Sept 11 – Sept 17 • Essential Weekly Concert Guide • L.A. Edition

21 Savage at Jimmy Kimmel Live | Sept. 11
What’s better than catching Atlanta rap sensation 21 Savage live? How about doing it for free? Fresh off his performance at Day n Night, Savage stops by Kimmel for a scintillating live performance with a handful of free tickets available. If you got left out of Day n Night, this is a step in redemption’s direction.

The Lone Bellow at Grammy Museum | Sept. 11 + Jimmy Kimmel Live | Sept. 12
One of the more emotionally charged origin stories out there, The Lone Bellow took root when Zach Williams started journalling his experiences while his wife suffered from a bout of temporary paralysis. Eventually those journal entries transformed into songs, and the once solitary musician found a pair of bandmates. That trio from Brooklyn became known for their transcendent melodies and adept abilities for harmony. With their new album, “Walk into a Storm,” due for release on Sept. 15, they stop by the Grammy Museum for a conversation and live performance before putting on a free outdoor concert the following day thanks to Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Indigo Girls at The Theatre at Ace Hotel | Sept. 12
The musically versatile duo of Emily Saliers and Amy Ray write and compose music rife with powerful instrumentation and even more powerful, thought-provoking themes. They officially took on the Indigo Girls moniker in 1985, and since then they’ve performed everywhere while championing the causes closest to them, even capturing a coveted Grammy award in 1990. They look to delight their L.A. fans at a special performance in DTLA’s Theatre at Ace Hotel, and with a catalogue so expansive, you’ll never know what they’re going to pull out this time.

Jack Johnson at Grammy Museum | Sept. 12
Johnson has been serving up a smooth, calming blend of acoustic-guitar tinged soft rock for years, and before that he was riding waves with the best of them as a daring surfer. Now he’s riding a different sort of wave: that of momentum, thanks in no small part to his latest album, “All The Light above it Too,” which just came out last week. Just a few days after performing at Ohana Music Festival at Dana Point, he coasts on over to the Grammy Museum for a conversation on his life followed by an intimate performance of tracks from his latest album and his growing back-catalogue.

MC Lars at Hi Hat | Sept. 12
MC Lars was at the forefront of the nerdcore hip-hop movement, though he might take issue with being lumped into that subgenre today. His whimsical rap songs tackle everything from “Hamlet” to bad grammar to the danger of internet relationships, all with a rapier wit not usually found in mainstream hip-hop. The Stanford grad plays the High Hat in support of his latest EP, “The Jeff Sessions EP” with Big O and Richie Branson.

Yo-Yo Ma at Hollywood Bowl | Sept. 12
Slap the Tuesday blues away with a bit of sweet sophistication as revered cellist Yo Yo Ma holds a solo recital at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, playing numbers from Johann Sebastian Bach’s awe-inspiring repertoire. The Hollywood Bowl’s in-house orchestra will not be taking the stage for this show, because Yo Yo Ma doesn’t really need any fancy window dressing. His expertise on the cello is enough of a fitting tribute to one of his own inspirations. Settle in for a beautiful, timeless performance.

Goo Goo Dolls at Greek Theatre | Sept. 13
Since 1986, multi-platinum musical force The Goo Goo Dolls have been racking up high-charting singles and all kinds of other accolades. In fact, the globally respected outfit have picked up more top 10 singles than any other group in Adult Contemporary Radio’s history. They hit L.A. alongside Phillip Phillips for a night full of giant hooks and even bigger levity.

Steve Winwood w/ Mavis Staples at Hollywood Bowl | Sept. 13
Steve Winwood crafted some of the finest rock in the 1960s that it scored a generation’s ascent to adulthood. Five decades later and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee looks to prove he’s still got it with a big-time performance at the Hollywood Bowl. As if Winwood’s rock chops aren’t enough, R&B and gospel master-composer Mavis Staples will be opening up festivities.

A R I Z O N A at Troubadour | Sept. 13 + 14
Much like the state from which they derive their name, A R I Z O N A has been on a hot streak. The electro pop trio have already tasted sweet success after acclaimed DJ Robin Schulz remixed their track “I Was Wrong,” but the crew isn’t satisfied quite yet. They bring their uncompromising sound to the Troubadour for two dates alongside Glades in support of their debut full-length, “Gallery.”

