May 29 – June 4 • Essential Weekly Concert Guide • L.A. Edition

John Legend w/ Gallant at Greek Theatre | May 29
In a back-to-back showing, John Legend performs his second night at the Greek Theatre. Since his breakout in 2004 with his album “Get Lifted,” John Legend has not touched down from skyrocketing to the top of the soul and r&b charts and becoming one of music’s biggest acts.
Through his Academy Award-winning performance in the song “Glory,” for the “Selma” soundtrack, and countless hits such as “All Of Me,” “Ordinary People,” and “Save Room,” John Legend’s smooth, raspy tone is as pleasing to the ears as his soothing manipulation of piano keys. Opening up for Legend will be up-and-coming r&b artist, Gallant, whose song “Weight In Gold” has blazed its way through the r&b charts.

T.I. at The Belasco Theater | May 29
With the release of his breakout album, “Trap Muzik,” in 2003, ATL emcee, T.I., began what is considered to be the beginning of the trap music trend in Hip Hop. With his signature southern drawl, and smooth delivery, T.I. brought a suave approach to his songs about living lavishly and hustling to make ends meet. After over a decade into his career, T.I. has had countless hit records and has become an inspiration for the new surge of trap rappers.

Bjork w/ Orchestra at Walt Disney Concert Hall | May 30
While she has categorized herself as a pop artist, Icelandic songstress Bjork has transcended the genre and has created music that, in many ways, has altered the music landscape through its manipulation and combination of several genres. From dance and rock to contemporary classical and jazz, Bjork effortlessly blends genres under her unmistakable vocal style. Bjork will be performing songs throughout her career with the accompaniment of a live orchestra. Tickets are currently sold out but a handful of tickets are available via StubHub.

Oh Land at Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery | May 30
Danish singer-songwriter, Oh Land, makes songs that look to inspire and uplift those who are willing to listen to their positive message. For instance, her single “Renaissance Girls” plays as an anthem for the modern woman, and other singles such as “White Night” focus on the best parts about being infatuated with someone that you love. While her topics may seem very common, her words truly resonate with those who can relate.

The Protomen at Echoplex | May 30
All dressed in their own unique uniforms, The Protomen bring back feelings that would have been felt during some of the hardest hitting rock hits of the 80s. Channeling artists like David Bowie, Queeen, and Bruce Springsteen, The Protomen bring a stage presence and sound that is energetic, melodic, and aggressive in a way that makes you feel like rock is back to its heyday.

Dead & Company at Hollywood Bowl | May 31
As a collection of guitarists, Dead & Company brings together some of music’s greatest musicians from the past and present. The group which features the Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, and Bob Weir, along with John Mayer have joined forces for a night that will be the closest reincarnation of the original Grateful Dead that will ever come around.

The Mountain Goats at Mayan Theatre | May 31
In releasing their latest album and 16th album, “Goths,” The Mountain Goats went for a unique approach in creating the piece of music by choosing to not include any guitars in its recording. While the change may seem drastic, the band brings the same amount of witty songwriting to the table with a focus on making music geared towards the adolescent in them that grew up listening to bands like The Cure, Bauhaus and Joy Division.

Mount Kimbie at El Rey Theatre | June 1
Hailing from London, EDM duo Mount Kimbie made their mark across the pond with their experimental dubstep production. Taking a detour from the common dubstep sound of heavy bass and percussion, Mount Kimbie brings to the table an upbeat, light, airy style that focuses on the use of sound sampling to create a patchwork that takes the form of tracks that touch genres like jazz, hip hop, and contemporary pop.

Sam Outlaw at Troubadour | June 1
With the release of his latest album, “Tenderheart,” earlier this year, Sam Outlaw brings another album that bends the common concepts of modern country music with a style that he has personally called “SoCal Country.” Outlaw broke out onto the scene with his debut album, “Angeleno,” after making a life changing decision to leave his 9 to 5 to pursue music full-time. Outlaw pushes the envelope  with his music by taking his particular brand of honky-tonk and infusing it with sentiments of the sun drenched vibes of California.

