Dec 4 – Dec 10 • Essential Weekly Concert Guide • L.A. Edition

Black Violin at The Theatre at Ace Hotel | Dec. 5
The classically trained duo of Kev Marcus and Wil B put a fresh spin on hip-hop, incorporating violas and violins over traditional beats to upend everything you thought you knew about the genre. There’s an exultant flair to every track the pair lay down, making you want to hit the club with your pinkie way up. Black Violin will be leading the charge as part of a Tuesday turn-up when they come to the Theatre at Ace Hotel.

Cam at Troubadour | Dec. 5
One of country’s more promising acts, this singer-songwriter weaves yarns about country living while never foregoing a strong pop sensibility. She has even written songs for Miley Cyrus, proving her lyricism abilities are certain in demand. Catch Cam when she comes to the Troubadour and sample a slice of contemporary country with special guests Logan Mize and dirtybird.

Mac Quayle at Roxy Theatre | Dec. 5
An acclaimed composer for television, Quayle has wracked up numerous awards for his work on FX hits including “American Horror Story,” even taking home an Emmy for his score on the USA breakout hit “Mr. Robot.” He has also impressed with his producing chops, working with a who’s who of big names including Whitney Houston, Madonna and so many others, an ensemble that netted him a Grammy nomination. Quayle brings his powerful take on the traditional score when he drops by The Roxy to delight with the music of “Mr. Robot.”

Whitechapel at The Regent | Dec. 5
Named after the London neighborhood where notorious serial killer Jack The Ripper disposed of his victims’ remains, brutality is in Whitechapel’s DNA. The group’s sound is flecked by an unholy trinity of grindcore, hardcore and black metal, with the band lately incorporating clean vocals into their mostly guttural sound. One thing’s for sure: plenty of bodies and fists will be flying around the Regent when this killer crew stops in for a rager of a Tuesday night as part of their “Decade of Defilement” tour. Carnifex, Rings of Saturn, Entheos and So This is Suffering also feature on the bill, so get their early and get ready to go nuts.

Gregory Porter at The Theatre at Ace Hotel | Dec. 6
It might sound macabre, but a shoulder injury that derailed a burgeoning football career might have been the best thing to happen to Gregory Porter, who went on to become a revered jazz and gospel singer and actor. Since then, he’s become a hit on the Broadway stage and on the music scene in general, earning a Grammy award for Best Jazz Vocal for his Blue Note Records debut, “Liquid Spirit,” in 2014. A collaboration with Disclosure solidified his crossover appeal. Get lost in rapturous, soulful jazz when Porter stops at the Theatre at Ace Hotel for a rousing rendition of some of his finest hits, and don’t be surprised if he sprinkles a few timeless covers in, too.

Hanson at The Wiltern | Dec. 6
The 90s’ favorite set of brothers are back to ring in the holiday the only way they know how: with some rip-roaring good tunes off their latest Christmas album, “Finally It’s Christmas” and their previously acclaimed “Snowed In.” Get those pipes ready to sing and shout along when Hanson take the playstation Theater stage.

Oliver Francis at Roxy Theatre | Dec. 6
This multi-talented rapper and producer has built a following thanks to Youtube and Soundcloud, amassing over 110,000 Youtube subscribers and 30 million views. His ascent is far from over, with the 25-year-old dropping his latest and arguably greatest effort to date, “A Million Miles an Hour,” a great way of explaining how quickly he has cultivated a fanbase. Get in on the ground floor and watch one of rap’s next stars before he fully breaks through when Oliver Francis comes to the Roxy with Roy Purdy.

Super Sako at Dolby Theatre | Dec. 6
The Armenian rap sensation has been making waves, finally exposing the entire world to his unique stylings thanks to his latest video, a collaboration with Hayko called “Mi Gna,” exploding on Youtube. Right now it’s well over 50 million views strong with no signs of stopping. A cultural sensation, you won’t want to miss a rare L.A. stop from the Armenian trendsetter. Sako comes to the Dolby Theatre with special guests Arman Hovhannisyan and Armenchik.

