Nov 13 – Nov 19 • Essential Weekly Concert Guide • NYC Edition

Des Delgadillo

Springsteen on Broadway at Walter Kerr Theatre | through Feb. 3, 2018
“The Boss” goes Broadway and performs in front of his smallest audience in years. Catch Springsteen’s timeless classics immortalized forever in the glory of Broadway. Tickets are nearly impossible to find, but if you can get your hands on them, get ready for a Springsteen fanatic’s dream come true.

Bully at Music Hall of Williamsburg | Nov. 13
A low-fi throwback to the grunge era, Bully is just what the doctor ordered for a Monday out on the town. Kick those start of the week blues to the curb with lead singer Alicia Bognanno’s signature howls, growls and smoky croons while the band pounds away any remaining weekend hangovers. Bully’s supporting their latest album, “Losing,” with a raging show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. Aye Nako will be jumpstarting festivities.

Chief Keef at Gramercy Theatre | Nov. 13
No, that cloud of smoke you see floating over the Gramercy isn’t an illusion; it’s just the calling card for rapper Chief Keef and all his bong-toking fans. The 22-year-old rapper has already engaged in more feuds, been in more legal trouble and even teased retirement more than most of his contemporaries, but the Glo Gang leader still has quite a few tricks up his sleeve. Keef brings his wild stylings to NYC’s Gramercy Theatre for one special Monday night, so get in on the action while you can.

Kelela at Bowery Ballroom | Nov. 13
Kelela has never been one to take the easy path, instead looking to sophisticated sonics to guide her rousing r&b productions to new heights. Her vulnerability makes each of her dazzling cuts all the more enchanting, and her live performances are some of the most evocative right now. She has another date slated for the Bowery Ballroom with Lafawndah on-hand.

Metronomy at Brooklyn Steel | Nov. 13
Spearheaded by a budding musician named Joseph Mount in 1999, Metronomy has gone on to create some of the most liberating and captivating electronic music, layering in all kinds of instruments including saxophone, which gives the group’s songs a much warmer feeling. Their performances are a happening all their own, with light shows and other multimedia attractions often accompanying their music. They bring that exciting live atmosphere to Brooklyn Steel with Gordi also on the bill, and attendees should be ready to have their senses dazzled.

Tyler, The Creator at Terminal 5 | Nov. 13
Tyler needs no introduction when it comes to his contributions to music and the rap game in general. The Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival creator waxes poetic on the socially charged to the outright absurd, and he does it all with a bravado and artistic finesse not often seen in his rap colleagues. He’ll be laying it down like only he can when he plays an intimate but lively Terminal 5 date with Odd Future member Taco kicking off the good times.

The Wild Reeds at Mercury Lounge | Nov. 13
Fueled by the harmonic and songwriting trifecta of Kensi Lee, Sharon Silva and Mackenzie Howe, The Wild Reeds never stay in one musical mindset for long. Their live sets will feature some of the warmest and most beautifully constructed songs one minute, and a driving, fuzzy attack the next. It’s the kind of variability that makes attending a Wild Reeds show a “on your toes” experience. Catch Wild Reeds at the Mercury Lounge in support of their latest album, “The World We Built,” and make sure to check out openers Sweet Cream and Tiffany Wilson to maximize your music-consuming experience.

Alex Clare at Music Hall of Williamsburg | Nov. 14
The singer-songwriter whose breakthrough, “Too Close,” caught everyone’s heart in its infectious tendrils came roaring back at the end of 2016 with “Tale of Lions.” Poignant in all the right places, “Tale of Lions” dives into the complexities fame throws into once stable relationships and the weak foundations that arise. Catch Clare on the “Tale of Lions” tour when he stops in at the Music Hall of Williamsburg Bobby Bazini and Elijah.