“Interaction Park” ft. Gaslamp Killer w/ Mike G at Grand Park | June 2
In the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, Grand Park and I3 Arts will be hosting large scale art installations spread out throughout Grand Park to create a landscape of art for Angelinos to explore.  Along with the art exhibits, performances will also be on the schedule from artists like experiemental DJ, Gaslamp Killer, Odd Future emcee, Mike G, Aaron Axelrod, and several other artists. Interaction Park will be free and opened to the public of all ages.

Lewis Del Mar at El Rey Theatre | June 2
With their self-titled debut album in 2016, Lewis Del Mar made a roaring statement in the pop world that they were a duo to keep your eyes. Made up of New York natives, Danny Miller and Max Harwood, Lewis Del Mar takes pieces of brash garage rock and mashes it together with hints of fast paced percussion and light acoustic guitars to make a sound that is a perfect balance of aggression and light hearted easiness.

New Kids on the Block w/ Boyz II Men, Paula Abdul at Hollywood Bowl | June 2
Before One Direction, NSYNC, and the Backstreet Boys, the infamous boy band known as New Kids on the Block took the world by storm in the early 90s as teen heartthrobs. At the peak of their young careers, New Kids on the Block sold over 80 million records and toured around the globe with their songs about teen love and heartbreak. Also performing will be the soulful harmonies of Boyz II Men and the upbeat pop sounds of Paula Abdul have also reunited for a special performance.

Post Malone at The Novo | June 2
When Post Malone released his first hit single, “White Iverson,” many had dubbed the Houston native as simply a one and done kind of artist. However, when Malone released his debut album, “Stoney,” in 2016, many began to take back their words as Malone brought some of the most refreshing and smooth sounding tracks to come in hip hop that year. While he is a hip hop artist, Malone’s early upbringings with country and rock, and his origins in Texas bring a southern flavor that could be equal parts George Strait and DJ Screw.

Chon at The Fonda Theatre | June 2
As their upcoming album, “Homey,” is only weeks away, fans are expecting Chon to bring more of the fast-paced and precise rock that the band is known for. In line with bands like Fall of Troy, Chon presents an intricate tapestry of sound through their groovy guitar solos and their outstanding percussion that often leads listeners on a roller coaster type of listening experience.

The Weirdos at The Echo | June 2
Since the 70s, The Weirdos have been a mainstay in the Los Angeles punk scene while the rest of the world have been focusing on the surge in cities like New York and London. The band has easily carved the path of their own in their own city and their songs have reflected their view of Los Angeles from the glitz and glamour to the grime and grit.

Wavves at Teragram Ballroom | June 2
With the release of their sixth studio album, “You’re Welcome,” Wavves brings back more of their garage pop sound with an exploration into some new territory. Hailing from San Diego, Wavves incorporates aspects of Southern California attitude into their music with their laid-back delivery and playfulness. The band also brings a perfect amount of grittiness and angst to rival any of today’s pop punk bands.

Vulfpeck at The Regent Theater | June 2-3
There aren’t many bands that channel the funky vibes of 70s funk and soul. However, Vulfpeck feels as if they have come straight from the era to fill that void. The Michigan-bred quartet of musicians incorporate touch on the golden era of funk through their use of instruments such as electric pianos and organs, and their manipulation of guitars and the bass set the tone for a groove filled listening experience. While tickets are currently sold out, some are still available via StubHub.

Avi Buffalo at The Echo | June 3
With a name that has rightfully been shortened into his stage name, Avi Buffalo, the California-based indie rocker brings a all-around unique presentation with his songwriting and vocal display. Often singing with a very high falsetto, Avi Buffalo, touches on very abstract subjects that leaves listeners guessing and wondering about his intentions, but are completely intrigued by the overall package that he brings to the table.

Great Good Fine Ok at Teragram Ballroom | June 3
Great Good Fine OK brings a groove and bounce to their synth pop tracks that are difficult not to dance to. The Brooklyn-based duo gained a large following online through their remixes of popular top 40 tracks and eventually through their own single, “You’re The One For Me.” Great Good Fine Ok’s light and airy production provides a foundation to the often equally appealing falsetto vocals that make their music easy to enjoy.

