Sept 25 – Oct 1 • Essential Weekly Concert Guide • L.A. Edition

Des Delgadillo

Astrid S at El Rey Theatre | Sept. 25
Part of the “Party’s Over” world tour, Norwegian songstress Astrid Smeplass brings her larger-than-life pop sounds to Los Angeles in the hopes of breaking through in the City of Angels. She already has a handful of chart-toppers in Norway to her credit, and she has provided backing vocals for big-time artists like Katy Perry. Her full-length debut is still in the works, but while you wait, catch this rising star live with Jasmine Thompson providing some phenomenal support.

Grizzly Bear at Jimmy Kimmel Live | Sept. 25
Grizzly Bear have been fashioning poignant, folksy musical fare for a long time, but their latest studio effort, “Painted Ruins,” gets it more right than ever before. There’s nothing like watching the perfect love songs performed live, but watching live love songs dedicated to an ATV? Now that’s a truly rare experience. Grizzly Bear will give fans that very opportunity when they hit Jimmy Kimmel Live’s outdoor stage for a free show. RSVP now, because space is limited.

Grouplove at Moroccan Lounge | Sept. 25
Originally breaking out in Australia in 2011, L.A.’s Grouplove eventually found fast success in the U.S. with their sizzling hot single “Tongue Tied.” The indie crew have spent much of their 2017 on the road in support of their latest album, “Big Mess.” The Angelenos are coming home in a big way, with a loaded show at the new Moroccan Lounge with Grace Mitchell. It’s the best one-two punch for fans of stellar indie rock, so grab those tickets while they’re still available. They’re going fast.

Rakim at Regent Theater | Sept. 25
Hip-hop heads, stand up and salute. The emcee who started his ascent to stardom as the rapping half of Eric B. & Rakim brings his loaded catalogue of thumping hits to L.A.’s Regent Theater. He’s sure to be delving into all the cuts that propelled him up the lyricist’s ladder to greatness, expelling on what made him such an innovator in the area of conscious hip-hop. Mic Crenshaw joins the legendary emcee at this show.

SZA at The Novo | Sept. 25
Neo-soul artist SZA has been on the rise for quite some time, from dropping a handful of mixtapes in the lead-up to her full-length debut, “CTRL,” to revamping her once metaphor-heavy writing style to something altogether more direct. Still, her songwriting manages to remain refreshingly complex, giving R&B fans something more substantive to sink their teeth into. She comes to L.A. as part of the “CTRL” tour with contemporaries Smino and Ravyn Lenae in tow.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers w/ Lucinda Williams at Hollywood Bowl | Sept. 25
The legendary rocker spent last week giving L.A. an earful of enduring, timeless rock n roll as he celebrated four decades of The Heartbreakers. Tom Petty isn’t quite finished yet, though. He brings his classic sounds to the Hollywood Bowl for one more night of unforgettable rock hits. Lucinda Williams will once again provide support for this show.

Bleachers at Fonda Theatre | Sept. 26
At this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, Bleachers made quite the splash during the pre-show festivities helmed by Jack Antonoff, performing “Don’t Take the Money.” Antonoff returns to L.A. with an exciting live show in support of latest album, “Gone Now.” Antonoff told a few different media outlets that he wants fans to see every angle of Bleachers. When they play live, there’s no better chance to do that.

Macklemore at Jimmy Kimmel Live | Sept. 26
It looks like Kimmel’s pulling out all the stops for his 2017 outdoor concert miniseries. Following Grizzly Bear’s Monday performance, Tuesday brings Seattle emcee Macklemore to the L.A. stage. Macklemore is riding the momentum from his latest album, “Gemini,” so expect a few cuts from that album, along with a few old favorites. Conspicuous by his absence is frequent collaborator Ryan Lewis, who Macklemore decided to stop working with during “Gemini’s” inception.

Mondo Cozmo at El Rey Theatre | Sept. 26
The alias for singer/songwriter Josh Ostrander, Mondo Cozmo fleshes out all kinds of emotions regardless of full backing band. Cozmo knows his way around an acoustic guitar, so much so, in fact, he’s been known to make the thing talk more than he does. He drops by El Rey Theatre in support of his debut album, “Plastic Soul” alongside Flagship.

