SOUNDCHECK is coming back to the Phoenix Art Museum for its second season, starting September 25. Performances will run one Friday each month from 7 to 8 p.m. The museum becomes a live music venue for popular local and regional acts, made possible by the generosity of presenting sponsor Men’s Art Council, with added support from Angela and Leonard Singer Endowment for the Performing Arts.
“SOUNDCHECK brings together some of the best of what makes Phoenix so special, from incredible music and art to meaningful opportunities to connect as a community,” said Sentari Minor, board president of Men’s Arts Council.
This year’s lineup kicks off with Arizona Hall of Fame recipients the Meat Puppets. Formed in the 1980s, this punk group has released milestone albums like Meat Puppets II and Up on the Sun. More than 40 years later, the founding trio is back, with new keyboardist Ron Stabinsky and guitarist Elmo Kirkwood.
The second band in the lineup is MRCH, playing on October 30. This duo makes moody music that you can dance to. Their songs have been featured in TV shows such as The Vampire Diaries and The Twilight Zone. They have toured independently, supporting bands including Foster the People and Bad Suns.
“This popular program gives visitors a new way to experience the museum, with live musical performances that range from rock n’ roll and punk rock to indie and contemporary pop,” said Jeremy Mikolajczak, the Sybil Harrington Director and CEO of Phoenix Art Museum.
SOUNDCHECK is included with all regular-priced museum admission tickets, giving visitors access to all galleries in addition to live performances. Additional bands to the 2026 lineup will be announced later this fall. You can find out more information at phxart.org.