Angus and Julia Stone at Fonda Theatre | Dec. 6 + Amoeba Music | Dec. 8
The Australian brother-sister duo come with gifts of disarming dream-pop and intimate folk, making them the perfect thing to listen to whether you’re warming yourself by the fire or out for a night on the town. Aside from success as a unit, both Julia and Angus have solo careers worth noting, but they’re hitting the Fonda together in support of “Snow,” their latest album.” Arrive early to catch Luke Sital-Singh, and don’t miss the siblings when they hit Amoeba for a free performance and album signing two days later.

High Valley at Troubadour | Dec. 7
The pop-country duo may have just dropped their major label debut last year with “Dear Life,” but they’ve been wowing fans in their native Canada since 2001. The brothers absorbed all the limitless country that seemed to be the backbone of their home town in Alberta, letting out torrents of strong songwriting with resounding commercial success. They’ll be at the Troubadour Dec. 7 with Adam Doleac and Brown & Gray.

Jungle at El Rey Theatre | Dec. 7
When you survey the musical landscape of today, you’ll find an unsettling amount of bloated pop acts and stuffy stadium rock. Thankfully, Jungle is the remedy, crafting throwback funk that urges listeners to report to the dance floor. The duo sold out a U.S. tour before even releasing an album, and the momentum keeps on going. They’re bringing their irresistible grooves to the El Rey Theatre, so make sure to bring your best dancing shoes, and get their early for Makeness.

Nicole Atkins w/ Lauren Ruth Ward, Thayer Sarrano at Bootleg Theater | Dec. 7
Hailing from Neptune, New Jersey, it would be easy to think Atkins comes from the other Neptune, with a vibrato-tinged pop noir sound that’s often out of this world. Aside from getting her start in a more country-oriented act, Atkins;’ work has touched on blues, psychedelia, funk and a ton of other musical touchstones. She’ll be hitting the Bootleg Theater’s bar stage along with Lauren Ruth Ward and Thayer Sarrano.

Syd at The Novo | Dec. 7
The Internet’s own Syd strikes  a balance of  cool bravado and r&b croons, making her a perfect soundtrack for a night on the town. One minute it’s straight braggadocio, and the next she’ll be weaving a soulful yarn with the greatest of ease. She’ll be playing a special date at The Novo in support of her solo debut, “Fin.”  Don’t miss special guests Buddy, Malia and DJ Young 1.

AC Slater at El Rey Theatre | Dec. 8
With his long awaited debut LP, “Outsiders,” finally hitting the music scene a few months ago, AC Slater is giving everyone a taste of the music those in the know have been flocking to for years. One of the underground scene’s hardest DJ’s and producers, Slater has built up an immensely loyal following over the years, and that following’s bound to spill out of the El Rey Theatre when he stops by in celebration of “Outsiders.” Join the party when Slater takes over with Dillon Nathaniel and Newbody.

Dustin Lynch at The Novo | Dec. 8
This small town boy has been plucking away at the Nashville scene since 2004, not getting that ever-sought after break until 2011. It was all worth the wait for Lynch, who has tasted incredible success with his singles “Seeing Red,” “Hell of a Night” and “Mind Reader,” all of which never fail to get the atmosphere crackling with an urge to party. Lynch brings that very atmosphere to the Novo..

Jamila Woods at Teragram Ballroom | Dec. 8
Woods’ sweet and melodic tones have endeared her to a number of big name artists, including frequent collaborator Chance the Rapper and Macklemore. Her style of r&b takes a conscious approach, tackling huge social issues through an accessible, head-nodding frame. Woods performs at Teragram on Dec. 8, and it’s a perfect way to spend a Friday night. Tasha will open up the festivities.

Jane’s Addiction at Hollywood Palladium | Dec. 8
Spurred forward by an aggressive musical attitude and a raucous blend of rock, folk, jazz and elements of punk, Jane’s Addiction was one of the most pursued bands of the late 1980s. They’ve gone through more breakups and reunions than a middle school couple, but their high-energy legacy remains throughout all the turmoil. Catch them at the Hollywood Palladium as they do what they do best and bring the party on a cool Friday night.

