April 24 – April 30 • Essential Weekly Concert Guide • L.A. Edition

Joseph Baura

Sylvan Esso at Amoeba Music | April 24
In celebration of the release of their sophomore album, “What Now,” Sylan Esso will be performing a special in-store performance. Their upbeat poppy production plays a complementary piece to breezy vocals from lead singer, Amelia Meath, that make for a simplistic sound with a lot of substance.

Cold War Kids at Grammy Museum | April 25
With the release of their latest album, “LA Divine” Nathan Willett stated that the album is a sonic love letter to the city that first welcomed their music. Their own brand of indie rock, which features aggressively pleasant guitar riffs and soulful bass lines, covers an array of tastes that are indicative of their eclectic LA roots.

Bayside at Belasco Theater | April 25
The New York-based quartet plays American rock pop and play it well. Having toured with the likes of Alkaline Trio and Taking Back Sunday early on in their career, the band quickly developed a following, which they bring to the Belasco Tuesday.

LANY at The Glass House (Pomona) | April 25
With the release of their debut album coming in June, Los Angeles-based LANY will surely be making waves with their light indie sound. The 3-piece band’s sound mirrors a retro feel from the 80s yet brings a contemporary flavor that is equal parts pop and funk.

Leif Vollebekk at The Echo | April 25
The thoughtful, creative musician brings his one of a kind eclectic sound to the Echo to bop your head along to. Much of Leif’s music was inspired by everything from broken romances to traveling, which gives you an idea of the depth of his music.

Rise Against at Troubadour | April 25
With their upcoming album, Wolves, coming just in time for the summer, Rise Against, is continuing to make a stand with their politically charged singles. Their latest track, “The Violence,” makes a strong statement for their current political views and outlook on the social climate through their fast paced hardcore melody.

Pixies at The Theatre at Ace Hotel | April 25-26
After several performances at the Fox Theater in Pomona in March and April, the Pixies will be heading to Downtown Los Angeles for a special performance at The Theatre at Ace Hotel. The Pixies will be bringing their psychedelic hard rock sound to the famed venue to perform fan favorites from their 30-year career.

Depeche Mode at Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery | April 26
In a show of appreciation for their fan’s support of their upcoming “Global Spirit Tour,” in which they sold-out four nights at the Hollywood Bowl, Depeche Mode is offering fans a special experience at Hollywood Forever. The band, best know for their number one album, “Songs of Faith and Devotion,” will be treating a select few to a free, intimate performance via a ticket giveaway on their website.

DMX, Too Short, Ying Yang Twins at The Novo | April 26
DMX, the Ying Yang Twins, and Too Short are all iconic figures in hip hop for their own individual takes on the genre. From DMX’s signature growl and gravely delivery, to Too Short’s raucous club anthems, and the Ying Yang Twins southern hospitality, there’s just enough to go around for any fan looking for a nostalgic trip back to the 2000s.

Kansas at The Wiltern | April 26
While widely known for their hit single “Carry On Wayward Son,” Kansas has accomplished much more in what is now 40 years in music. Their current tour serves as a celebration of the band’s success which has spawned several gold albums, three platinum albums, including countless sold out shows in arenas across the globe.

San Fermin at The Roxy Theatre | April 26
With the release of their third studio album, “Belong,” earlier this month, the Brooklyn-based indie band, San Fermin, is continuing the pleasant trend of creating a light, airy sound that exudes a positive atmosphere. Their often positive and light-hearted tracks aim to put you in the best mood.

“Alt Nation’s Advanced Placement Tour” ft. Missio, 888, Coast Modern, Sundara Karma at Troubadour | April 27
To celebrate some of alternative rock’s latest hit bands, Sirius XM and AltNation created the Advanced Placement Tour. The tour will feature some of Sirius XM’s choices for up-and-comers to lookout for this year, including the bass thumping sounds of Missio, to the lighter pop-infused singles of Coast Modern.

Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors at El Rey Theatre | April 27
With the release of their latest album, “Souvenir,” this past March, the Tennessee bred folk band reached number three on the US Folk charts. Their heartfelt songs about personal triumph and love through the lens of Americana creates a take on music that is as honest and simple as it can get.

Jamey Johnson w/ Margo Price at The Theatre at Ace Hotel | April 27
Dubbed as one of the great country singers of this generation, Jamey Johnson is making sure the title sticks with several GRAMMY & ACM awards to his name. His honest depiction of his view of the nation through a straightforward, classic style of country is what makes his must as relatable as it is.

“We Day” ft. Selena Gomez, Alicia Keys, Demi Lovato, DJ Khaled, Alessia Cara at The Forum | April 27
Dedicated to an organization that fights global poverty, “We Day” brings the much-beloved Selena Gomez – who is delving back into her musical roots after a short hiatus and some film work – as well as Demi Lovato, also been busy in the film and television world. Backed up by DJ Khaled and Alessia Cara, this is an annual concert for volunteers of the chairty, so if you are not involved, get involved.

