March 20 – March 26 • Essential Weekly Concert Guide • L.A. Edition

Joseph Baura

The Band Perry at El Rey Theatre | March 20
They say that being in a band is like being in a small family. However, for The Band Perry, that label is an actuality. The country-centric band made up of siblings Kimberly, Neil and Reid Perry have had a ton of success in the past few years, especially with their hit single “If I Die Young.” Although the date for their upcoming album, “My Bad Imagination,” hasn’t officially been announced, their upcoming shows will give fans a small glimpse into what to expect for the full release later this year.

Agnes Obel at El Rey Theatre | March 21
After the recent release of her album, “Citizen of Glass,” it’s evident that Agnes Obel has found a formula that works. Refreshing to hear, Obel’s ethereal vocals are her main staple and easily find their place over the often melodic and trance-like melodies. Obel will be making her way via Copenhagen for a special intimate performance at the El Rey Theatre.

Andy Shauf at The Regent Theater | March 21
Hailing from Canada, Andy Shauf is a rare breed in breed in the solo indie rock genre. Shauf’s hypnotizing guitar riffs perfectly accompany his hauntingly somber voice. If you are a fan of artists like Elliott Smith, Andy Shauf is a convenient detour that provides a warm and welcoming vibe.

Kate Tempest at The Echo | March 21
In the crowd of UK rappers, one that stands out as of late is Kate Tempest. Known primarily for her work as a poet and playwright, Tempest has since taken her strength with words to music and has produced music that provides an honest, in-your-face view of the world and all its imperfections. Tempest’s clever rhymes and quick delivery simply beg to be noticed.

Lake Street Dive at The Theatre At Ace Hotel | March 21
After releasing their last album “Side Pony,” in 2016, Boston-bred Lake Street Dive became one of the bands to keep an eye on. Since then, they’ve made appearances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and have even been invited to perform at the White House. Lake Street Dive’s brand of music is a welcomed blend between southern rock and soul, that feels like it came straight out of the 1970s.

Maggie Rogers at Troubadour | March 21
After a fated meeting with Pharrell Williams at the NYU Clive Davis Institute, Maggie Rogers rose to fame after Williams gave an overwhelmingly positive response to her song “Alaska.” Since then, Rogers has been hard at work crafting her newly-released EP, “Now That the Light Is Fading.” Now touring, the young songstress will be stopping by SXSW to perform on ‘The Tonight Show’ before coming to Los Angeles.

RZA at The Belasco Theater | March 21
As one of the founding members of the Wu-Tang Clan, the RZA has done an exceptional job of creating a name for himself outside of famed hip-hop group. Known as an exceptional producer and writer, RZA has also proven how formidable he is as a solo act. Under the pseudonym Bobby Digital, the RZA has created a sound that is both miles apart from his work with Wu-Tang, and a lighter side to the rapper/producer’s catalog of music.

Skott at The Echo | March 21
Growing up around many folk musicians, it’s evident that Skott has been influenced by classic folk. Yet he isn’t afraid to inject a contemporary flavor in the mix to provide something fresh. With powerfully sweet-sounding vocals, Skott draws comparisons to fellow female songstresses like Lana Del Rey and Banks.

Jain at Troubadour | March 22
Having made a lot of noise in Europe, French songstress Jain, is slowly making her way over to the states to capture a whole new audience. With the release of her debut album, “Zanaka,” in 2015, Jain has had great success in France, Belgium and Italy. With various influences behind her production, especially from the Congo where she lived for a period of her life, Jain’s music features poppy vocals mixed in over dance-inspired rhythms.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise at The Roxy Theatre | March 22
Rainbow Kitten Surprise isn’t as ridiculous as their name sounds; however, they do live up to the “surprise” in their name. The indie rock band showed up on the radar when their song “Devil Like Me” became a 2015 hit. Lead singer Sam Melo has a chilling voice that floats over the airy background melodies. If you’re a fan of bands like Kings of Leon or Modest Mouse, you should add Rainbow Kitten Surprise to your playlist.

