June 12 – June 18 • Essential Weekly Concert Guide • L.A. Edition

Coleman Gray

Franz Ferdinand at The Regent Theater | June 12
This chart-topping, award-winning, and WWI research-inducing rock band has been in the ears of rock fans for years now. You might know them from their platinum eponymous album and their golden follow-up “You Could Have Had It So Much Better.” With powerful guitar riffs, powerful drums, and lyrics you can drunkenly shout along to, Franz Ferdinand are one of the more exciting and fun indie rock bands of this millennium.

Low and Mono at The Globe Theater | June 12
Low may seem like your humble indie rock band from Duluth on the surface, but the four Minnesotans that make up Low pack some serious musical punch. With deliberate tempos and minimalist arrangements, Low may be slow but just don’t call them “slowcore” (they don’t like that). At times haunting and beautiful, Low’s distinctive harmonies give their music a beautiful quality that is all their own. Mono, meanwhile, is a Japanese post-rock band formed in 1999, and are currently touring the U.S. As they promote their ninth studio album, “Requiem For Hell.” Inspired by Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, and Ennio Morricone, Mono is technically a four-piece instrumental rock band, but through their innovative use of strings, synthesizers, and orchestral arrangements, Mono is so much more than that.

LP at The El Rey Theatre | June 12
Born Laura Pergolizzi, LP is an accomplished songwriter, having written songs for such pop icons as Cher, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera, and the Backstreet Boys, but she has an impressive discography of her own which includes four full length albums of original pop rock music and three EPs. Her latest album “Lost On You” charted in seven countries as well as the US Heatseekers charts, and the lead single of the same name topped the charts in eight countries! If that’s not enough for you, her instrument of choice? The ukulele.  

Amy Shark at Bardot June 12 + The Echo | June 13
In one of her first concerts in the U.S., Australian singer-songwriter Amy Shark takes her talents to Bardot and The Echo this week. Still not yet widely known in America, the up-and-comer has achieved great success in Australia, including winning Pop Song of the Year for “Adore” at the Queensland Music Awards. Shark’s heartfelt pop lyrics are sure to entice, and these performances might be your last shot to see her before she makes it big.

AJR at Troubadour | June 13
One of the many exciting fresh faces in the indie pop world, this New York City band of brothers is making incredible and innovative pop music, and they’re doing it all out of their small, Chelsea apartment. Made up of Adam, Jack, and Ryan Met, these three youngsters already have a Platinum song on their resume with the 2014 hit song “I’m Ready.” With an eclectic sound that includes pop, doo-wop, and dubstep elements, and their newest album “The Click” recently out, these three brothers are ready to take the next step to stardom.

Circa Waves at Teragram Ballroom | June 13
These four blokes from Liverpool came together in 2013, and have since made a name for themselves in Britain. Their musicality shows in their second album “Different Creatures” plays on the same themes of drinking to excess, regret, and politics that have inspired some of the great British rock imports, and Circa Waves does them justice with their heavy guitar riffs and boundless energy. With a powerful Brit rock sound, and thought-provoking lyrics, Circa Waves is a band with a ton of exuberance and ambition, and the music that proves it.

Dan Auerbach at Grammy Museum | June 13
Winner of nine Grammy awards as vocalist, guitarist, and producer of The Black Keys, Dan Auerbach recently released “Waiting On A Song” which marks his first solo album in eight years. Written as an ode to Nashville, “Waiting On A Song” draws inspiration from the rock and country music that came out of Nashville during the 1970s. This event includes an intimate conversation with Auerbach, as well as a performance of the album.

Joan Osborne Sings Bob Dylan at The Regent Theater | June 13
Seven-time Grammy nominee and multi-platinum selling artist, Joan Osborne has made a name for herself as one of the most generous and best performers of her generation. But, instead of drawing from her vast catalog of critically acclaimed songs and albums, at The Regent on June 13, she will be performing some of music legend Bob Dylan’s greatest works. After having performed alongside Dylan for years, Osborne is sure to have an authentic and unique spin on some of the greatest songs ever written.