Neon Trees at Troubadour | Sept. 26
The indie rock outfit that brought us hits like “Animal” and “Sleeping with a Friend” have a show scheduled at L.A.’s famed Troubadour. The group has been renowned for their high-energy live shows, and this tour looks to be no different. With a whole lot of power pop in their small but confident catalogue, expect sparks to fly at this sold-out show.

Paramore at Greek Theatre | Sept. 26
After a four-year lapse, Paramore came roaring back this year with “After Laughter,” their fifth studio album. The Hayley Williams-fronted outfit picked up right where they left off, expertly spinning misery into ecstasy with every note. They stop at the Greek Theatre in support of their latest album, and you can bet the Paramore faithful will be coming out in droves for this one. If that’s not enough to whet your appetite, indie stalwarts Best Coast will be providing support on the tour. This one has to be the hottest ticket in town.

BANKS at The Theatre at Ace Hotel | Sept. 26 + 28-30
The “Goddess” has four fabulous shows lined up at L.A.’s Theatre at Ace Hotel, all sure to showcase the singer’s most infectious hits. She’s playing the shows in support of 2016’s “The Altar,” but don’t worry, there won’t be any sacrifices going on here. With four dates on the books, there’s no excuse for missing out.

Benjamin Booker at El Rey Theatre | Sept. 27
Booker’s intense take on the blues has been described in many ways, including “hair-raising.” That’s a very appropriate description. His soulful vocals certainly have the ability to make the hairs stand up on anyone’s neck. His musicianship needs to be heard to be believed, and a live setting is probably the best way to get the full Benjamin Booker experience. She Keeps Bees will be providing support when Booker stops off at the El Rey Theatre.

Bonobo w/ Bob Moses at Greek Theatre | Sept. 27
The DJ pseudonym for Simon Green, Bonobo has managed to grow from casual project to one of the biggest electronic acts around, headlining numerous festivals and anchoring several others. Bonobo’s latest album, “Migration,” features numerous songs that are able to rock entire arenas to their core, all while still connecting with the individual in unimaginable ways. Bonobo stops in L.A. along with Bob Moses for a show that promises to have its attendees going ape by the time all is said and done.

Front 242 at Regent Theater | Sept. 27
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 Seered Heads for a stacked show

Jon Bellion at Shrine Auditorium | Sept. 27
Bellion’s take on songwriting and producing has floored virtually everyone who is exposed to his sound. A product of a two-year fight to have it featured as a single, “All Time Low” stands high and mighty as the 26-year-old’s crowning achievement so far. Bellion not only has the pipes for heart-melting vocal performances, but the guy can bust a flow with the best of them, making him one of the more interesting performers to keep your eye on in the next few years. Blaque Keyz and Travis Mendez support Bellion on his “Human Condition” tour.

Middle Kids at Teragram Ballroom | Sept. 28
A concerted effort from husband-wife duo Hannah Joy and Tim fitz, Middle Kids represents the intersection of rock and alt-country. The Aussies have already opened up for Cold War Kids and won over crowds at South by South West, and they’re even embarking on an Australian tour with personal hero Ryan Adams. The group is certainly on their way up, and catching them at the intimate Teragram Ballroom is bound to pay dividends really soon for music aficionados. King Shelter look to get things started.

Public Service Broadcasting at Troubadour | Sept. 28
The ever-ambitious group brings its revolutionary sound to L.A.’s Troubadour. Public Service Broadcasting are unlike any other band you’ve heard before, blending all manner of instruments including banjo, vibraslap and Flugelhorn with assorted samples, making for a far-out and  trippy listening experience. Their latest album, “Every Valley” takes an in-depth look at the coal-mining industry as it stands in England. Street Joy joins them at this L.A. show.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart at Teragram Ballroom | Sept. 28
Pains manage to fashion the kind of sweet indie pop that people have been swooning over for decades, probably before the term “indie pop” was even in vogue. If there’s one thing this group can do better than anything else, it’s wear their hearts on their sleeves. Their fourth album, “The Echo of Pleasure,” shows off that intoxicatingly vulnerable lyricism while daring listeners to try and not sing along. It’s impossible. It’s even more of a tall order when the band whips into its impressive live show, which stops off at L.A.’s Teragram Ballroom with The Courtneys and The Prids on opening duty.