Joywave at Bowery Ballroom | Nov. 14
While Joywave’s 2015 full-length debut, “How Do You Feel Now?” Practically bubbled with pop-heavy goodness, with ear-worms lurking around every corner, their follow-up takes a decidedly different and dissonant approach. It’s a jarring turn, but not an unexpected one when considering the musicality of the players involved. Judge the shift for yourself when Joywave play the Bowery Ballroom, mixing fistfuls of old and new songs to make that Tuesday turn-up all the more memorable. Come early to catch The Aces and the Demos.

Lindsey Stirling at Beacon Theater | Nov. 14
Prepare to have your face melted off by this acclaimed violinist’s mind-blowing displays of shredding. Both a music and Youtube celebrity thanks to her rousing renditions of popular songs, Stirling also has a huge catalogue of original music spanning pop, electronic and all kinds of genres. Her performances blend incredible theatrics and the precision on the violin for which Stirling is renowned. Join the millions of Stirling fans who already know what you’ve been missing and catch her when she stops off at the Beacon Theatre to ring in the start of the holiday season.

Pale Waves at Mercury Lounge | Nov. 14
Pale Waves’ relationship with Manchester outfit The 1975 kicked off when the latter took the up-and-comers on tour. It turns out that gesture would lead to a lot more collaborative opportunities between the two groups, with The 1975 producing Pale Waves’ debut single. Described as 2017’s big sugar rush, everything Pale Waves seems to touch becomes even sweeter for it. Taste that same sweetness at Mercury Lounge when pale Waves stop in with The Candescents.

The Drums at Brooklyn Steel | Nov. 15
Founder Jonny Pierce fashioned every song on the new Drums album, “Abysmal Thoughts,” in his own vision, and the result is a revelatory cascade of autobiographical soul-searching. The album also weaves in a pop sensibility that falls perfectly in line with the themes Pierce weaves through the record, making it infectious as well as to the bone. The Drums land at Brooklyn Steel for a date alongside Methyl Ethel on Nov. 15, and there’s no better way to celebrate getting halfway through November than by getting lost in the synths and fuzzy guitars for which The Drums are revered.

Haim at Guggenheim Museum | Nov. 15
The 2017 Guggenheim International Gayla (GIG) kicks off in a big way when pop iconoclasts Haim stop by for a live performance that will fill the space with inescapable melodies, harmonies and downright jams. The group made waves over the summer with “Something to tell You,” the band’s sophomore studio album, and they’ll be making even more of a splash at this Guggenheim performance.

Poppy at Music Hall of Williamsburg | Nov. 15
With a new album due out eminently, Poppy hits the road for a tour, but what is Poppy? Her legions of Youtube and social media followers all have different answers, but one thing’s for sure: she’s one of the most viral sensations to get a stranglehold on the internet. Now it’s time to see what Poppy has in store for her live crowd with a Music Hall of Williamsburg date on the slate. Arrive early to get the party started with a DJ set from Charlotte the Mannequin.

Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band at Beacon Theatre | Nov. 15
Debates about Ringo’s place in the Beatles have been raging for decades, but one thing’s for sure: They wouldn’t have been the Fab Four without him. Ringo’s All Starr Band constantly evolves depending on artists’ schedules, but the ensemble always ends up being a must-see group with even more must-see performances in their wake. This time around, Starr is joined by Todd Rundgren, Gregg Rolie, Steve Lukather, Richard Page, Warren Ham and Gregg Bissonette. Talk about a lineup of heavy-hitters. Catch that all-star group when they return to the Beacon Theatre on Nov. 15.

Silversun Pickups at Terminal 5 | Nov. 15
A band forever interlinked with the indie explosion of the early 2000s, Silversun Pickups are that band you’ll always hear on the radio. Fresh off supporting Third Eye Blind on their 20th anniversary tour, the group’s ready to tackle headlining duties once again. Whether you’re after nostalgia or some of the quartet’s more recent cuts, a live show at Terminal 5 is just what you need to kick the middle of your week into gear. Minus The Bear kicks things off.

