Sept 18 – Sept 24 • Essential Weekly Concert Guide • NYC Edition

Des Delgadillo

Mumford & Sons at United Palace Theatre | Sept. 18
This band dominated airwaves with tracks like “Little Lion Man,” “The Cave” and a string of other hits, all while pushing forward with an uncompromising sound incorporating everything from banjo to double bass. It’s a blend that has so far netted the group six Grammy nominations. Now they hit the Big Apple for a show that will be full of energy as the group shows off a newly renovated sound with a little more electronic influence.

Sonder at Music Hall of Williamsburg | Sept. 18
The R&B Sonder crafts has so many layers and textures that work together to create a sound all their own. In fact, a lot of their tunes merit multiple listens just to be able to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into every number. Stomp, chant and clap your way through a set of songs bound to strike a cord or two for those who love that perfect blend of soul and R&B.

Alison Krauss at Radio City Music Hall | Sept. 19
Credited for renewing an interest in bluegrass in the U.S., Krauss has quite the array of accolades. She has released 14 albums since her debut in 1987, managing to net 27 Grammy awards in the process. Catch the foremother of the bluegrass renaissance when she stops by the legendary Radio City Music Hall alongside David Gray.

Front 242 at Irving Plaza | Sept. 19
Hailing from belgium, front 242 spearheaded the proliferation of a subgenera called electronic body music in the 1980s. It was this type of music, profound and new at the time, that would eventually usher in the era of industrial rock music. It’s a great time to catch a pioneering electronic act that set the table for popular artists of the 1990s and today. Front 242 will be joined by Severed Heads for a stacked show.

Post Malone at Playstation Theater | Sept. 19
White Iverson himself has quite the treat for New Yorkers as he stops off to bust out some of his catchiest tunes live. The rapper is already dominating the airwaves with tracks like “Congratulations,” and it doesn’t look like his momentum is even close to stopping. His album “Stony” is chalk full of his signature melody and wit. He stops in New York as part of his “Stony” world tour.

Sam Outlaw at Knitting Factory Brooklyn | Sept. 19
An alias for singer-songwriter Sam Morgan, Sam Outlaw affectionately refers to his brand of country as “So.cal country,” a genre he says incorporates sweet Southern California vibes into an established honky-tonk and troubadour pop formula. He’s relatively new to the country game, only dropping his first EP in 2014, but that EP was enough to get Outlaw noticed. A few festivals later and Outlaw is back with a slew of new tunes ready to pump up a dance floor. Michaela Anne and Zephaniah O’Hora round out the bill.

Astrid S at Bowery Ballroom | Sept. 19 + Rough Trade | Sept. 20
Astrid Smeplass may be one of those hard-to-find musical gems that are only unearthed after hours of painstakingly sifting through strange music. The Norwegian songstress hasn’t put out a proper full-length yet, but the sensation does have a handful of chart-topping singles available that showcase her budding talent. She has even gone on to provide backup vocals for Katy Perry and supporting major acts like Troye Sivan on tour. Now she stops off in New York for two dates in the big city. Jasmine Thompson joins Astrid for a night full of brilliant, larger-than-life pop as part of the “Party’s Over” world tour.

Paul McCartney at Barclays Center | Sept. 19 + 21
The living legend has more than earned his rightful place atop the music empire. From his work with the Beatles to his own enduring solo legacy, it seems like everything McCartney touches turns to gold. The multi-platinum certified juggernaut takes the Barclays Center by storm for three nights of unforgettable songs and showmanship.

The War on Drugs at Terminal 5 | Sept. 19 + Central Park SummerStage | Sept. 22
The War on Drugs’ sonic sprawls are rich with dynamic instrumentation and infused with the greatest of grooves. They’re the kind of band begging to be heard closing out a festival, grooving to the group’s rich arrangements while watching the sun disappear behind the clouds. Although that scenario doesn’t seem likely right now, the next best thing is catching them live, and they’ll be giving New Yorkers two big chances to do just that.

Mutemath at Brooklyn Steel | Sept. 20
Probably the most endearing thing about Mutemath is their resistance to being pigeonholed as one type of band. Since their 2006 debut they have done everything from guitar-driven alt-rock to synth-heavy electronic cuts, putting their own unique spin on things each time. Their latest album, “Play Dead,” finds them combining all aspects of the last 11 years, resulting in something wholly satisfying for Mutemath fans, regardless of iteration. Colony House and Romes join Mutemath for a spectacular night of music.