Honors at The Echo | June 14
An alternative R&B group from north of the border, Honors is making one of their first headline appearances on June 14 at The Echo. But while they may be new, their music has already reached great heights. Their new song “Over” has been played over 6.5 million times on Spotify and reached #1 on the Global Viral Chart, and “Good Music All Day” have compared Honors to The Weeknd, PartyNextDoor, and Roy Woods.

Marian Hill at The Fonda Theater | June 14 + June 15
The musical duo made up of Jeremy Lloyd and Samantha Gongol use blues harmonies, classic melodies, jazz influences, and hip hop beats to create a truly one of a kind sound. Gongol’s impressive and expressive voice pairs perfectly with Lloyd’s beautiful lyrics and surprising music to offer the listener with a sound that is both shockingly new and surprisingly familiar.

Japanese Breakfast at The Echo | June 15
A solo project from Little Big League vocalist Michelle Zauner, Japanese Breakfast is a lo-fi pop outfit with two well-received albums under their belt. Featuring an ominous vibe, Zauner herself described Japanese Breakfast’s first album as “dark and heavy handed,” but it works for her. This self-meditative quality give Japanese Breakfast a particularly personal feel that is understandable and intriguing.

JMSN at The Regent Theater | June 15
The R&B crooner born Christian Berishaj has been on the radar since his freshman album caught the ear of Usher, which led to JMSN being featured on four of Kendrick Lamar’s “Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City” tracks. Since then, JMSN has four albums including his latest “Whatever Makes U Happy”. Often compared to The Weeknd, JMSN brings eclectic from his diverse musical background to create an R&B sound with countless layers of musical genres.

Kevin Morby at Amoeba Music | June 15
A former member of Woods and The Babies, Morby will his fourth solo album, “City Music” on June 16. Described by Morby as “a mix-tape, a fever dream, a love letter dedicated to those cities that I cannot get rid of, to those cities that are all inside of me,” he will be performing his version of folk rock original songs in an exclusive gathering at Amoeba where he will also be selling his new album before its official release.

Phoenix w/ Mac DeMarco and The Lemon Twigs at Hollywood Bowl | June 15
Coming off their latest album “Ti Amo,” Phoenix will bring their trademarked electronic pop hooks and creative ideals to The Hollywood Bowl on Thursday June 15. Opening for the multiple Grammy winners will be a by indie rock star Mac DeMarco and the up-and-coming art pop band from Long Island, The Lemon Twigs. This night is sure to be full of captivating music and some captivating weirdness.

Coin at Troubadour | June 15 + June 16
A new wave vibe and a Nashville hometown give Coin their unique indie rock sound, and they will be performing at the Troubadour on June 15 and 16. Fresh off their latest album “How Will You Know If You Never Try,” Coin has enjoyed the pleasure of holding the #2 spot of the U.S. Heatseekers Chart, and the album’s lead single (“Talk Too Much”) reached #8 on the Billboard’s Alternative Chart.

Bad Suns at The Fonda | June 16
A true local band, Bad Suns have always tried to cultivate their own alternative rock version of the “Los Angeles sound” that is inspired by the likes of The Cure and 80s post-punk bands. Bad Suns’ first album “Language & Perspective” reached #24 on the U.S. Chart, and have since followed it up with the well-received “Disappear Here” that expanded and further developed their Southern California rock sound.

Boston w/ Joan Jett & The Blackhearts at Greek Theatre | June 16
Boston (of millions of albums sold and countless hours of radio play fame) will be joined by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts (millions of albums sold and countless hours of radio play fame) will come together to perform at the Greek Theater on Friday, June 16. These rock music icons have near-countless hits between them, and if you don’t know who they are, I just don’t know what to tell you.

Evan Dando at The Roxy Theater | June 16
Former founding member of the great punk band The Lemonheads (and one of “People Magazine’s” Most Beautiful People In The World), Dando will be performing a celebration of the reissue of his first solo album “Baby, I’m Bored”. A departure from his rock roots, this album includes original alternative songs that border on country music. But, no matter the genre, Dando’s talent and ability shine through in his music.