Janet Jackson at Barclays Center | Nov. 15 + Prudential Center | Nov. 19
New Yorkers have two chances to get wrapped up in Janet Jackson’s legendary splendor this week. The multiple Grammy-winner and multi-platinum recording artist brings her iconic sounds to both the Barclays center and the Prudential Center this week as part of her “State of the World” tour. It’s a must-see event for anyone invested in r&b or soul music, and a definite bucket list item for music fans in general. Come cross it off and celebrate right.

Dream Theater at Beacon Theatre | Nov. 16
There’s nothing like getting drenched in a torrent of pure and polished experimental metal. For the optimal effect, get loose to Dream Theater’s dynamic and enduring sound when they stop off at the Beacon Theatre. One of the best feelings in the world is having the bass thump your chest while John Petrucci shreds like no other. With the band’s 14th studio album set for a 2018 release, this might also be the perfect time for a sneak preview of some new tunes.

John Carpenter at Terminal 5 | Nov. 16
The legendary director and renowned composer hits the road once again in support of his latest album, “Anthology: Movie Themes 1974-1998.” You’ll feel like your in the midst of Carpenter’s big screen masterpieces when you experience his sounds live, ranging from “Halloween” to “They Live” and so many others. He’ll be wowing the audience at Terminal 5 with his scintillating sounds, so don’t miss it.

PnB Rock at Gramercy Theatre | Nov. 16
Rock recently got chosen as part of the most recent XXL Freshman Class, a huge distinction for many upcoming rap artists. Come see why when the force behind singles like “Selfish” and “Fleek” storms the Gramercy stage and lets his lyrics loose as part of the album release party for “Catch These Vibes, his full-length debut.”

Saint Motel at Brooklyn Steel | Nov. 16
From landing a gig at Coachella to winning fans over with the chart-topper, “My Type,” Saint Motel has always been the type of band to do things a little bit differently. Just listen to how the sonics on their newest venture, “saintmotelivision” thin and blur into a torrent of psychedelia-drenched pop, making for a sound that’s both freeing and eye-opening. Couple that with the multimedia experiences the group has fashioned for the current tour, and the results are bound to astound. Catch all the multimedia action when Saint motel hits Brooklyn Steel with Gibbz.

She Wants Revenge at Playstation Theater | Nov. 16
The outfit who rocked our “American Horror Story”-watching worlds with the unforgettable “Tear You Apart” and made our worlds just a little bleaker with “These Things” are on the road once again, and you can bet their live shows are more rousing and teeming with energy than ever. Following a 10-year anniversary celebration in 2016, the band has started planning a full-on return. Catch She Wants Revenge at the playstation Theater with openers The Dig.

Turnover at Bowery Ballroom | Nov. 16
Turnover fashion something that’s equal parts emo nostalgia and dreamy indie rock, making for a contemplative pallet worth getting lost in for hours. Catch the Virginia Beach quartet when they bring their magnificent sounds to the Bowery ballroom with opener Emma Ruth Rundle and Elvis Depressedly.

John Cale at BAM: Brooklyn Academy of Music | Nov. 16-18
The musician whose legacy includes enumerable influential campaigns comes to the Brooklyn Music Academy for a three-night engagement celebrating all of his countless contributions. For the first two nights, Cale will be joined by an orchestra as he plays the groundbreaking Velvet Underground album in full, “The Velvet Underground & Nico,” a masterclass in innovation that influenced a generation of artistic innovators after him. On the final night, Cale will celebrate 75 years and look back at some of his biggest career hallmarks. It’s a great opportunity to get personally acquainted with a larger-than-life luminary’s vast body of work.

Circa Survive at Terminal 5 | Nov. 17
In 13 years, Circa Survive have put together an awe-inspiring catalogue of sometimes melodic sometimes jarring sprints that never fail to get a venue moving. Their latest effort, 2017’s “The Amulet,” fleshes out more of the blistering sound for which the Philly quintet has been praised. Mosh, thrash and just dance your night away when Circa Survive comes to Terminal 5 with openers Thrice, Balance & Composure and Chon.