Sleeping With Sirens at Gramercy Theatre | Sept. 20
Just ahead of the release date for their fifth studio album, “Gossip,” Sleeping with Sirens pull out all the stops and play tracks off what they describe as one of their darkest albums to date. Of course, as is key with the band, hopefulness also works as a counterweight to the dark themes on the album. Their new live show is guaranteed to make you dance and cry, maybe both at once.

Tei Shi at Music Hall of Williamsburg | Sept. 20
The pop star manages to balance unshakable melodies with earnest lyricism, setting her apart from many of her pop music counterparts. Her full-length debut, “Crawl Space,” smacks of self-discovery, a probing look into the emotions and motivations that drive the burgeoning pop diva. She brings her developing sound to New York for a special date at the music Hall of Williamsburg alongside Lawrence Rothman.

Joe Bonamassa at Beacon Theatre | Sept. 20 + 21 + 23
A treasure when it comes to the blues genre, Bonamassa may be the greatest guitarist alive today. That’s no hyperbole. The effortlessness with which he jumps from sweet ballads to uncompromisingly cutting blues riffs underscores the man’s undeniable talents when it comes to a six-string. Factor in his full backing band, complete with dueling keys, and each one of Bonamassa’s live performances more than leave lasting impressions. The string of dates is in support of Bonamassa’s latest album, “Blues of Desperation.”

Alison Wonderland at Terminal 5 | Sept. 21
The Australian producer and DJ has already smashed her way into notoriety, winning over the likes of producing mogul Diplo. Her music has been likened to that of the Chemical Brothers, brimming with danceability in every measure. Report to the floor. Alison Wonderland looks to conquer New York the only way she knows how: Through rocking beats and a stellar live performance.

The Cribs at Music Hall of Williamsburg | Sept. 21
The Cribs dipped their toes in the waters of more pop-oriented fare for their last album, but they seem to be back on track with their latest effort, “24/7 Rockstar shit.” The album is full of the delightfully punk rock squeals and easy-to-shout choruses, a hard-hitting album that you just want to play again and again. They stop in New York for a show full of the rawness we have come to expect from the U.K. cult outfit, with Paws’ explosive songwriting kicking things off.

Demi Lovato at Cadillac House | Sept. 21
The final installment in a long-running concert series aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, Demi Lovato plays an intimate show at the Cadillac House. It’s a great chance to get up close and personal with Demi before her new album, “Tell me you Love Me,” drops Sept. 29. Expect to hear some new numbers at this show, too. Get your lungs ready, because it’s not a Demi Lovato show until everyone is belting along.

The Head and the Heart w/ The Lone Bellow and The Shelters at Central Park SummerStage | Sept. 21
The Head and the Heart features all kinds of unorthodox instrumentation, including frequent belts of violin and piano, a unique partnership that helps set the group apart from the other indie folk groups on the scene. They’ll be playing tracks off their latest album, 2016’s “Signs of Light,” along with cuts from their previous two albums. The Lone Bellow will also be on-hand in support of their latest album, “Walk Into a Storm.” With The Shelters also looking to make an impression, this will be one musical event to remember.

Liars at Warsaw | Sept. 21
Since 2001, Liars have evolved and adapted to everything the industry has thrown at them. From challenging, engaging concept albums to straight-up rock n roll to work driven by more electronic influences, the to say that Liars have a sophisticated sonic pallet would be a gross understatement. They cap off a lineup that includes Yvette and Idgy Dean.

The Killers at Terminal 5 | Sept. 22
Celebrate the release of the Killers’ new album, “Wonderful Wonderful,” when the Killers visit Terminal 5 for a show full of the album’s best tracks, as well as tracks spanning their extensive catalogue. Whether they’re covering Joy Division or hammering out their originals like the unforgettable “Mr. Brightside,” The Killers have forged for themselves a nearly permanent place in the alt-rock game. Catch this show if you can, because this is a much smaller, more intimate venue than the Killers usually play.