Future w/ Tory Lanez, Migos, Kodak Black at The Forum | June 16
As part of his Nobody Safe, Future will appear with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Migos, Tory Lanez, and Kodak Black. With Billboard #1s abound, this is one of the hottest concert tours of the year, and this ticket is one of the hottest of the hots. These acts have all experienced a meteoric ride over the past few years, and are making their mark on the game as we speak.

How To Dress Well (DJ Set) at Friday Flights at The Getty | June 16
To honor the 49 victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting, artist Brendan Fernandes is putting on an art piece called Free Fall 49. This powerful piece of art is part dance, part conceptual art, and part sculpture that is a metaphor for queer politics. How To Dress Well will be DJ-ing the event, and will provide music that focuses and emphasizes the art.

Raekwon at Union Nightclub | June 16
A member of the legendary rap group Wu-Tang Clan, Raekwon has made a name for himself time and time again for his incredible lyrics that paint a rich tapestry of life all beneath his killer flow. A pioneer, an icon, a storyteller, and a figure larger than life, Raekwon will be gracing Union Nightclub with what has made him one of the GOATs of the rap game.

KCRW Presents: Chicano Batman at One Colorado | June 17
This week’s edition of the free, live summer concert series put on by KCRW features the always-eclectic music of Chicano Batman at One Colorado in Pasadena on Saturday, June 17. Chicano Batman is a four-piece Los Angeles with their latest album “Freedom is Free” currently available now. With music that ranges from psychedelic to folk to rock to oldies, Chicano Batman satisfies all ages and tastes.

Dustbowl Revival at Teragram Ballroom | June 17
A classic Americana band for the 21st century, Dustbowl Revival is an eight-piece band that revives classic blues and country rhythms with a funky side that is unlike any other band out there. With brilliant musicians, Dustbowl Revival feels both old fashioned and new at the same time. Crowned the city’s “Best Live Band” by “LA Weekly,” Dustbowl Revival is a band every LA native needs to see.

Kevin Ross at Viper Room | June 17
Born into a family of singers, Kevin Ross landed a scholarship to the prestigious Berklee School of Music after high school. Since then Ross has delivered on that promise. He has released an EP called “Dialogue In The City” that featured Ne-Yo and T.I., has been featured in songs, commercials, and movies, and has won numerous awards for his modern R&B.

The Moody Blues at Hollywood Bowl | June 17
To celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the groundbreaking “Days of Future Passed,” The Moody Blues will be performing at the Hollywood Bowl on Saturday June 17. “Days of Future Passed” cohesively and beautifully blended elements of rock and classical music to create what some might call the first example of prog-rock. In total, The Moody Blues have 70 million records, and have accumulated 18 platinum and gold records, and have become one of the most influential rocks bands of all time.

The Record Company at The Fonda Theater | June 17
This three-piece rock outfit from Los Feliz initially drew inspiration from such rock legends as Johnny Lee Hooker and The Stooges, but they have since found acclaim paving their own way. The Record Company utilizes a distorted bass, a slide guitar, and powerful drums to create modern blues music to critical and commercial success. Their debut album “Give It Back To You” was nominated for the Best Contemporary Blues album at the 2017 Grammys, and its lead single reached #1 on the U.S. Billboard Adult Alternative Songs Chart.

John Mellencamp at Greek Theatre | June 18
John Mellencamp has run the gambit of a rock star; from pop heartthrob to revered musician to music ambassador, Mellencamp has done just about everything a musician can, and he has the hardware and the decades of accolades to prove it. Mellencamp is already a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, and is widely considered one of the greatest songwriters of his generation.

Kehlani at The Novo | June 18
Born and raised in Oakland, this R&B singer-songwriter crafts her songs from the heart. With extremely personal lyrics, Kehlani has used her personal turmoil to create beautiful music that has won over fans and critics alike. Her album “You Should Be Here” was nominated for the Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 2015 Grammys, and was dubbed by “Billboard”: “the year’s first great R&B album.

Ziggy Marley at Hollywood Bowl | June 18
Already reggae royalty, Ziggy Marley has proven to be much more than Bob’s son. With seven Grammy awards and an Emmy, Ziggy has become one of the biggest names in reggae, and at the Hollywood Bowl on June 18, he will be playing a special set of his father’s music with a full orchestra. One of the can’t-miss shows of the year.