Il Volo at Microsoft Theater | March 23
They aren’t exactly The Three Tenors, but they also aren’t your stereotypical pop stars either. Il Volo, who are often grouped in the genre of “popera,” are the hottest ticket to come out of Italy – and now they’re coming to the states to perform their blend of, naturally, pop music and traditional opera. Their last album, “Notte Magica,” served as a tribute to The Three Tenors, whom they labeled as one of their main inspirations.

MØ at The Novo | March 23
Being most well-known for her work with Major Lazer on their hit single, “Lean On,” MØ has had a surge of success in the United States, and especially in Europe. With a voice that is as light-hearted as the dance melodies MØ sings over, she’s recently become the go-to vocalist for EDM DJs.

Modern English at The Regent Theater | March 23
Best known for their 1982 hit, “I Melt With You,” Modern English is one of the legendary faces of the new wave era. Despite disbanding several times, Modern English tends to find a way to bring it back together. This time, they decided take to the studio and recorded their album “Take Me to the Trees.”

Viceroy w/ Rainier + Grimm at The Roxy Theatre | March 23
As one of the fast-growing names in the dance genre, Viceroy has been providing music that is consistently as good as it perfect for relaxing. Rather than providing har- hitting bass bangers, Viceroy is focused on giving his fans smooth, laid-back rhythms to dance to.

The Airborne Toxic Event at El Rey Theatre | March 23 + March 30
Hailing from Los Feliz – just down the street from where they’ll be performing at The Regent Theater – The Airborne Toxic Event made their start in 2008 with the release of their self-titled album. Channeling bands like Joy Division and The Smiths, The Airborne Toxic Event carry a sort of ‘old soul’ in their music that lead singer, Mikel Jollett, perfectly channels.

Big Sean at Hollywood Palladium | March 24
After releasing his latest album, “I Decided,” in February, and getting a couple of chart-climbing singles, Detroit rapper Big Sean is having quite a 2017. As one of Kanye West’s protégés, Big Sean has had a stellar career thus far. Perhaps best-known for his ability to switch the tempo of his flow with ease, and those trademark clever quips, Big Sean is easily one of the biggest rappers in the game.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah at The Roxy Theatre | March 24
Fresh off the release of their latest album, “The Tourist,” Philly-based Clap Your Hands Say Yeah is on tour to give fans a taste of their new music live. The dreamy, fast-paced guitar riffs and vocals from Alec Ounsworth are reminiscent of the 60s –  perfect to get you onto your feet to dance or for a sun-soaked, California coastal drive.

Joey Fatts at The Regent Theater | March 24
Hailing from Long Beach, Joey Fatts is one of those artists that keeps close to the humble beginnings that makes his music so appealing. As cousin of fellow rapper Vince Staples, Fatts has always had a similar passion for hip hop – something that became a reality when he was able to work with ASAP Rocky. His honest subject material and aggressive tone make for a must-see hip hop show.

Nikki Lane w/ Robert Ellis at El Rey Theatre | March 24
Since the release of her recent album, “Highway Queen,” country’s newest songstress Nikki Lane has been on a tear through the country world. With lyrics touching on her hometown, her failed marriage, and other personal topics, Lane’s honesty is channeled through a passionate, unflinching voice. Whether you’re a fan of Lana Del Rey or George Strait, Nikki Lane provides a healthy dose of both.

Yellowcard at The Novo | March 24
With the release of their latest self-titled album, Yellowcard is letting fans know that they aren’t ready to give in yet. Best known for their hit single, “Ocean Avenue,” Yellowcard was easily one of the biggest bands during the 2000s influx of pop-punk bands. While they are more matured, they haven’t let their music stray too far from the sound that fans have been loving for over a decade.