The Jesus and Mary Chain w/ Mark Crozer and the Rels at Playstation Theater | Nov. 17
The Jim and William Reid-fueled act have inspired countless groups after them thanks to their “Psychocandy” album, which readily uses a hybrid of noise-pop and shoegazing to create a unique and moving soundscape. When they reunited in 2007, they did so with a renewed vigor. Catch the iconic outfit at the Playstation Theater with Mark Crozer and the Rels.

King Crimson at Beacon Theatre | Nov. 17 + 18
A seminal part of the progressive rock genre, which really found its footing in the mid-to-late 1960s, King Crimson still has an impressive cult following tailing the band to every show and nodding along to every number. Despite a veritable revolving door of musicians, the band’s mission statement has always remained the same: to keep moving forward in an effort to turn hard rock on its head. Catch one of the groups that started it all when they visit the Beacon Theatre over two dates.

Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden | Nov. 18
The iconic piano man continues his long-running MSG residency with another eagerly anticipated performance full of his biggest hits and most emotional sleepers. Turn back time and lose yourself in Joel’s stirring lamentations that take one to the lowest of lows before lifting them to the highest of highs. Joel’s next show as part of his MSG residency will be on Nov. 18.

Halfnoise at Babys All Right | Nov. 18
After stepping away from Paramore in 2010, drummer Zac Farro jumped right back into the musical world with HALFNOISE, a project heavy on melody and some of the most unique drum sounds in modern music. With a ton of momentum behind Farro thanks to his “The Velvet face” EP, live shows are bound to be sizzling with energy. Arrive early to catch John the Baptist opening up the festivities.

Sam Feldt at Playstation Theater | Nov. 18
This Dutch DJ and producer has a knack for snagging some of the best undiscovered talent in order to feature them on his songs. His deep house beats are especially easy to groove to, turning any space in which his shows take place into the liveliest of clubs. He’ll be making a New York stop when he brings his irresistible grooves to Baby’s All Right.

American Football at Brooklyn Steel | Nov. 19
Originally only together from 1997 to 2000 as a way to play through their under-grad years, American Football ended up resonating with way more listeners than they ever intended, some even developing passions for the band as fervent as their real-world namesake. So when they reunited in 2014, it was clear the band that barely was would attract enough attention to land several festival dates. Now with a new album in their pocket — bringing the grand total up to a whopping two — American Football return to Brooklyn Steel for a date with openers Land of Talk and Pure Bathing Culture.

The Frights at Bowery Ballroom | Nov. 19
The surf punk three-piece’s sophomore album declared, “You Are Going to Hate This.” Cheeky album title aside, it’s impossible to hate what these punks are doing, mixing classic punk elements with surf and doo wop, making their songs as catchy as they are brazen. Get in the pit and groove to everything The Frights throw at you when they play The Bowery ballroom. Make sure to also check out Vundabar and Hockey Dad.

Squeeze at Beacon Theatre | Nov. 19
Originally products of the New Wave revolution in the United Kingdom, The Squeeze’s success seemed to be pinned on a duo praised as the second coming of Lennon and McCartney. After calling it quits in 1999, they reformed in 2008, taking to the states for a successful tour. With a new single behind them, The squeeze return to New York for a special date at the Beacon Theatre with special guests Wesley Stace.

6Lack at Irving Plaza | Nov. 19 + 20
In 2016, 6LACK was named one of Rolling Stone’s 10 artists to watch, clearly because of the MC’s frankness and finesse when it comes to microphone mastery. His single, “prblms,” became a hit in the clubs and on hip-hop stations everywhere, with fans shouting along to the simple yet anthemic chorus. That hitmaker has two dates slated for Irving Plaza, so make your plans to check this up-and-comer out, or else you might just find yourself watching 6LACK a year from now in the nosebleed seats.