Aug 14 – Aug 20 • Essential Weekly Concert Guide • L.A. Edition

Bryson Tiller at Greek Theatre | Aug. 14
Recently, Tiller has been the talk of the proverbial town with his turn alongside Rihanna on DJ Khaled’s “Wild Thoughts,” but even before then, Tiller has been tugging at fans’ heartstrings with his perfectly tempered blend of trap and R&B. His vocals dance between seductive crooning and light rapping, a style that helped his debut, “T R A P S O U L,” achieve its well-deserved platinum certification. When Tiller graces The Greek, producing powerhouse Metro Boomin will also be in the building, so attendees better plan on arriving early and getting wild to Metro’s hard trap sounds. It will be the most memorable Monday of the summer, probably.

GZA at Regent Theater | Aug. 14
Some call him Genius because of his wondrous ability to turn any line into a grandiose, extensive metaphor. The veteran Wu Tang Clan member stops by the Regent Theater to show a new generation what Wu Tang is all about and that they’re still “nothin’ to mess with.” Speaking of the new generation, teen rap prodigy Chester Watson gets a big opportunity to showcase his youthful, exuberant flow alongside one of hip-hop’s biggest influencers.

Jimmy Eat World w/ Incubus at Hollywood Bowl | Aug. 14
Jimmy Eat World have been crafting radio-ready fare since their breakthrough, 2003’s “Bleed American,” a record that featured a ton of infectious singles including the chart-topping “The Middle.” With nine studio albums to their name, they bring quite an extensive catalogue to the historic Hollywood Bowl, but they’re not coming alone. Brandon Boyd and the boys of Incubus join the party, bringing an even more packed array of hot, blistering rock. Both bands have basically defined alternative radio in the early 2000s, and they continue to create music that speaks directly to the soul. With Judah the Lion also on the bill, this is a can’t-miss show for any L.A. rockers.

John Moreland at Troubadour | Aug. 14
Americana never sounded so grounded. John Moreland mentioned in an interview that he never expected to attain such success so quickly, instead expecting to play in bars and keep working a thankless job. Things worked out just a little differently for Moreland. On Aug. 14 he steps into his office to go to work, except his office will be the packed Troubadour in L.A. and he’ll be singing his smooth and impressive songs about love and heartbreak. Prepare to have your heart melted by one of the most sincere songwriters dabbling in Americana right now. Christian Lee Hutson also joins the bill for a must-see musical event.

Washed Out at The Wiltern | Aug. 15
The alias of multi-instrumentalist Ernest Greene, Washed Out has recently gone through a tumultuous sonic expansion, adding over 50 new instruments to the project’s evocative sound. Every song soars on dreamy textures while piping in some sweet optimism, making Washed Out a sensational daytime listen. Greene and his live band play a solitary date at the Wiltern, meaning fans of his lilting dream-pop need to act fast to get in on the action.

The Weeknd at Grammy Museum | Aug. 15
The Weeknd has to be one of music’s most unmistakable contemporary icons at this point (see the signature hair). Able to seamlessly switch from low croons to an impressive falsetto, the Toronto star sings about everything from love and heartbreak to straight trap life on the streets. In a very rare intimate performance, the Weeknd stops by the Grammy museum before heading out on the second leg of his current tour in support of his latest and most danceable album to date, “Starboy.”

Pokey Lafarge at Troubadour | Aug. 15-16
Lafarge’s music harkens back to an all-but-forgotten time when swing was in vogue. The songwriter uses large arrangements to guide his probing songwriting in the right direction. Right now you can find him on tour with a six-piece band comprising traditional band fare along with a washboard and harmonica. He stops off for two big dates at the Troubadour in support of his latest full-length, “Manic Revelations.”

Sam Hunt w/ Maren Morris at Greek Theatre | Aug. 15-16
Sam Hunt is the latest in a long line of Nashville knockouts. The songwriter has penned hits for Kenny Chesney, Billy Currington and Keith Urban. Now Hunt is striking out on his own, with his full-length debut expected to hit music outlets soon. He brings just a taste of what that debut might entail with two shows at the Greek alongside Maren Morris, Chris Janson and Ryan Follese.

Jill Scott w/ the Robert Glasper Experiment at Hollywood Bowl | Aug. 16
“Jazz at the Bowl” puts its best foot forward, presenting two of the hottest contemporary crossover artists right now. Jill Scott has endured with her mix of R&B rooted in jazz, while Robert Glasper’s work manages to mesh hip-hop and R&B with that same jazzy influence. Together, Glasper and Scott bring a modern air to jazzy sophistication at their epic Bowl show.