Big Wild at The Fonda Theatre | March 25
With the ever-expanding genre of EDM, artists like Big Wild have come out and found their place in a genre that seems capable of bending in any direction. Big Wild’s production is a mash-up between hip hop, chillwave, and electronica that comes together in a very laid-back, relaxing fashion.

Colony House at Troubadour | March 25
After their first release on a major label, Colony House is looking to make 2017 their year to truly break into the mainstream. Influenced by bands like U2 and Cold War Kids, Colony House is a tight-knit group of twentysomethings that bring an upbeat, toe-tapping sound.

Electric Guest at Teragram Ballroom | March 25
After meeting at the house of producer, Danger Mouse, Electric Guest’s Asa Taccone and Matthew Compton decided to collaborate. In 2012, the duo found released their debut album, “Mondo,” which was met with great praise. Now in 2017, Electric Guest released their latest album, “Plural,” which contains more of the favorite blend of indie pop, Motown soul, and California rock.

Kevin Abstract at The Roxy Theatre | March 25
Kevin Abstract is a unique type of artist that blends indie rock, jazz, and hip hop into a striking package that sounds like nothing else. With vocals that are almost like a whisper, Kevin Abstract glides over the ambient hip-hop rhythms that are layered underneath.

“Rock Against MS” ft. Steven Adler, Jerry Cantrell, Mike Inez, and Gilby Clarke at Los Angeles Theatre | March 25
The Rock Against MS Foundation will be hosting a special night featuring some of rock-n-roll’s legendary acts, as well as some of comedy’s best comedians around. Nancy Wilson of HEART will be debuting her newest side project, Roadcase Royale, while comedians like Bill Burr and Craig Gass will be doing a bit of stand-up to liven up the crowd. Other acts include Guns and Roses members Steven Adler and Gilby Clarke, as well as Mike Inez from Alice In Chains.

“Sacred White Dance Party” ft. The Crystal Method at The Belasco Theater | March 25
Hosting the 7th annual Sacred White Dance Party, The Belasco Theater will be bringing along EDM duo The Crystal Method. Along the lines of peers like The Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers, The Crystal Method’s distinct glitch style production will be providing the soundtrack for the special all-white party.

Tuxedo at The Regent Theater | March 25
In a collaboration that is too good to be true, Mayer Hawthorne has teamed up with producer Jake One to form the group Tuxedo. With Jake One’s usual upbeat production that features jazzy synth solos, and Hawthorne’s often light-hearted, bouncy funk, Tuxedo presents music that is reminiscent of the disco era – without the gimmicks.

Eric Clapton at The Forum | March 25-26
As one of the most legendary guitarists of all-time, there isn’t much to say about Eric Clapton that hasn’t already been said regarding his illustrious career. The recipient of 18 Grammy awards and countless records that span his 50-year career, Clapton is still one of those live artists that every rock-n-roll fan should have on their bucket list.

Biffy Clyro at The Belasco Theater | March 26
Scottish alt-rock band Biffy Clyro has had a significant amount of success in Europe and is looking to make the same impact in the United States. With comparisons to bands like Metallica and Foo Fighters, Biffy Clyro makes for some truly radio-friendly rock n’ roll.

Thee Oh Sees w/ Clipping at Teragram Ballroom | March 26
Hailing from the Bay Area, Thee Oh Sees, conceived by singer/songwriter John Dwyer, have been rocking it as of late within the indie rock scene. Their latest album release, “An Odd Entrances,” released last year, is one that fans of the genre are still talking about.

Isaiah Rashad at El Rey Theatre | March 26-27
Since joining Top Dawg Entertainment in 2013, Isaiah Rashad has been somewhat of a wildcard on a roster that boasts artists like Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q. However, in the past couple of years, Rashad has come into his own and is easily the most exciting member of the team. With production that is reminiscent of the golden era of southern hip hop – coupled with Rashad’s unorthodox flow – his latest album, “The Sun’s Tirade,” has easily become an album hip hop fans are keeping in their album rotation.