Aug 7 – Aug 13 • Essential Weekly Concert Guide • NYC Edition

Joseph Baura

Herbie Hancock at Beacon Theatre | Aug. 7
Herbie Hancock is truly one of the last living legends of an era in jazz music who has transcended the genre’s constraints and has continuously pushed the envelope with his creative compositions. Known for his timeless singles “Chameleon,” “Maiden Voyage,” “Cantaloupe Island,” among many others, Hancock’s compositions have touched the instruments of artists such as Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell and Clark Terry.

Logic w/ Joey Badass at Barclays Center | Aug. 8
With the release of his latest album, “Everybody,” which came out to critical acclaim earlier this year, Logic just dropped another reason why he is one of hip hop’s biggest acts around. Not afraid to tackle sensitive subjects in his music, such as the current state of social injustice throughout America, Logic provides a unique perspective on social issues and the hip hop genre as a biracial rapper.

Michelle Branch at Webster Hall | Aug. 8
With the release of her latest album, “Hopeless Romantic,” earlier this year, Michelle Branch broke a 14-year hiatus from making music. The piano playing songstress broke out onto the music scene with her album, “The Spirit Room,” and continues on more than a decade later with a new album that has been critically received and considered highly by fans of her pop and rock style.

Warbly Jets w/ Stuyedeyed at Baby’s All Right | Aug. 8 + 9
Recording most of their recent music in Los Angeles, the Warbly Jets truly have been inspired by the loose, carefree California vibes, as evidenced by their recent cuts that bring a laidback type of feel. Their debut single, “Alive,” is indicative of the brand of rock-n-roll that the Jets bring with their upbeat, guitar driven tracks and vibes that pay homage to 60s and 70s rock.

Allday at Rough Trade | Aug. 9
After a string of successful singles in Australia, Allday released his debut album, “Startup Cult,” to much acclaim. Allday’s debut album reached the top three in the ARIA Charts and features heavy hitting beats and memorable hooks as the Aussie rapper flows over the ear catching instrumentals.

Corey Taylor at Irving Plaza | Aug. 9
While rock has many singers that have solidified themselves as standout acts, there aren’t many that have created the kind of persona and identity that Corey Taylor has. As the front man of bands such as Slipknot and Stone Sour, Corey Taylor is known for his power and control behind the microphone as he sings through both gut wrenching metal and calming acoustic sets. While tickets are sold out, a handful are still available via StubHub.

Dave Chappelle w/ Erykah Badu at Radio City Music Hall | Aug. 9
Continuing on with his August residency at the legendary Radio City Music Hall, Dave Chappelle is bringing a refreshing blend of comedy and music to one place. With previous guests such as The Roots, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, and Ice Cube, the star power doesn’t stop this week with neo-soul goddess, Erykah Badu, sharing the stage with Chappelle for a special performance.

Joshua Radin w/ Rachael Yamagata at Gramercy Theatre | Aug. 9
Hailing from Cleveland, Joshua Radin has had his share of hit singles, such as pop heavy track, “I’d Rather Be With You,” and his album, “Simple Times,” is easily one of his most successful projects to date. Having his music featured in many television shows and films, Joshua Radin’s taste of acoustic folk provides a comforting and touching take on subjects such as love, friendships, and life in general.

Toby Keith at Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk | Aug. 9
There’s no denying that in the genre of country music, Toby Keith stands as one of the genre’s most successful and prolific stage performers. With his 19^th album, “The Bus Songs,” set to be released in September, Toby Keith will be reviving some of his previous hits with a new twist along with the release of several new songs that bring more of his humble and relatable brand of country to fans’ ears and to the stage.

Bush at Stone Pony | Aug. 9 + w/ She Wants Revenge, Leopold and His Fiction at Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk | Aug. 10
Throughout their nearly 30-year career, Bush has been churning out some of grunge’s most memorable and successful hits. Breaking out with their debut album, “Sixteen Stone,” in 1994, Bush has gone on to release over 10 million records and have had several of their singles reach the top ten of Billboard’s rock charts. While their music is usually compared to bands like Nirvana, Bush grew into their own style with a sound that is pure grunge.

Cupcakke at Le Poisson Rouge | Aug. 10
Raised in Chicago, Cupcakke, also known as Elizabeth Harris, grew up around the prevalent culture of gospel and church poetry, which motivated her to become the rapper that she is today.  Deciding to fully invest herself in her craft at the age of 14, Cupcakkke has gone on to release songs such as “Gold Digger,” “Figgas Over Niggas,” and her controversial hit, “Deepthroat.” While some may find her content vulgar, there’s no doubt that Cupcakke provides an honest take on the topics she finds most relevant to her own personal experiences.

Lindsey Buckingham & Christine McVie (Buckingham McVie) at Beacon Theatre | Aug. 10
As two members of the iconic and legendary band, Fleetwood Mac, Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie will be coming together for a special performance at the Beacon Theatre. With the release of their self-titled joint album earlier this year, and in the same vein as “Buckingham Nicks,” “Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie,” brings both of their iconic sounds to a duet album that features appearances by Fleetwood Mac members.