Cigarettes After Sex at Teragram Ballroom | Sept. 13 + 14
The dream pop outfit formed in 2008 in El Paso, and since then they’ve been crafting some of the most hazy yet edgy ambient pop around. Their sound does a great job of balancing the slow, restful tones of most ambient groups while still giving listeners something worth dancing to. They will be playing two big dates at Teragram Ballroom, just in case you can’t get enough the first time.

Eric Clapton w/ Jimmie Vaughan and Gary Clark Jr. at The Forum | Sept. 13 + 15 + 16 + 18
After a bout of bronchitis forced the legendary guitarist to reschedule his shows back in March, fans were left disappointed and eager to catch this legendary lineup live and in person. Fast-forward six months, and the time is finally here. Clapton has four big dates at Inglewood’s Forum alongside Jimmie Vaughan and Gary Clark Jr. That’s four big chances for old fans to revel in the noise of nostalgia, or for new fans to expose themselves to music that played an instrumental role in shaping what we listen to today.

Against Me! at Fonda Theatre | Sept. 14
Fronted by Laura Jane Grace, who four years ago released “Transgender Dysphoria Blues,” a rousingly poignant album that chronicled the punk rocker and activists transition, Against Me! Has never shied away from making noise in the name of protest. They return with “Shape Shift with Me,” another intense offering from Against Me! Sure to get listeners’ blood boiling and their hearts pumping in the name of change. If their albums are energetic, their shows are downright chaotic, and that’s just the way they like it. Bleached and the Dirty Nil accompany Against Me! For a rousing night of music.

Manchester Orchestra at The Novo | Sept. 14
Over the years, Manchester Orchestra’s brand of stellar songwriting atop riffs that vacillate between cutting and introspective has evolved into something resembling full maturity. The group’s latest album, July’s “A Black Mile to the surface,” features very grown-up themes like fatherhood and a need to tie relationships together, while still delving into the darkness for which the band is renowned. Those motifs coupled with brilliant lyricism and melodies make this band a must-listen and a must-see when they hit the Novo for a live performance alongside Tigers Jaw and Foxing.

Hall and Oates w/ Tears for Fears at Staples Center | Sept. 14 + 15
Nostalgia sure seems to be in the air this week in Los Angeles — a nice change of pace from the usual smog that fills the L.A. skyline. Hall and Oates and Tears for Fears stop off for a two-night affair at the Staples Center that is sure to be full of some of music’s most recognizable classics. Two great bands doing two big dates? Now that’s something worth singing about.

The Church at Fonda Theatre | Sept. 15
The Church started up as a psychedelic rock group in 1980, but they later managed to subvert their sound to something more akin to dream-pop. They manage to blend a perfect amount of surreal, dreamy textures while maintaining their experimental credibility that make them such a fun act to experience, even three decades and several member changes later. The Helio Sequence joins the group for a raucous Fonda affair.

James Supercave at Teragram Ballroom | Sept. 15
James Supercave pushes the limits of the surreal, a test of strength that definitely bolsters the band’s psychedelic pop sound. They adeptly blend wailing vocals and perfectly played keys to make for some of the catchiest songs you haven’t heard yet. The Seshen will be opening up festivities for a dance-filled Friday night.

The Stone Foxes at Bootleg Theater | Sept. 15
Since 2005, The Stone Foxes have been concocting their sound, which they describe as country, blues and a touch of San Francisco. By this latter ingredient, they probably mean an overwhelming sense of artistic freedom, and it certainly comes through on everything the band touches, from bluesy riffs full of shout-along choruses to other, more laid-back tracks. They stop at the Bootleg Theater’s bar stage for a rousing performance with Johnzo West and the Wayward Souls.

together PANGEA w/ Tall Juan, The Side Eyes at El Rey Theatre | Sept. 15
When together PANGEA stop off at the El Rey Theatre with fellow indie stalwarts Daddy Issues, The Side Eyes and Tall Juan, it will be a show of tectonic proportions. Together PANGEA have been captivating audiences with their brazen indie rock, a talent exemplified by their latest album, August’s “Bulls and Roosters.”

