Essential Concert Guide • L.A. Edition • Jan. 30 – Feb. 12

Aryeh Harris-Shapiro

Lea Michele at The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage | Jan. 30
The “Glee” alum will bring her show-stopping voice to the Broad Stage in advance of her upcoming album, “Places”. Tickets are sold out, but a limited number can still be found here.

Warbly Jets at The Satellite | Jan. 30
The Warbly Jets have overcome everything from money troubles to a bad motorcycle accident that left singer and guitarist Samuel Shea unable to play. The LA garage-rockers’ debut single “Alive” roars with the defiance of a band who has struggled for every inch. Their free show this Monday should prove to be a rowdy tribute to perseverance and the rock-and-roll spirit.

Lucinda Williams at Troubadour | Jan. 30 – Feb. 1
Husky-voiced country singer Lucinda Williams eschews the glitz of the genre for blues grit. She’ll be playing songs from her 2016 release, “The Ghosts of Highway 20”, as well as other cuts from her decades-long career. Tickets are sold out, but a limited number can still be found here.

Devendra Banhart at Mayan Theatre | Jan. 31
Devendra Banhart was one of freak-folk’s most lively acts until he traded in his discord and dissonance for soft, surreal melodies on his September release, “Ape in Pink Marble”. The new album is very different, but no less fascinating and its impact on his live show should be fascinating to behold.

MUNA at Teragram Ballroom | Feb. 1
Dark pop trio MUNA blends moody ‘80s sonics with synthpop exuberance on their upcoming release “About U”. They’ll be promoting the album alongside buzzy LA three-piece act, Lo Moon. One dollar of every ticket sale will be donated to Planned Parenthood.

Run The Jewels w/ The Gaslamp Killer at Shrine Auditorium | Feb. 1
Run The Jewels has quickly evolved from El-P and Killer Mike’s goofy side project to one of the most popular acts in hip-hop today. Combining skeletal, pounding beats with nimble lyricism, Run The Jewels’ Christmas release, “RTJ3” is one of their best yet. They’ll be performing alongside beat scene luminary Gaslamp Killer for a show hip-hop fans shouldn’t miss. Tickets are sold out, but a limited number can still be found here.

Tom Chaplin at El Rey Theatre | Feb. 2
English singer-songwriter Tom Chaplin just released his first solo album, “The Wave” in October, a tender account of rising above addiction. The Keane singer combines melancholic lyrics and polished hooks. His live show should be a cathartic experience for fans and newcomers alike.

ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra) at Troubadour | Feb. 3
Venerable jam-band ALO recently released their “Love Songs” EP, a collection of sweet, simple covers perfect for Valentine’s Day season. Fans of all ages can come celebrate the season and the band’s long, unpredictable career at Troubadour.  

Lotus at The Fonda Theatre | Feb. 3
Jamtronica pioneers Lotus will perform behind their July release, “Eat the Light”, their first with vocals on every track. The burbling dance grooves and candy-coated hooks are a potent combination that should appeal to new fans and old alike.

Method Man & Redman at The Novo | Feb. 3
Come get blunted and nod your head with Meth & Red, the hip-hop duo behind the East Coast classic, “Blackout!”, and the cult stoner comedy “How High.” The two rappers have produced endless reams of classic material together and solo. Their show at the Novo should be an incredible tour through their greatest hits.

Ty Segall at Teragram Ballroom | Feb. 3
Garage-rocker Ty Segall is one of the most prolific artists to come out of LA. His new, second self-titled release continues the face-melting, distorted consistency for which he’s so beloved. Tickets are sold out, but a limited number can still be found here.

Kitten at The Roxy Theatre | Feb. 3-4
LA indie rockers Kitten will bring their dark, New Wave-influenced sound to The Roxy alongside Sin City native, Sizzy Rocket for an all-ages showcase.

Armin Van Buuren at The Forum | Feb. 4
DJ Mag’s five-time #1 DJ in the World, Armin Van Buuren, broadcasts his “A State of Trance” radio show in over 84 countries weekly. The Dutch native will continue to tour behind his 2015 release, the ambitious, exhilirating “Embrace”.

