Review and Photos by Fred Kuhlman
Promoter: Psyko Steve (https://psykosteve.com/ )
Venue: Valley Bar, Phoenix, AZ (https://www.valleybarphx.com/ )
Date: Sunday June 15th, 2025
This was my first time at The Valley Bar. It is in downtown Phoenix hidden in a back alley near Central and Adams. Once I found the entrance, I had to walk downstairs to the actual bar. It is a small bar, but the lighting and sound were good. I was here to see 2 bands that had performed at the Innings Festival this year, Winona Fighter and Good Boy Daisy.
First up was local favorite, Good Boy Daisy. It is fronted by the dynamic identical twins Hallie and Dylinn Mayes. Hallie is the lead singer while Dylinn is the lead guitarist. They are joined by guitarist Chris Marchant and drummer Logan Dolezal. This was the 3rd time I have seen them and Hallie and Dylinn just seem to get more comfortable and better on stage. They bring an energy to their alt-pop sound. Hallie also has a very nice voice that at times is very powerful. Dylinn is a very good guitarist and can lay down the power riffs as good as anyone.
In a valley with many metal bands, it is nice to have a few alt-pop bands that know how to really rock. Good Boy Daisy is one of the better rock/alt-pop bands in the Phoenix area. If you get to see them, I very highly recommend it.
Finally, Winona Fighter took the stage. They consist of lead singer and guitarist Coco Kinnon, lead guitarist Dan Fuson and bassist/producer Austin Luther. I saw them for the first time at the Innings Festival this year. I was amazed by the dynamic front woman, Coco Kinnon. She was all over the stage, singing, dancing and playing guitar. So, when I heard they were coming to Phoenix for a headlining show, I jumped at covering it.
The stage was small, but big enough for Coco to roam around on it, jumping, high kicking and even laying on the floor. Just watching her made me tired. At one point in the show, Austin took off his shirt because it was getting hot in the venue. All of the women were very happy because Austin has a great body.
A lot of times, I have covered rock/punk bands that are very loud and not really that good of musicians. However, Winona Fighter is an exception to this, they are not only loud and at times in your face (typical puck band) but they are also very good musicians. Austin provides a great baseline that makes the heart pound, while Dan provides the power cords that define the song. Coco puts the final touches on the songs with her spectacular voice.
At times the crowd was singing and dancing (or at least jumping) along with Coco. I can usually tell how into the band the audience is by how they sing along with the band. Tonight, I can say that the vast majority of the audience was into the band.
The floor was divided up into 2 sections down the middle. On one side were the non-alcoholic drinkers and under age fans. On the bigger side was the rest of us (with access to the bar). At one point in the show Coco asked for a mosh pit manager to help create a nice size mosh pit. He did a great job and a lot of people joined in.
They told us they were not going to do an encore, but instead played their entire 15 song setlist straight through.
If you want to see a really high energy show with some great rock/punk music then I would definitely recommend seeing Winona Fighter. They will blow you away and leave you exhausted. I can’t wait to see them again. I only hope I still have the energy to keep up with them and the fans.
You can check out both bands and see if they are coming to a city near you. I have provided links to their social media pages. Enjoy and I hope to see you at one of their next performances.
Winona Fighter
Social Media sites:
Website: https://winonafighter.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winonafighter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winonafighter/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@winonafighter
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@winonafighter
Photos © Fred Kuhlman 2025, All Rights Reserved
Good Boy Daisy
Social Media sites:
Website: https://goodboydaisy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodboydaisy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodboydaisy/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/goodboydaisy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/good-boy-daisy
Photos © Fred Kuhlman 2025, All Rights Reserved
Winona Fighter Setlist:
You Look Like a Drunk Phoebe Bridgers
I Think You Should Leave
R U Famous
Subaru
Attention
Jumpercables
I’m In The Market To Please No One
Swimmer’s Ear
Sabotage
Swear To God That I’m (FINE)
WLBRN St Tvrn
Talk
Johnny’s Dead
Don’t Wallow
Hamms In A Glass
