announced that the 8123 Fest they first staged in 2017 to honor their 10th anniversary is returning to the desert they call home on March 27, 2021.

Additional events surrounding the festival will run from March 25- 29. 

The festival’s location and lineup have yet to be announced. For now, it’s just The Maine & Friends in downtown Phoenix.

But early-bird ticket bundles, ranging from $100-$150, are on sale at themaineband.com, with regular-price tickets on sale this fall. 

In 2019, the second edition of 8123 Fest drew more than 5,000 fans from all over the world to Civic Space Park in downtown Phoenix, where The Maine played their first album, “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop,” in its entirety.

They originally planned on staging next year’s 8123 Fest in January, but they have pushed it back to the last weekend in March to allow for more time to ensure the safety of all attendees. 

In a statement, The Maine said, “8123 Fest is about family. It has and always will be. With that said, we want to make sure all members of the 8123 Family can join us to celebrate and connect at 8123 Fest 2021.”

The statement went on to say, “We love you all and can’t wait to be back. This will be our first concert back in over a year and a half. It’s going to be an amazing experience to sing with you all again.”

The band is planning a busier festival than ever, including special events outside of the festival itself, an Emo Afterparty, a free full band meet and greet, an exclusive meetup for the band’s street team, and an 8123 Impact Day (featuring volunteer work within the Phoenix community). 

Reach the reporter at [email protected] or 602-444-4495. Follow him on Twitter @EdMasley.

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