Kali Uchis at Fonda Theatre | Sept. 28 + 29
The Columbian singer and producer has been on the rise ever since her “Drunken Babble” mixtape caught the industry’s attention thanks to her genre-defying blend of doo-wop and old school R&B. She has gone on to collaborate with Snoop Dogg, tour with Leon Bridges and showcase at numerous music festivals. Her full-length debut is still on the horizon, but she’ll be giving fans a sneak preview when she plays two nights at The Fonda with New York rap collective Phony Ppl.

The XX at Jimmy Kimmel Live | Sept. 28 + The Forum w/ Perfume Genius | Sept. 29
The London trio who are so adept at toying with everyone’s heartstrings look to do more of that when they take the stage as part of Kimmel’s outdoor mini concert series. From their self-titled debut all the way through to this year’s “I See You,” the group masterfully arranges heart-breaking indie pop and R&B influences into something wholly palatable and downright infectious. It’s a rare opportunity getting to see this group for free anywhere, and Kimmel’s stage might be the only chance to do that this year. After their free performance, the trio plays the Forum Sept. 29 with Perfume Genius.

Andrew W.K. at Regent Theater | Sept. 29
Get ready to lift a glass to the sky and party party party. The man behind some of your favorite rocking anthems and Twitter quotes brings the hard-rock party to L.A.’s Regent Theater. The show comes just ahead of W.K.’s announcement of a new album, his first in eight years. He’ll be joined by Prima Donna and Easy as part of the “The Party Never Dies” tour.

Moon Taxi at El Rey Theatre | Sept. 29
With a new studio album very close to seeing the light of day, Nashville quintet Moon Taxi haven’t slowed down in quite some time. They grew from a band with a bit of buzz to a veritable alt and indie crossover, capturing fans with their breathtaking lyrics and clever arrangements. Their latest single, “Too High,” laments a sense of hopefulness in the face of social turbulence. They hit the stage at Los Angeles’ Elk Rey Theatre alongside Too Many Zooz.

Mura Masa at The Wiltern | Sept. 29
The producer and multi-instrumentalist has a lot to rave about lately, with his full-length self-titled debut finally dropping earlier this year. His body of work includes “Lovesick,” which smashed Spotify’s viral chart, and “One Night,” a collaboration with Charli XCX. Joey Purp joins Mura Masa at this bumping L.A. show.

Ride at Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever | Sept. 29
Trend-setters in the 1990s, Ride reunited in 2014 and looked to re-acclimate themselves to a 2010s’ environment. Judging by their first album in over 20 years, “Weather Diaries,” it sounds like the veterans have done a solid job of it. They grace the iconic Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever for a very special performance of their old and new hits.

The Shins w/ Foxygen and Day Wave at Greek Theatre | Sept. 29
Get ready to experience an indie rock trifecta packed with songs you won’t be able to stop singing for days. Pioneering indie outfit The Shins top one of the most power-packed lineups in recent memory outside of a music festival. The Shins’ catalogue more than speaks for itself, and with their influence reaching bands like Day Wave and Foxygen, there’s bound to be an uncanny level of kinship at this event.

Krewella at Hollywood Palladium | Sept. 29 + 30
With their up-tempo beats and hard-to-shake lyrics, Krewella is perhaps the most perfect fit for the Hollywood Palladium around right now. The EDM sister-duo have been hard at work performing music coinciding with popular Zumba workouts, a perfect fit considering their high-energy dance-pop sound. They’ll be at the Palladium playing cuts off the first part of their “New Worlds” double EP.

Adam Ant w/ L7 at Greek Theatre | Sept. 30
From his punk rock beginnings as part of Adam and the Ants to his career resurgence from 2010 onward, it’s hard to argue with Adam Ant’s work ethic. He has been touring relentlessly over the last few years despite an on-stage meltdown in 2014. It remains unclear if we’ll never get a new Adam Ant album, although he continues to actively tease it. He’ll hit The Greek Theatre with L7.