Dashboard Confessional at The Wiltern | Feb. 4
Dashboard Confessional, one of the biggest alternative bands of the 2000s, may have released their last album in 2009, but they’re still going strong on the live circuit. Fans can hear their favorite hits and deep cuts at The Wiltern.

DVBBS at The Novo | Feb. 4
Canadian electronic duo DVBBS will bring their big room sound to The Novo for a night of pounding beats and sticky hooks sure to get your feet moving.

Juicy J w/ Belly, Project Pat at Hollywood Palladium | Feb. 4
Three Six Mafia founder Juicy J has created an incredibly second act for himself with hits like, “Bands A Make Her Dance” and features alongside pop superstars like Katy Perry. He’ll be churning out the hits alongside Belly and younger brother, Project Pat at the Hollywood Palladium.

Rebelution at Fox Theater Pomona | Feb. 4
California reggae luminaries Rebelution have been going strong for 12 years, and their June release “Falling Into Place” features the grooves and smooth vocals fans have fallen in love with. Tickets are sold out, but a limited number can still be found here.

Chicago at Fred Kavli Theatre | Feb. 7
Last year, Chicago was inducted into the 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a worthy accolade for a band that charted Top 40 albums in six decades. Come celebrate their illustrious career and lush, classic sound at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.

Alicia Keys at the Belasco Theater | Feb 8
With the release of her last album, “Here,” which was met with overwhelming critical acclaim, Alicia Keys had a very strong 2016. Before her performance at the 59th Grammy Awards, Keys will be taking the stage for an intimate set at the Belasco Theater for Power 106’s Crush Concert.

Khalid at The Roxy Theatre | Feb 8
18-year-old El Paso native Khalid has a gorgeous, smooth voice that seems piped in from another era. By laying his vocals across glitchy, modern soundscapes from Syk Sense, Tunji Ige and Smash David, he creates something both timeless and modern. He has yet to release an album, but if his singles are any indication, the young artist has a bright future ahead of him.

The Revivalists at The Fonda Theatre | Feb. 8
New Orleans roots-rockers The Revivalists have been growing and changing since 2007, winning over fans and critics with their smooth grooves and charismatic vocals. Their live show is famously high-octane, and their upcoming set at The Fonda should be no different.

Sting w/ Joe Sumner at Hollywood Palladium | Feb. 8-9
Former Police frontman and solo superstar Sting was chosen as the first act to perform at Paris’s Bataclan after the 2015 terror attacks, a testament to how important the musician, actor and activist remains today. He’ll perform behind his November release “57th and 9th” alongside English singer-songwriter Joe Sumner.

Adam Ant at The Fonda Theatre | Feb. 9
English post-punk icon Adam Ant has revitalized his career since 2010, releasing a new album and completing six tours alongside countless other live shows in his hometown of London. The comeback story continues with the 35th anniversary of “Kings of the Wild Frontier”, which Ant will perform in its entirety at the Fonda. Tickets are sold out, but a limited number can still be found here.

Aloe Blacc at The Novo | Feb. 9
Soulful crooner, Aloe Blacc will be bringing his signature class to LA Live’s The Novo in collaboration with the GRAMMY foundation. The show will be raising money to benefit the GRAMMY Foundation’s Education Programs and will also feature performances from students that participate in the program.

Austra w/ The Range at El Rey Theatre | Feb. 9
Electronica music is often more focused on sound than on content, but Austra’s January release “Future Politics” eschews that with political club bangers that preach resistance in an uncertain era. Her soaring anthems and uplifting vision may be just what you need during these trying times.

Beck at Hollywood Palladium | Feb. 10
Continuing Citi’s Sound Vault series, Beck will be taking over the Hollywood Palladium.  After releasing the critically acclaimed album “Morning Phase” in 2014, word has been circulating as of late that the GRAMMY nominated artist is on the verge of releasing his follow-up album this year. Although an official announcement has not be released, Beck has been quoted as saying that the album will be coming “very soon.” Until then, you can catch Beck performing his hits and fan favorites at the famed Hollywood Palladium.