Residente at Terminal 5 | Aug. 10
Known as a rapper, writer, producer and founder of the alternative rap group, Calle 13, Residente undoubtedly has an impressive resume under his belt. Throughout his career, Residente has won 25 Latin Grammy awards and is easily the Latin artist who has the most Grammy awards to date. With lyrics and a rap style that is being used as study material for college students, Residente provides an honest view of the world today through his music and paints a personal view of the kinds of first person experiences he sees with social injustice in his daily life.

The Revivalists at Central Park SummerStage | Aug. 10
Hailing from New Orleans, The Revivalists have built a sound that is completely reminiscent of their hometown. Incorporating aspects such as horns and pedal steel guitar, The Revivalists mash together aspects of rock-n-roll and a small taste of funk and electronica to add a little bit more flavor. What’s presented is a product that sounds unlike any other bands out there today and has enough variety to appeal to a plethora of music fans.

Sister Nancy at Lincoln Center Plaza | Aug. 10
In the world of dancehall music, Sister Nancy is truly the godmother of all sounds that have come from their fast paced and body-moving roots. Iconically known as the first female dancehall DJ, Sister Nancy has provided her voice over many of dancehall’s legendary tracks, and has contributed to the culture through her own music, as seen in the timeless hit, “Bam Bam.”

Bleachers at “Good Morning America” Central Park Summerstage | Aug. 11
As residents of New York City, Bleachers will be performing a special set in their hometown, bringing some of their pop influenced music that is truly a product of the city that they grew up in. Inspired by music from the late 80s and early 90s, primarily music that was made iconic in films by John Hughes, Bleachers brings a kind of pop that is nostalgic but incorporates a contemporary, fresh feel.

Elohim at Mercury Lounge | Aug. 11
Bred out of Los Angeles, Elohim is truly one of EDM’s most versatile artists at the moment, with her ability to be equal parts singer, songwriter, producer and the sole musician in her live performances. Elohim’s production features some dream inspired instrumentation that pairs perfectly with her silky, laid back vocals that she brings to her poppy tracks.

Natalia LaFourcade at Lincoln Center/ Damrosch Park Bandshell | Aug. 11
If there is one star to keep track of in the Mexican music scene, it has to be the indie rock sounds of Natalia Lafourcade. Lafourcade burst onto the scene with the release of her debut album, “Hasta La Raiz,” and has recently followed up the Grammy  winning album with her latest project, “Musas.” Lafourcade provides a solid blend between indie rock with traditional latin American music that she grew up on.

RJD2 at Brooklyn Steel | Aug. 11
There isn’t much to say about the hip hop DJ that isn’t already being said through the countless mixes and albums that he’s had in his impressive career. In his two decade career, RJD2 has worked with the likes of underground rappers such as Aesop Rock, Mos Def, Murs, Aceyalone, and Homeboy Sandman. His latest serving of mixes in his album, “Dame Fortune,” brings more of the smooth, calming instrumentals that RJD2 has been known for since his inception.

The Verve Pipe at City Winery | Aug. 11
The Verve Pipe is known for their outstanding live performances and their latest album, “Live & Acoustic,” is proof that the alt rock band provides a sound that is easily just as good as their studio albums. In their hits such as “Photograph,” “Happiness Is,” and “Never Let You Down,” The Verve Pipe shows that their brand of alternative rock is powered by harmonious vocals, innovative arrangements, and lyrics that truly touch you deep in your soul.

Whitney w/ Weyes Blood at Prospect Park Bandshell | Aug. 11
In their short career, Whitney has already made tremendous noise after breaking onto the indie scene with the release of their album, “Light Upon the Lake.” Their soothing guitar heavy tracks layered with elements of violins, bouncing bass lines, and calming vocals from frontman, Julien Ehrlich, Whitney provides a listening experience that is made for a cool afternoon of relaxation.

Yes w/ Todd Rundgren at Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk | Aug. 11 + PNC Bank Arts Center | Aug. 12
Yes has been pushing the envelope in progressive rock for nearly 5 decades.  In the same vein as bands such as RUSH, who came up during the same era of progressive rock, Yes is known for their face melting guitar solos and driving instrumental runs. Yes is often regarded as one of progressive rock’s true pioneers.

ASAP Ferg w/ Cardi B, Venus X, Southside 808 Mafia at MoMA PS1 | Aug. 12
ASAP Ferg is easily one of New York’s leading men with a hard hitting, quick firing rapping style that rivals some of the hip hop’s best artists. As one of the main pieces of the hip hop collective, ASAP Mob, Ferg first broke out onto the scene with his singles “Work” and “Shabba” creating two of Hip Hop’s biggest club bangers of the last few years. Ferg will be sharing the stage with current female powerhouse emcee, Cardi B, whose clever raps and slick tongued flow have been tearing up the airwaves this past year.