The Zombies at The Grammy Museum | April 28
The legendary and hugely-influential classic rock band gave birth to about a million bands. They bring their eclectic variety of influences – from psychedelic pop to tube amp-fueled rock and roll. for a night of ear-splitting chaos at The Grammy.

Coast Modern at Troubadour | April 27
The dreamy indie pop duo garnered a bunch of attention a couple years back with their hit singles, “Hollow Life” and “Animals.” Now they return to dominate the stage that has been blessed by countless legendary acts. Count on “Pockets Full of No,” their latest single, to be played – it’s a surefire hit sure to please all the fans.

Bleachers at The Roxy Theatre | April 27
Formed by Jack Antonoff, Bleachers brings out the best feelings about the new wave era. As if they came out of a John Hughes film soundtrack, their light-hearted and uplifting singles beg you to get on your feet and dance along.

The 1975 at Greek Theatre | April 27
The 1975 are a special breed of musicians that are bringing back the 80s through their dream-like, synth pop melodies. While the sound may feel classic and familiar, the contemporary take they have on the genre makes for a sound that is a perfect melding of the best of both worlds.

Deadmau5 at Shrine Expo Hall | April 27-30
While known for the signature mouse head helmet, the man behind the mask, Joel Zimmerman, is easily one of the most influential EDM producers to ever hit the stage. As the first electronic artist to ever hit the GRAMMY stage, and having won several GRAMMY awards throughout his career, Deadmau5 has proved that he truly is a pioneer for much of the genres success in recent years.

“Werd” ft. Shepard Fairey, Perry Farrell, Shirley Manson, John Densmore at The Theatre at Ace Hotel | April 28
With several musicians from the 60s to today in attendance, a powerful conversation and set of performances will take place to bring to light the recent importance of music in the scope of activism. In between the conversations with Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction, Shirley Manson, John Densmore and activist/artist Shepard Fairey, there will be acoustic performances by the musicians in attendance.

Jon Brion at Largo | April 28
Brion has embraced everyone from Weezer to Led Zeppelin, and it shows in his music, a mash-up of classic rock power chords and house beats and everything in between. With such a diverse array of influences, he can probably win you over as well.

Big Freedia at The Regent Theater | April 28
As the Queen of Bounce for many years, Big Freedia has been ensuring that bodies keep moving and the bass continues to hit hard. In Freedia’s songs, the tempo is never slow and Freedia doesn’t slack behind in keeping up with the rhythm with her rapid fire flow.

Devin Townsend Project at The Glass House (Pomona) | April 28
After a short hiatus, Devin Townsend returned to music with a slightly different moniker and look. While the name was different, his brand of heavy metal and progressive rock was as hard-hitting, if not much greater and experimental than before.

IAMSU! And Friends at The Glass House (Pomona) | April 28
Iamsu! has collaborated with everyone from Sage the Gemini to E-40, and his work has earned him rave reviews from magazines around the nation. No word yet on exactly who his ‘friends’ are, but it’ll be sure to have butts shaking at the El Rey Friday night.

Rich Chigga at The Roxy Theatre | April 28
In the past year, Rich Chigga has blown up in a way many never would have thought possible. Now Chigga comes to Hollywood to get the crowd grooving. With hit singles like “Who That Be” and “Back At It,” the Indonesia-based hip-hop star and comedian has made quite the name for himself.

New Found Glory at Troubadour | April 28-30
To celebrate what is now a 20-year career, New Found  Glory will be performing a unique set of shows that will showcase several albums by the band in their entirety. Each night will feature two of the bands albums, creating a unique experience for each show.

Aaron Carter at Microsoft Theater | April 29
The pop rock superstar comes home to Los Angeles again, so expect about a billion hits – including “Oo Wee” and his latest single, “Fool’s Gold,” this past February.

Chicano Batman at The Glass House (Pomona) | April 29
Chicano Batman combines a plethora of genres that aren’t too common nowadays. Taking the majority of their inspiration from 70s funk, bossa nova, and cumbia, the Los Angeles-based band is a vivid reflection of their cultural and societal roots.

The Weeknd w/ Rae Sremmurd, Belly, 6LACK at The Forum | April 29-30
As arguably one of the biggest figures in music at the moment, The Weeknd is on an endless streak of hit after hit following the release of his 2016 album, “Starboy.” Once a mysterious figure in the genre, The Weeknd is now the center of attention with a vocal range that that many compare to The King of Pop, and a bravado that is unmatched. Accompanying The Weeknd will be party-inducing duo, Rae Sremmurd, resurging rap vet, Belly, and soulful up-and-comer, 6lack.

Kyle w/ Cousin Stizz at The Regent Theater | April 30   
Fresh off his sophomore album, Kyle was just as influenced by Weezer and Frank Sinatra as he was by hip-hop. But when he loved hip-hop, he really loved it: influences include Big L and ODB.