Neon Indian at Teragram Ballroom | Aug. 16
From 2009’s “Psychic Chasms” onward, Neon Indian have been shaping the chill-wave sub-genre  in their own image. Their knack for mashing up synth-laiden samples and glitchy tones has made them a fan-favorite for everyone looking for music that skirts just outside of the norm. Fast forward eight years after the band’s debut, and seeing them live has become an experience everyone should have. There’s nothing quite like watching the innovators go to work.

DJ Quik w/ Suga Free and Scarface at The Novo | Aug. 17
There are few rappers and producers as closely associated with the West Coast sound as DJ Quik. His combination of funk and gangsta rap gave California a soundtrack to groove to all throughout the 90s and beyond. Now the Compton-bred MC plays a date at The Novo alongside longtime collaborator Suga Free and Scarface.

Helado Negro at Regent Theater | Aug. 17
This multi-instrumentalist uses everything he can get his hands on to add even more seasoning to an already eclectic Latin flavor. Keyboards, dreamy synths, free-flowing beats and creatively clad dancers adorn his live performances. He brings his act, a hit on the festival circuit, to L.A. for a dazzling performance at the Regent Theater.

Margaret Glaspy at Troubadour | Aug. 17
The New York singer/songwriter made waves with her potent, analytical full-length debut, “Emotions and Math,” a dozen tracks that showcase Glaspy’s early mastery of the songwriting craft. Glaspy knows how to take situations dripping with emotion and turn them into grizzled rock anthems. She brings her brand of big sound to the Troubadour for one date only, so get in on the action while you can.

Mt. Joy at Bootleg Theater | Aug. 17
Mt. Joy almost never happened. A passion project between high school friends Matt Quinn and Sam Cooper, Mt. Joy was born in a friend’s living room, not in any kind of lavish recording studio. But their folk sound that reaches into the past to channel greats like Bob Dylan found a fast audience with their first single, “Astrovan,” and the now five-piece arrangement is on the rise. Mt. Joy swings by Bootleg Theater’s bar stage for the first of many L.A. appearances. Avid Dancer and Dr. Doctor fill out the lineup.

Warpaint at Santa Monica Pier | Aug. 17
Indie darlings Warpaint play a free show at Santa Monica Pier as part of the summer’s “Twilight Concert Series.” Running the spectrum from art rock to psychedelia, Warpaint have quickly garnered a strong following, seemingly earning new accolades every day. They’re joined by Chicago’s Wild Belle. TCS has been pretty congested as of late, so we recommend arriving as early as possible, particularly because fans should be coming out in droves for Warpaint.

Willie Nelson and Family w/ Kacey Musgraves at Shrine Auditorium | Aug. 17
Nelson graced Musgraves’ track “Are You Sure,” which means it was only a matter of time before Musgraves returned the favor and graced a Nelson performance. Expect the two to perform a duet or two. The legendary Nelson will also be joined by his backing live band and a litany of other special guests at this one-of-a-kind Shrine Auditorium engagement.

Brazilian Girls at Teragram Ballroom | Aug. 18
Exceedingly EDM-friendly yet a sonic pallet all their own, Brazilian Girls create some of the most memorable soundscapes this side of the dance floor. The group just reformed last year after some time apart and immediately made waves back on the festival circuit. They look to make yet another splash when they land at Tera Gram ballroom for a show supported by The Soft White Sixties and hosted by Santa Monica’s KCRW.

Cody Johnson at Troubadour | Aug. 18
Johnson is quite the troubadour himself, finding new ways to fuse country and rock while still respecting both genres’ legendary roots. That’s quite the tall order, but Johnson is always up for the task. His albums are full of tracks lamenting the outlaw life, drinking too much, and a whole bunch of other country archetypes, but boy can the cuts rock, too. Johnson rolls up to the Troubadour for a date in support of his latest project, 2016’s “Gotta Be Me.”

Dada Life at Hollywood Palladium | Aug. 18
EDM fans better get ready to report to the floor as electric duo Dada Life swing by the Palladium for what will be a Friday night positively surging with good times. The rules of Dada will be in full force at this show, but don’t worry. Those rules basically boil down to “dance until you can’t anymore.”