SUSTO at Roxy Theatre | dec. 8
This alt-country band flourishes when they delve into the fabric of Americana. The revolving lineup is held down by lead singer Justin Osborne, and the band has received significant praise since releasing their self-titled debut back in 2014. Their newest album, “& I’m Fine today,” even landed on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart. Feel the Susto for yourself when they come to the Roxy for a stellar show with Esme Patterson and Jesse Jo Stark.

Wild Child at Whiskey A Go Go | Dec. 8
Get wild with Wild child when they play the legendary Whiskey A Go Go. The quintessential Doors cover band is back for two sets of songs that will certainly light a fire in anyone. This enduring act is proof positive that the doors’ music is timeless. So why not bring a youngster or two and expose them to the greatness that is Jim Morrison’s legacy?

James Blake w/ Connan Mockasin at Cathedral Sanctuary at Emanuel Presbyterian | Dec. 8-10
Blake brings his magnificent compositions and all the quirk an audience can handle when he plays three intimate shows at the Cathedral Sanctuary at Emanuel Presbyterian. The Mercury Prize winner has contributed to important works like Beyonce’s “Lemonade,” and in typical Beyonce style he even dropped his latest album, “The Colour in Anything,” by surprise. What’s no surprise, though, is the great show attendees are bound to get when Blake and Connan Mockasin get together.

The Dream at The Novo | Dec. 9
Chances are you’ve heard many of the Dream’s compositions without realizing it. The architect behind some of radio’s biggest hits, The dream blossomed into a solo career of his own, and his multi-facetted r&b continues resonating through all manner of creative outlets, most recently through his “Love” series of albums. He’ll play a date at the Novo in celebration of the 10 year anniversary of his debut, “Love Hate,” with special guest BJ The Chicago Kid.

Ozomatli at Saban Theatre | Dec. 9
Whether they’re grinding away on the club circuit or they’re performing songs for children, Ozomatli have more than earned their place among some of California’s finest musicians. They’ve toured all over Latin America and continue infusing salsa and other Latin influences into their sound, most recently adding a dash of Caribbean flavor. Catch the collective when they bring the fiesta to the Saban.

KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas at The Forum | Dec. 9 + Dec. 10
The two-night holiday celebration kicks off with performances by Muse, Thirty Seconds To Mars, Queens of the Stone Age, Rise Against, and others. But the party continues on night two with special guests Morrissey, The Killers, Weezer, The Lumineers, Foster The People, Phoenix, Walk The Moon, Franz Ferdinand, X Ambassadors, and Vance Joy.

Natalia Jimenez at The Wiltern | Dec. 10
Whether she’s in a group or featuring on a daddy Yankee hit, Jimenez never fails to hit a musical home run thanks to her winning vocal work and acuity. Her latest effort, a tribute to Latin legend Jenni Rivera, shows off her impressive range and ability to channel one of the greats. Catch Jimenez when she plays a special date at the Wiltern and strap in, because her performances are something to behold.

Slow Magic at The Novo | Dec. 10
A truly enigmatic producer of serene, soothing yet compelling tracks, Slow Magic never fails to enlighten with his otherworldly compositions. The producing stalwart has a knack for pushing the envelope, whether it’s featuring a triangle on his album cover in lieu of an actual title or wearing a mask on-stage. Regardless of quirk, Slow Magic’s music continues to resonate, and it’ll resonate like crazy when he plays The Novo alongside Point Point.

Stevie Wonder’s House Full of Toys Benefit Concert at Staples Center | Dec. 10
Just in time for the holidays, celebrate with a true music legend when Stevie Wonder brings his timeless classics to the Staples Center. It’s all a part of his House Full of Toys benefit concert which aims to bring toys and joy to families in need with a special focus on those with disabilities. Stevie won’t be hitting the stage alone, though. Catch big names including Dave Matthews, Pharrell, Tony Bennett, Andra Day and more.