Aug 21 – Aug 27 • Essential Weekly Concert Guide • L.A. Edition
Des Delgadillo
Bishop Briggs at Grammy Museum | Aug. 21
Bishop Briggs was born in London and lived in China and Japan before moving to L.A. to chase her musical dreams. The world-traveled musician manages to blend all kinds of genres into her melting pot of sound, from folk to electronic and a tinge of pop. Her song “River” is an unmistakable hit in the alternative music community, and the talented songstress will be debuting a new track as part of her intimate performance at the Grammy Museum. She will open up with a conversation about her craft as a songwriter before diving into the performance.
Dead Cross at El Rey Theatre | Aug. 21
El Rey Theatre has lined up a bash built on thrash as metal supergroup Dead Cross brings a wicked fervor to Los Angeles. Made up of Faith No More and Mr. Bungle’s Mike Patton, Slayer’s Dave Lombardo and Retox’s Mike Crain and Justin Pearson, the group takes all their respective bands’ best qualities and peppers them into their emerging act. The group mixes surprisingly catchy melodies with defiantly full-speed-ahead hardcore thrash, and it’s a recipe that just works. Dead Cross will be playing tracks off their new eponymous album.
Melvins at The Echo | Aug. 22
The Melvins have been plugging away at their craft since 1983. Although the lineup might resemble a revolving door of stellar musicians, the group has stayed true to its fanbase while simultaneously managing to evolve its sound. Countless studio albums and rotation changes later, the group continues to put out rousing content, including their most recent album and film soundtrack, “A Walk with Love and death.” Their show at the Echo is sold out, but vigilant fans may find some available on StubHub. Get in on the action, because there’s nothing like seeing The Melvins run through their catalogue up-close.
Bellsaint at Resident | Aug. 23
The alias for polished singer/songwriter Caroline Brooks, Bellsaint has already charged up the blog charts with an unbelievably moving cover of R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion,” and the alt-pop up-and-comer shows no signs of slowing down. She has been likened to a mix of Adele, Sia and Nancy Sinatra, three pairs of shoes that are all tough to fill indeed. Along with her guitarist Kyle Moore, The Resident gets a taste of a probable future mainstream success.
Doom w/ Blazing Eye at The Regent Theater | Aug. 23
Formed in the late 80s and put through a tumult of lineup and sonic remodeling, today Doom stands tall as an outfit synonymous with the grit and grime of U.K. punk rock. They bring a blistering crust-punk sound to L.A., to the delight of So.Cal punks who are in the know. They’re joined by L.A.’s own Blazing Eye.
Herbie Hancock w/ Kamasi Washington at Hollywood Bowl | Aug. 23
In 2008, Hancock netted the Album of the Year Grammy, marking the first time a jazz album earned the distinction in over 30 years. That Grammy win proved what his fans have known all along and what he continues to prove even today: Hancock is capable of compositions that cross over and ensnare even the most casual of listeners thanks to his breathtaking, accessible melodies. Kamasi Washington also takes the stage at this jumping jazz event, sharing numbers from his solo debut, 2015’s “The Epic.”
Psychic Ills at The Echo | Aug. 23 + The Getty | Aug. 25 + Zebulon | Aug. 26
Psychedelia and experimentation run through Tress Warren and Elizabeth Hart’s blood. The duo have been creating earth-shaking, cerebral masterpieces since the project’s formation in 2003, and they bring their act to L.A. for three exciting dates at the Echo, Getty and Zebulon, giving fans three big chances to catch this fascinating waltz across the sonic spectrum.
Die Antwoord at Shrine Auditorium | Aug. 24
The South African rap trio haven’t stopped making noise and ruffling feathers since 2008. They boast high-energy performances full of lyrics that run from comedic to downright vulgar. They stop off at the Shrine Auditorium with their upcoming fifth, and reportedly final, studio album due out in September. But before you crack open “The Book of Zef” in September, treat yourself to a live Die Antwoord experience in August.