Phora at The Novo | Aug. 18
Anaheim’s own Phora heads just down the road to the Novo — formerly the Club Nokia — to display his dynamite rap skills on a big stage. This big show coincides with the release of his forthcoming album, “Yours Truly Forever,” so this performance could double as a record release party.

Atmosphere at The Wiltern | Aug. 18 + Fox Theater (Pomona) | Aug. 19
This influential rap duo has been balancing stellar beats and conscious rhymes long before their debut album in 1997. The Philadelphia stalwarts have also built a hip-hop label on their names that keeps the values their music preaches. Atmosphere have two dates in the L.A. area, both intimate and must-see, as part of their stacked “Welcome to California” tour.

311 w/ New Politics at Hollywood Palladium | Aug. 19
Rock, ska and reggae will be filling the musky Palladium air when 311 and special guests New Politics rock the club to its core. Practically hit making machines, 311 have spawned unforgettable tunes like “Down” and “All Mixed Up,” songs just aching to be played live. It will be one experience that you’ll want to have again and again.

Borgeous at Belasco Theater | Aug. 19
Prolific producer Borgeous approaches his shows with an agenda: He’s trying to make the people dance. It’s something he has been doing with flourish for a long time, starting with his biggest hit so far, “Tsunami.” The L.A. native is joined by supporting acts Kap Slap, Morten and Londonbridge.

Alt 98.7 Summercamp ft. Foster the People, The Head and The heart, Bleachers, Sir Sly and more at Queen Mary Event Park | Aug. 19
This isn’t your grandpa’s typical summer camp. It’s all of the sun and outdoor fun that you’d get from a camping adventure, but pepper in blockbuster bands like Foster The People and Haim to give your summer that extra sizzle. Bleachers, Sir Sly, and so many more of the best alt acts going today will be taking the Queen Mary Events Park by storm.

Jidenna at Roxy Theatre | Aug. 19
Jidenna’s name might not be on par with some of his mainstream contemporaries, but chances are you’ve heard “Classic Man” at least a dozen times — most of them at the club. It’s an irresistible single, and the man behind it stops by the Roxy for a performance that will undoubtedly serve as a precursor to Jidenna’s forthcoming career surge. Jidenna will be joined by Anik Khan and Mannywellz for the “Long live the Chief” tour.

Machinedrum at Fonda Theatre | Aug. 19
The musical alter-ego for producer Travis Stewart, Machinedrum blasts a bevy of samples into his music, making for a chaotic albeit refreshing experience. Stewart has a few projects in motion besides his solo work, including working as part of Jets and Dream Continuum. He stops by the Fonda to showcase his eerie blend of ambient and dissonance. Eprom, Mala, Awe, Matthew David and Rochelle Jordan round out the bill for this exciting night.

Midnight Oil at Greek Theatre | Aug. 19
They’ve been rocking audiences and championing causes since the early 1970s. Now Australian mainstays Midnight Oil visit the City of Angels for another hard performance full of the energy for which the band has come to be praised. It’s a prime opportunity for old fans to re-acquaint themselves with the sound, and it’s a new chance for younger fans to get introduced to this early rock ’n roll. The Living End and the Smith Street Band will also be on the bill. Get ready for unadulterated rock.

Shabazz Palaces at Regent Theater | Aug. 19
Comprised of Palaceer Lazaro and Baba Maraire, Shabazz Palaces have an uncanny ability to remix almost any artist’s track and turn it into  something all their own. The hip-hop duo also manage to seamlessly blend the sweetest, smoothest jazz into their work, making their style sound as sophisticated as it is fun to listen to. Shabazz Palaces will also be joined on the bill by Porter Ray and Derrick C. Brown.

X at Pershing Square | Aug. 19
Talk about a summer treat. Punk rock pioneers X bring their timeless brand of genre-defying music to a free outdoor concert at Pershing square. From their debut, “Los Angeles” onward, X has built a reputation on never compromising, allowing their genres and personal ambitions to evolve naturally. Still, there hits remain timeless, showing that no matter how much time passes, their writing and angst is permanent. The Meat Puppets join X for this big summer bash.

Bela Fleck and the Flecktones at The Wiltern | Aug. 20
Combining two distinctive genres into one since 1988, The Flecktones are the coolest jazz-bluegrass hybrid you’ll ever hear. They merge the improvisation of jazz with the energy of bluegrass to create a sound that pops wherever it’s played. End your weekend with the best time when you watch this live masterpiece. Chick Corea Elektric Band rounds out the bill for this show.