Nocturnal Wonderland ft. Autograf, Claptone, Dillon Francis, GTA, DJ Mustard, Cut Snake and more at Glen Helen Amphitheater | Sept. 15 + 16
Nocturnal Wonderland masterfully merges the wonders of camping and raving into one fabulous two-day extravaganza. The likes of DJ Mustard, Dillon Francis, Cut Snake and so many more will be participating, lighting up the night with their greatest grooves.

KAABOO ft. Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pink, David Guetta, Ice Cube, Weezer and Logic in Del Mar, calif. | Sept. 15-17
Kaaboo is so much more than just a music festival, combining elements of comedy, food and art for a wholly satisfying festival experience. That’s not to say their musical lineup isn’t on point, because it totally is, with Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pink, David Guetta, Ice Cube, Weezer and Logic hitting the stage over the three days, along with a host of others. Jump from tent to tent and see what the fabulous Kaaboo festival has to offer in their quest to dazzle and enthrall all five of your senses.

City and Colour at The Wiltern | Sept. 16
Dallas Green provided the melody in the otherwise rough-edged Alexisonfire, but with his solo project City and Colour, he meanders in a refreshingly folksy direction. He finally embarks on an exciting tour of the U.S. with David Bazan providing support.

Folk Revival Festival ft. Scott H. Biram, Lucero, Billy Joe Shaver, Jaime Wyatt, The Hollow Trees and Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit at Rainbow Lagoon Park | Sept. 16
Long Beach has done a tremendous job of bringing some of folk music’s greatest contemporary musicians together for a day of good times. Acclaimed projects like lucero, Jaime Wyatt and The Hollow Trees will be a part of the festivities, along with several fun contests and vendors popping up all day throughout the park.

Green Day w/ Catfish and the Bottlemen at Rose Bowl | Sept. 16
From modest beginnings in dingy punk clubs in Berkley and Oakland to selling out massive venues across the world and having an album adapted into a Broadway sensation, Green Day have truly experienced a remarkable ascension to the top of the zeitgeist. They stop off at Pasadena’s legendary Rose Bowl in front of nearly 100,000 screaming fanatics for an incredible night, full of tunes off their latest record, “Revolution Radio.” A stellar act in their own right, rockers Catfish and the Bottlemen join Green Day for a hard-hitting night of rock n roll.

Horton’s Hayride ft. Reverend Horton Heat, Mike Ness, Face to Face, The Living End, Gizzelle at Port of Los Angeles (San Pedro | Sept. 16
The best in music, food trucks, bars and more converge on San Pedro for a day to remember. Social Distortion’s Mike Ness takes the stage, along with Face to Face, the Living End, and of course the event’s own host, Reverend Horton Heat. This is the fourth iteration of this rockabilly-themed spectacular, and all three past events have been incredible. Jump on this as it’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday.

Lil Yachty at The Novo | Sept. 16
Lil Yachty has been hard at work making rap music his playground. These days, he’s all the hip crowd can talk about, and even for those not in the know, it’s hard to escape all of his radio-ready fare. The fast-rising MC stops in L.A. for a special performance at The Novo as part of his “Teenage” tour.

Pete Townshend, Billy Idol and Alfie Boe at Greek Theatre | Sept. 16
In 1967, now legendary rockers The Who released “Quadrophenia,” a rock opera album that revolutionized the industry for its time. At that point, no one thought The Who or its contemporaries would be able to top that unbelievably ambitious piece of work, and they were right, until now. Joined by Billy Idol and gifted singer Alfie Boe, “Quadrophenia” lives once again, this time backed by an orchestra. It will be a stunning show for the ages, and one that must be witnessed to be believed.

Xavier Wulf at Regent Theater | Sept. 16
Formerly a Memphis MC, Xavier Wulf’s rap skills have set him apart from the pack. Formerly a member of the Raider Klan collective, Wulf broke away from the group to focus on a more serious rapping direction, a gamble that paid off for the artist in spades. He shows off his newly formed chops at the Regent Theater alongside Warhol.ss and Lil Tracy.

Cafe Tacuba with La Santa Cecilia, Mon Laferte at Hollywood Bowl | Sept. 17
A who’s who of Latin stalwarts pack the Hollywood Bowl for a single night of some hot, hot heat. Cafe Tacuba have been winning over audiences all over the world with their exciting style of Spanish rock, while Mon Laforte has been racking up the Latin Music Awards. Their show will be one to be proud of, with La Santa Cecilia also dropping in to rock the house.