May 9 – May 15 • Essential Weekly Concert Guide • L.A. Edition

Matt Matasci

Magic Man w/ The Griswolds at The Fonda | May 10
Electronic-rock band Magic Man heads to Los Angeles less than a year after it was announced that the band would return to its original two-man lineup. The New England-based group is signed to Columbia Records and released a pair of full-length albums, the most recent being “Before the Waves” in 2014.

Keith Urban: Inside the Songs of ‘Ripcord’ at the GRAMMY Museum | May 10
Country music superstar Keith Urban just released the adventurous “Ripcord.” Catch the acclaimed singer at the GRAMMY Museum’s Clive Davis Theater as he performs songs and shares stories behind the making of his eighth studio album. Tickets are sold out but a limited number can be found here.

Bear Mountain at Bootleg Theater | May 11
Originally a solo project from Ian Bevis, Bear Mountain specializes in danceable, electronic-tinged indie rock. Their captivating style has earned the quartet from Vancouver, British Columbia, opening spots for groups like Bloc Party and Hot Chip. Be sure to check out their set at the intimate Bootleg Theater.

Elliphant at Troubadour | May 11
Swedish electronic-pop artist Elliphant just dropped her latest album “Living Life Golden,” the first to be released in the United States. The infectious collection mixes hip-hop, EDM and dancehall into a balanced set of songs. With collaborations from Skrillex and Major Lazer, it is only a matter of time before the singer makes an impact on the American music scene.

The Neighbourhood at Microsoft Theater | May 11
It’s impossible to pin a single genre onto Los Angeles’ The Neighbourhood. Starting with an indie rock template, the group embellishes their sound with touches of electronic music, hip-hop and R&B. In October of 2015, the band released their second studio full-length album entitled “Wiped Out!”

JMSN at The Regent | May 11
Alternative R&B sensation JMSN just released his third studio LP titled “It Is.” The album features soulful singing and atmospheric textures, standing out among a crowded field of similar artists. JMSN is the current creative moniker of veteran musician Christian Berishaj who released major-label backed albums as Love Arcade and Christian TV.

Aesop Rock w/ Rob Sonic & DJ Zone, Busdriver at The Novo | May 12
This week’s $10 show at The Novo in Downtown L.A. offers a can’t-miss performance. Alternative hip-hop artist Aesop Rock will be joined by Rob Sonic, giving rap fans the ability to see two of the game’s most talented lyricists in a live setting.

Macy Gray at Saban Theatre and The Rose | May 13 & May 14
R&B singer Macy Gray hit the big time with her chart-topping second single “I Try.” Since that time, Gray has remained a staple in the neo-soul scene releasing several albums in addition to making appearances as an actress in numerous films. Her jazzy style has received acclaim from fans of the modern soul sound. Her most recent album, “The Way,” was released in 2014. Find tickets here and here.

Lights (Acoustic) at El Rey Theatre | May 11 & 12
Lights may be best known for her bouncy, catchy electronic pop anthems, but she also has a softer side. It has become a tradition for the Canadian singer-songwriter to release acoustic versions of her albums’ songs. In support of her recently-released “Midnight Machines” mini-album, Lights will take these acoustic songs on the road. Find tickets for May 11 here and May 12 here.

Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real at Troubadour | May 12
Los Angeles rockers Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real bring raw energy and incredible musicianship to each of their performances. They have earned widespread praise and the respect of rock legends, even touring as the backing band for Neil Young and appearing on his latest album “The Monsanto Years.” Be sure to check out their powerful performance at the intimate Troubadour nightclub.

Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires at The Theatre at Ace Hotel | May 13
Charles Bradley is an incredible success story having been discovered by the co-founder of retro-soul revivalist label Daptone Records decades into his on-again-off-again musical career. His debut album was released in 2011 and was incredibly well-received, finally allowing the artist to focus solely on his music. While Bradley’s albums present incredible performances, they pale in comparison to his exuberant and passionate live performances. Tickets are sold out but a limited number can be found here.

Beyoncé at Pasadena Rose Bowl | May 14
Beyoncé released what may be her most powerful, inspirational and insightful album to date with the visual/audio album “Lemonade.” Featuring themes of heartbreak and redemption with a backdrop of her experiences as a black woman, the album was met with universal acclaim upon its surprise release. The superstar takes her show on the road with the “Formation Tour,” which arrives at Southern California’s historic Rose Bowl stadium this week. Tickets are sold out but a limited number can be found here.

KROQ Weenie Roast at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre | May 14
The KROQ Weenie Roast is a Southern California rock ‘n roll tradition. This one-day summertime concert has been running since the early ‘90s with some of rock’s biggest names making appearances. Hosted by the modern rock station KROQ at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, this year’s lineup includes the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Weezer and more! Tickets are sold out but a limited number can be found here.

KIIS FM Wango Tango at StubHub Center | May 14
Wango Tango is hosted by local Top 40 station KIIS FM and features many of the biggest names in pop and R&B. The 2016 lineup includes Gwen Stefani, Meghan Trainor, Iggy Azalea, Ariana Grande, Zayn and more! Also making an appearance is the newly-reformed R&B group Fifth Harmony. Find tickets here.

Andrew Bird at The Theatre at Ace Hotel | May 14 & 15
Andrew Bird is coming off of the release of his acclaimed studio full-length album “Are You Serious.” Lyrically and instrumentally emotional and powerful, the album is also packed with unforgettable hooks. Singles from the album include “Capsized” and the Fiona Apple duet “Left Hand Kisses.” Find tickets here and here.

Modern English at The Echoplex | May 15
The world can thank Modern English for one of the most iconic songs of the ’80s, “I Melt with You.” The band has gone through some tumultuous times – breaking up once in 1987 and again in 1991. However, since 1995 the band has continued on mostly as a touring act but also releasing a pair of albums including “Soundtrack” in 2010. For this special performance at The Echoplex, the new-wave band will be performing their landmark debut “Mesh & Lace” in its entirety.