Early Winters at The Satellite | Aug. 24
Early Winters was borne out of four prosperous solo careers, with each artist contributing through new methods like video chat while they toured the world. So it was pretty much inevitable that the group had a short shelf life. Early Winters’ latest album, “I Want to Break Your Heart,” will be their third and final contribution to their catalogue. Before they pack it in, they will be gracing L.A.’s Satellite for a last hurrah and album release party.
Slightly Stoopid at Greek Theatre | Aug. 24
One thing’s for sure: Don’t go to a Slightly Stoopid show if you’re not planning to walk out with at least a contact high. Chances are you’ve at least heard the group’s most renowned single to date, “2 AM,” with its incredibly catchy horns and rhythms. They’re cruising all around the United States with friends Iration, J Boog and The Movement for the “Sounds of Summer” tour, which mercifully makes an L.A. stop at the Greek. Get in on the fun and the chill vibes. There’s no better way to beat the heat.
Tobacco at Teragram Ballroom | Aug. 24
Tobacco is the frontman for psychedelic outfit Black Moth Super Rainbow, which sounds way more impressive than a boring old double rainbow. His synth-driven solo work has garnered critical acclaim from the electronica community, with many obsessively hailing his 2008 solo debut as a “must listen.” It really is, too, fashioning something similar to stoner rock out of vocoders and synthesizers. Tobacco drops by Teragram Ballroom for one special date.
Guantanamo Baywatch at The Echo | Aug. 25
This Portland punk outfit packs all the screechiness and raucous riffs you need to get your mosh on. They hammer out everything from surf to garage in a sleek package, and they do it all with glee and gusto. Punk rockers prepare to flock to The Echo for a night of head banging good times. The Memories and Taffy join the bill as part of The Echo’s long-running Part Time Punks series.
Gipsy Kings at Hollywood Bowl | Aug. 25
Ever been in the presence of royalty? You will be when you see Gipsy Kings play a very special show at Hollywood Bowl, but you’ll be so busy dancing to their hypnotic salsa-based funk, there will be no time for bowing. The flamenco-powered grooves come to The Bowl, and it’s a can’t-miss event for anyone who loves busting a move.
Sylvan Esso at Hollywood Palladium | Aug. 25
Sylvan Esso came to be when electronic producer Nick Sanborn opted to collaborate with Mountain Man vocalist Amelia Meath and quickly found that his music and her vocals fit together like the pieces of an intricate puzzle. The indie pop duo have been creating some pretty catchy tunes since, including popular singles “Coffee” and “Hey Mami.” Their show at the Palladium will feature tracks from both their eponymous debut and “What Now,” which was released in April of this year. Note, too, that the show will be at the Palladium and not at The Wiltern, which was the original venue for the show.
The Dead Daisies at El Rey Theatre | Aug. 25
Dreamed up by David Lowy, The Dead Daisies is a massive project compiling all sorts of classic musicians. Artists like Guns n Roses’ Richard Fortus, The Rolling Stones’ Darryl Jones, Thin Lizzy’s Marco Mendoza and so many more marquee musicians have participated in the project’s five-year history. For a screaming good time, throw on back to a simpler era where the air was cleaner and the rock was harder when The Dead daisies sprout up at L.A.’s El Rey Theatre.
The Mynabirds at Bootleg Theater | Aug. 25
Fronted by Laura Burhenn of Georgie James, The Mynabirds are described as feminist indie-pop with a heavily political tilt. The group stops off at Bootleg Theater’s bar stage to play some of their more pointed standouts. The Bulls and Alexandra Savior join The Mynabirds on this Bootleg bill.
Khalid at The Novo | Aug. 25 + 26 + 29 + 30
Khalid is a young sensation who has stirred things up considerably with his single “Location.” It’s a track that stands on its own, but when a who’s who of EDM maestros gave it the remix treatment, even more people got to hear what Khalid has to say. Last time he was in L.A., Khalid played a free show at the Santa Monica Pier, and we mentioned the next time he’d be in town would be a much different experience. It can’t get more different than four big dates in L.A.’s Novo. He stops in L.A. in support of his full-length debut, the dreamy and oh so soulful “American Teen.”