Highly Suspect at The Fonda Theatre | June 3
Originally starting as  a cover band, Highly Suspect has come a long way from their days of playing other artists’ songs and have since become Grammy Nominated artists for their own works. The rock band bred out of Cape Cod has brings a level of electricity through their energetic and powerful hard rock. If the music isn’t felt in your bones, the passion in voice of lead singer, Johnny Stevens, will surely give you a punch to the gut.

Justin Townes Earle at El Rey Theatre | June 3
Releasing his latest album, “Kids in the Street,” Justin Townes Earle returns with another hefty helping of some country and folk that is inspired by his hometown, Nashville, Tennessee. The singer-songwriter brings an honest and wide open view of his insight into the world that he sees and provides a welcoming view into his own experiences of love, heartbreak, and everyday struggles through music.

Lady Antebellum at Hollywood Bowl | June 3
Coming out of Nashville, Lady Antebellum brings to the table the best aspects of Nashville’s storied history with country music and adds splashes of pop into the mix. The country trio burst onto the scene in 2007 and have since released three platinum albums and won several Grammy Awards. Often delving into topics like love and heartbreak, the trio explore the ups and down of relationships and how to come up on top of a bad situation. Lady Antebellum is set to release their upcoming album, “Heart Break,” on June 9.

Lambchop at Bootleg Theater | June 3
“For Love Often Turns Us Still,” the latest album from country band, Lambchop, was regarded as one of the best albums of the year by fans and critics. While classified as country, Lambchop seems to alter what the mold truly is—incorporating elements of rock, electronica, and jazz into a musical package that pushes the boundaries of what country music can evolve to be.  

Ryan Adams at Greek Theatre | June 3
In support of his latest album, “Prisoner,” Ryan Adams will be hitting the road for his latest tour and touching down at the legendary Greek Theatre. His album, which brings an honest view of losing love, serves as somewhat of a healing component for anyone looking to find solace from a broken situation. The honesty of Adams’ tracks is felt through his voice, which exudes a level of power and soulfulness that amplifies his lyrics of pain.

Trey Songz at The Novo | June 3
It’s no secret that Trey Songz makes music for lovers. Often appealing to those who spend their evenings between the sheets, Trey Songz brings his powerful, sultry voice to his tracks that often serenades the women and makes men wish they were him. With the release of his latest album, “Tremaine,” Songz brings more of his band of R&B to the table with several anthems dedicated to those in love.

Wallows at Troubadour | June 3
Coming from Los Angeles, Wallows take vibes from the sun-soaked beaches and laid-back ease of Southern California and turn it into audible consumption. Through their take on the indie rock genre, Wallows bring a light-hearted and optimistic sound to their songs to offset the topics about getting over and traversing through relationships.

Gloria Trevi vs. Alejandra Guzman at Staples Center | June 3-4
As two powerhouses from two different eras of Spanish music, Gloria Trevi and Alejandra Guzman will be performing together that will both join and divide fans as to which songstress truly rules the Spanish pop/rock genre. With a combined 60 million records sold between them and over hundreds of hits, the growing rivalry between the two artists makes for an outstanding show that could possibly put to rest the discussion between Trevi and Guzman fans once and for all.

Tigers Jaw at The Glass House Concert Hall | June 3 + The Regent Theater | June 4
After a short hiatus, Tigers Jaw is back with their new album, “Spin,” which is a slight departure from the band’s usual sound. The Pennsylvania-based duo present their music in a laid back fashion, however their songs tug at the emotions with their brutally truthful lyrics about falling in love and falling out of it just as quick.

Elvis Costello & The Imposters at Greek Theatre | June 4
Elvis Costello is one man that completely exudes cool—from his dark sunglasses, to his fedora, and his often highly stylized guitar. Costello’s smooth and breezy voice coupled with his hypnotizing guitar riffs has made him one of the greatest musicians of his time. If his timeless hits like “Alison” and “Radio Radio” don’t speak for themselves, Costello’s ability to continuously release great albums through nearly four decades should be a testament enough to prove his greatness.