Gloria Trevi vs. Alejandra Guzman at Madison Square Garden Arena | Aug. 12
As two powerhouses from two different eras of Spanish music, Gloria Trevi and Alejandra Guzman will be performing together and 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 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.

San Cisco at Music Hall of Williamsburg | Aug. 12
With their album, “Gracetown,” San Cisco reached #2 on the ARIA charts and started to make a buzz for themselves in the indie rock genre. With their singles about exploring love, displacement, feeling homesick, heartbreak, and life in general, San Cisco has been tackling all aforementioned topics with a blend between soul, funk, hip hop, and disco.

Social Distortion at Starland Ballroom | Aug. 12
In their nearly four decade career, Social Distortion has become one of punk rock’s greatest selling bands of all time. The Southern California bred punk rockers adapted their sound from the punk rock movement that came out of Orange County during their rise to prominence. While their sound has slightly changed over the years, Social Distortion has maintained their punk roots and still remain one of the genre’s most influential figures.

Switchfoot w/ Lifehouse at Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk | Aug. 12
After being featured in the soundtrack for the film, “A Walk to Remember,” Switchfoot broke onto the music scene with a sound that is powered by alternative rock, while also incorporating classical elements such as string arrangements. While some may classify the band as being strictly Christian rock, Switchfoot has proven time and time again that they truly don’t fit into any particular genre and their versatility in being able to add and take out elements in their sound is their strength.

They Might Be Giants at Central Park SummerStage | Aug. 12
After forming in 1982, They Might Be Giants reshaped the mold with their unconventional and experimental alternative rock. With 19 albums under their belt, two Grammy awards for their song “Boss of Me,” which was the theme song to the TV show, “Malcolm in the Middle,” and millions of albums sold, They Might Be Giants are one of alt rock’s stand out acts.

Elements NYC ft. Griz, The Knocks, Zeds Dead, Flying Lotus, Barclay Crenshaw, Brodinski Bakermat, Damian Lazarus, Ekali, Shiba San, Almand, Gilligan Moss at Hunts Point (Bronx) | Aug. 12 + 13
EDM music’s biggest acts are touching down in the middle of New York in the Bronx for the latest installment of the Elements NYC music festival. This year’s lineup isn’t playing it safe with DJs like Griz and Zeds Dead headlining the event. Other acts coming to the stage include DJ duo, The Knocks, and hip hop super producer and DJ, Flying Lotus, with his psychedelic visuals and stage show in tow.

Khalid at East River Park Amphitheater | Aug. 12 + Terminal 5 | Aug. 13 + 14
With the release of his debut album, “American Teen,” Khalid made a solid statement to the r&b genre that there was possibly a new prince coming in to reign. Khalid’s first single, “Location,” has hit platinum status since its release, and Khalid’s unique, smooth vocals have found their way onto records by Alina Baraz, Logic, and Calvin Harris to name a few. With r&b hitting a new age, Khalid is one that music fans truly need to keep their eyes on in the coming years.

Americanafest NYC ft. Bonnie Raitt, Don Bryant at Lincoln Center/ Damrosch Park Bandshell | Aug. 13
Regarded as one of Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Singers of All Time” and also listed as one of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time,” Bonnie Raitt has truly established herself as one of music’s true living legends. Known for her iconic sound in the blues and folk genres, Bonnie Raitt has created a sound that has defined a generation of music.

The Districts at Rough Trade | Aug. 13
The Pennsylvania-bred quartet made waves with their release, “Popular Manipulations.”  Featuring driving guitars, thunderous and powerful drumming, and passionate conviction put on display through the vocals of frontman, Rob Grote, The Districts bring out a sound that is reminiscent of their influences such as Velvet Underground. Their brand of indie rock explores topics of isolation and abandonment, while also finding a way to manipulate oneself in day-to-day life by bringing positivity.

Wallows at Mercury Lounge | Aug. 13
Based out of Los Angeles, The Wallows have gained a tremendous amount of attention through their debut single, “Pleaser,” which has gone on to receive millions of hits on Spotify, placing the band as one of the top 50 viral bands to watch in 2016.  After a slew of sold out shows in some of California’s iconic venues, The Wallows make their way over to New York with their uptempo, lighthearted rock songs about love and heartbreak that harken back to sounds from the 60s.

Yellowman at B.B. King Blues Club | Aug. 13
Yellowman, also known as King Yellowman, has one of the most storied histories in all of Reggae Music. The albino artist was raised in an orphanage within Kingston, Jamaica and found his love for music at an early age. Through his live shows, Yellowman demonstrates that his ability to control crowds while also keeping the excitement and energy up is an aspect  of his character that is truly unmatched. While some may find that his lyrics have become too overt, there’s no doubt that Yellowman continues to push the envelope with the ragga sound.