Azealia Banks at Fonda Theatre | Aug. 26
Banks has quickly rocketed up the popularity charts and cemented herself as not only one of the most accomplished young rappers to date, but also one of the most outspoken. Her attacks on fellow artists and pop culture in general have become fodder for memes across the internet. But beyond her proclivity for throwing shade, Banks knows how to throw one incredible performance. She stops by the legendary Fonda to show why she’s a must-see act in 2017.
A Place to Bury Strangers w/ Xiu Xiu at The Broad | Aug. 26
APTBS know how to channel emotions, even if it is through their immersive wall-of-sound style of performance. They can flesh out any emotions they desire, from horror to glee. Playing with the trio are San Jose experimental rockers Xiu Xiu. It’s all a part of The Broad’s constantly changing and consistently fascinating Summer Happenings series.
Bryan Ferry with orchestra at Hollywood Bowl | Aug. 26
Along with David Bowie, Bryan Ferry is credited with shaping the attitudes and appearance of a generation. Through both his solo work and stints with glam outfit Roxy Music, the legendary crooner has been behind countless albums that stormed the U.K. charts, as well as creating dozens of memorable covers. He’s joined by the legendary Hollywood Bowl orchestra for a timeless debut, putting a new spin on old favorites. Upcoming jazz singer McLorin Salvant will be opening up for Ferry in the opportunity of a lifetime.
Kaleo at The Wiltern | Aug. 26
The Icelandic blues rockers met up in 2012 and haven’t stopped since, wracking up play after play for their singles “Way Down We Go” and the gentle “All the Pretty Girls.” The rising quartet make a rare stop in L.A. to play tracks from their last two albums.
Mew at El Rey Theatre | Aug. 26
The Danish three-piece have a knack for erecting breathtaking projections to accompany their live performances, meaning concertgoers are in for a multi sensory experience when the group stops by El Rey to play a show in support of their eclectic new album, “Visuals.” Genre-wise, there’s really no territory too foreign for Mew, a group that dabbles in everything and anything they choose to experiment with.
Mickey Avalon at Viper Room | Aug. 26
Rapper Mickey Avalon rose to prominence with his self-titled debut, a work that took its inspiration from Avalon’s heartbreaking life, which saw him lose his father and later sister to heroin addiction. His street-wise lyrics and comedic chops endeared him to a bigger audience than he could have ever imagined, propelling him into the limelight and tours alongside artists like Slightly Stoopid and Snoop Dogg. He brings that energy in his raps along with his legendary live show to the viper Room for one night only, so be there.
Savoy Motel at the Getty | Aug. 26
A funky slice of heaven is coming to The Getty. Savoy Motel are both an ode to the sound of the 70s while rearranging their appeal for the present, in effect making the sounds of the past accessible today. They bring all that bounce and glam to The Getty courtyard for an exciting free show.
KCRW’s World Festival ft. Pink Martini, China Forbes and Storm Large at Hollywood Bowl | Aug. 27
Santa Monica’s flagship public radio station has been on a mission to keep culture alive in L.A. KCRW’s World Festival is just another step in that direction, with this date bringing more Latin vibes to The Bowl, with Samba and Cuban dance taking center stage along with the fresh swing from headlining act Pink Martini. As if the night isn’t full enough, talented Spanish entertainer Charo will be on hand to open up festivities.
Sawyer Fredericks at Troubadour | Aug. 27
A winner of NBC’s “The Voice,” Sawyer Fredericks is quickly on his way to becoming one of Americana’s most magnetizing singer/songwriters. His vocals paired with his incredibly insightful lyrics give him a definite edge over the rest, and that lyricism coupled with his powerful live performances make him a must-see artist. Also on the bill is Gabriel Wolfchild and the Northern Light.
Toto with Pat Benatar and Neil “Spyder” Giraldo at Greek Theatre | Aug. 27
Some real classics will be on display at The Greek for a stacked Saturday night bonanza. It’s impossible to hear Toto’s “Africa” on the radio and not break into an impromptu karaoke session. It’s a song that has stood the test of time and now fills our ears at every possible moment, whether it’s on a TV commercial or on an episode of “Family Guy.” These vets join fellow rockers Pat Benatar and Neil “Spyder” Giraldo for a night of legendary throwbacks. Both acts promise tunes that will transport some to their youth and empower still others.