Mac Demarco at Radio City Music Hall | Sept. 22
It’s quite remarkable what Mac Demarco is able to do with his producing chops and his unique voice. Described by many as slacker rock, Demarco’s music certainly has a relaxed air about it, with muted bass and flat drums coloring the majority of his catalogue. The Canadian multi-instrumentalist pops into the legendary Radio City Music Hall for a special show.

Tyga at Stage 48 | Sept. 22
Whether he’s courting a Jenner or not, Tyga’s an expert at getting his listeners up out of their seats. He’ll make you move with the best of them, especially thanks to his infectious lyrics and beats. His latest album, “Bitch I’m the shit 2” features appearances from Kanye West, Young Thug and more, so expect some of those tracks especially to rock the house.

VÉRITÉ at Music Hall of Williamsburg | Sept. 22
The Brooklyn-based songwriter has already made significant waves, topping the Hype Machine charts with her single “Strange Enough.” Her full-length debut, June’s “Somewhere in Between,” features more of the sweeping, ethereal vocals for which she is already praised. The Brooklyn native doesn’t have to travel too far to rock the Music Hall of Williamsburg. This show has “breakout” written all over it.

Bruno Mars at Madison Square Garden Arena | Sept. 22 + 23
Whether he’s lamenting his love for a long-lost confidant or he’s preaching the benefits of up town funk and making dragons want to retire, Bruno Mars has firmly cemented himself as an icon for this generation. His impressive range lets him experiment with all manner of music, and his sense of humor allows him to approach everything he does with an elevated sense of levity. Mars brings all of his anthems to the MSG arena for two unforgettable shows.

Brian Wilson at Radio City Music Hall | Sept. 23
The Beach Boys frontman has quite the history behind him, some good and some not so good. But among the best historical highlights for Wilson is “Pet Sounds,” an album The Beach Boys fashioned as a sort of response to The Beatles’ “Rubber soul.” Wilson stops off at the Radio City Music Hall to perform the album in its entirety, shedding light on what made the album such an impactful piece of work for its time.

Global Citizen Festival ft. Stevie Wonder, Green Day, The Killers, The Lumineers and more at Central Park, Great Lawn | Sept. 23
A who’s who of musical mammoths converge on Central Park for an unforgettable day of rocking and rolling. The legendary Stevie Wonder will take the stage. Green Day bring their politically charged anthems to the forefront, while the Lumineers bask in the sing-along style that they know so well. This is one show that New Yorkers anticipate every year, and every year seems to top the last.

Interpol at Forest Hills Stadium | Sept. 23
In one of the more unique events this week, Interpol celebrate the 15th anniversary of their phenomenal debut album, “Turn on the Bright Lights,” by playing it in full at the massive Forest Hills Stadium. As if that wasn’t enough, they will have tremendous supporting acts Deerhunter and Battles opening things up. Watching an album like Interpol’s first one played in full in a venue as stunning as this one is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so get out there and check one more thing off that bucket list.

Jake Miller at Gramercy Theatre | Sept. 23
Miller’s sharp tongue and stellar rap skills have won him a ton of fans both in the social media realm and in pop culture in general. He’s only 24 years old and he’s already managed to open for the likes of Snoop Dogg and Fifth Harmony. There’s no telling what the young artist is capable of in just a few short years. But why wait? He’s stopping by the Gramercy Theatre for a happening show, with The Stolen opening up the festivities.

Paul Van Dyk at Playstation Theatre | Sept. 23
The international DJ and producer’s catalogue already verges on prolific, and he’s not even close to done. Paul Van Dyk has been racking up plaudits for his work before DJ’s started getting regular acclaim. He has remixed some notable songs while also churning out his own compelling, original fare. He brings all of his stellar hits to the Playstation Theatre for a night of nonstop dance.

Xiu Xiu at Villain | Sept. 23
The experimental group has never been afraid to venture out into different types of musical territory, blending everything from house to rock and a lot in between. Their live performances boast an unreal type of energy, complete with hard rocking elements. They stop by NYC in support of their latest album, “Forget.”

Pixies w/ Sunflower Beam at Capitol Theatre | Sept. 24
Pixies are without question forerunners in the explosion of 90-style rock music, complete with their furious screams and quirky surf riffs. Bands that came after them, even today, borrow a little something from Pixies. This pioneering outfit returns in 2017 for a stellar show at the capitol Theatre alongside Sunflower Beam for a night of music that demands you move your body.