Mating Ritual at The Hi Hat | Feb. 10
Mating Ritual is the solo musical project of Ryan Marshall Lawhon of Pacific Air. Lawhon recently released volume one of the EP series, “How You Gonna Stop It?”. The project is packed with the massive grooves and eclectic sounds that make Mating Ritual so special. Lawhon’s upcoming show at The Hi Hat might provide a preview of the second volume, due out in April.

Tokimonsta at The Roxy Theatre | Feb. 10
Tokimonsta, the first female artist to join Flying Lotus’s Brainfeeder collective, has made a habit of breaking down barriers in her sound as well. A meditative combination of hip-hop, beat music and pop, Tokimonsta’s music has landed her spots at Coachella and Burning Man, among many other high-profile stages.

Tove Lo w/ Phoebe Ryan at The Novo | Feb. 10
One of the most exciting new voices in pop, Swedish singer Tove Lo’s sophomore album, “Lady Wood”, proved that her early success was no fluke. Fusing dark, personal lyrics with intensely catchy pop production, Lo has established herself as a true artist deserving of serious attention.

Murder City Devils at Teragram Ballroom | Feb. 10 & 12
Murder City Devils’ 2006 reunion was a blessing for fans of the bare-knuckle Seattle punk act. The result of their reunion, the 2014 album “The White Ghost Has Blood on Its Hands Again”, reinvigorated the blistering live show that the group will bring to the Teragram Ballroom, alongside beat-scene crooner Corey J Brewer. Tickets are sold out but a limited number can still be found here.

One Love Cali Reggae Fest | Feb. 10-12
California’s biggest reggae festival returns with their first-ever, three-day format and a stacked lineup that more than justifies it. The festival will feature Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution, Iration, Dirty Heads, 311, J Boog, Steel Pulse, The Green, Chronixx, SOJA, Stick Figure, Fortunate Youth, Fishbone, The Expanders and The Aggrolites.

The Chainsmokers at Hollywood Palladium | Feb. 11
The Chainsmokers had a stellar year in 2016 after releasing the single, “Closer,” which featured Halsey, and the release of their recent EP, Collage. As one of the most popular acts in EDM, the chance to see the duo at the Hollywood Palladium as apart of Citi’s Sound Vault series will be a show that will be difficult to pass up. With their recently released single, “Paris” on the rise, the Chainsmokers are already prepping to make 2017 a greater year than the last.

D.R.A.M. at El Rey Theatre | Feb. 11
“Broccoli” may have made Lil Yachty a star, but D.R.A.M. was the real musical mastermind behind that song. He’ll perform behind his October debut album, “Big Baby D.R.A.M.,” a gloriously sunny album filled with hooks that stick to the inside of your head like chewing gum. Tickets are sold out but a limited number can still be found here.

Migos at The Novo | Feb. 11
After a shoutout from Donald Glover at the Golden Globe Awards, the Atlanta-based hip-hop trio quickly have become household names. With their single “Bad and Boujee” taking the number one spot on the Billboard charts, and the recent release of their album “Culture” releasing to the pleasure of many fans, Migos is easily one of the hottest tickets to see in the genre.

The Griswolds at Teragram Ballroom | Feb. 11
The Griswolds once called themselves the chameleons of pop, a label that still holds true with their November release, “High Times for Low Lives.” While their new radio-ready sound may alienate some fans, die-hard followers of the Sydney natives will still find plenty of kinetic bombast at their live show at LA’s historic Teragram Ballroom.

The Knocks w/ Lophile at The Fonda Theatre | Feb. 11
New York producers The Knocks may have gotten their start remixing Jay-Z’s “American Gangster”, but they’ve long since come into their own as artists. They’ll bring their synthesis of disco, dance music, hip-hop and pop and to the Fonda for a night of glittering sound and infectious rhythms.