Andy Mineo at The Wiltern | Sept. 30
Christian hip-hop staple and 116 Clique member Andy Mineo makes the trek to the Wiltern to show fans how he has been setting the gospel hip-hop scene ablaze, both as a performer and producer. He has worked with a star-studded cast when it comes to the scene and has masterminded some of the decade’s most prolific albums, all while remaining candid and accessible to his fans. The “Friends and Family” tour features Social Club Misfits and Wordsplayed.

Chelsea Wolfe at Regent Theater | Sept. 30
Wolfe’s impressive soprano range contrasts starkly with her dark music. It’s an aesthetic that’s entirely non-commercial, but it’s one that works remarkably well. Her latest album, “Hiss Spun,” brims with even more of the juxtaposition of darkness and light that Wolfe layers into all of her work. Her Southern California shows will feature Queens of the Stone Age guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen, who also has a guest appearance on the new album. Youth Code will also be on the bill opening things up.

Fabolous w/ Ludacris, Lil Mo, Jermaine Dupri, Ja Rule, Foxy Brown, Fat Joe and Ashanti at Microsoft Theater | Sept. 30
A who’s who of hip-hop and R&B unite under one roof for a raucous, bass-heavy affair. It’s the ultimate Saturday night experience, as Fabolous, Ludacris, Fat Joe, Ashanti and so many more stars of the game lay it down one more time as part of the “Pain is Love” tour.

HelloGoodbye at El Rey Theatre | Sept. 30
The pop-rock outfit has been plugging away since 2001, unleashing anthem after anthem on their swarms of loyal fans. They’ve even gotten to tour with the likes of Paramore, really bolstering their brand in the process. When the band hits the stage, there’s sure to be plenty of never-before-heard music to look forward to. Friends Chris Farren and Family of Geniuses will be joining the band as part of this rocking show.

Interpol w/ Deerhunter at Los Angeles State Historic Park | Sept. 30
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 newly renovated Los Angeles State Historic Park. As if that wasn’t enough, they will have tremendous supporting act Deerhunter opening things up.

Peaches at The Roxy Theatre | Sept. 30
It’s a little known story going around the web that Taylor Swift may have secretly sampled a tune from Peaches. But why argue over T-swift’s samples when you can have the real thing? The provocative, very abrasive and unequivocal artist brings all her delightful controversy to the Roxy for a night of big beats. Zero DeZire also joins the bill.

Music Tastes Good Festival ft. Ween, Sleater-Kinney, Rhye, Dr. Octagon, Ride, Tune-Yards, Digable Planets and more at Marina Green Park (Long Beach) | Sept. 30 + Oct. 1
Music doesn’t have to be limited to one sense. That’s what the Music Tastes Good Festival sets out to prove when a who’s who of established and rising artists get together to play, dance and grub. Bands like Ride, Sleater-Kinney, Ween and so many more are set to perform while all manner of culinary goodness is on display. It’s a perfect mix of great food and even more delicious music.

Black Star at The Novo | Oct. 1
In 1998, Talib Kweli and Mos Def released a joint album under the Black Star moniker. The album was well-received and prompted numerous collaborations afterward and helped propel the conscious hip-hop movement forward. Now the two join forces again for an incredible night of hip-hop that showcases both men’s solo work and their joint efforts.

Imagine Dragons w/ Grouplove, K. Flay at Hollywood Bowl | Oct. 1
With Imagine Dragons and Grouplove on the same bill, one can rest assured a crazy good time is afoot. Put that bill in the legendary Hollywood Bowl, and rest assured this will be a night to remember. Imagine Dragons hasn’t stopped churning out chart-topping fare, and Grouplove are poised to get back to the promise land soon enough. It’s an indie rock one-two-punch that everyone is getting in line to feel.

Nosaj Thing at Echoplex | Oct. 1
The acclaimed record producer just dropped “Parallels” and is celebrating with a few shows with Jacques Greene. It’s an 18-plus event, so expect chaos to reign supreme on this night filled with Nosaj Thing’s cinematic sounds and Greene’s pulse-pounding dance tracks. Dance junkies, report to the floor. It’s going to be one intense Sunday night. Jim-E Stack rounds out this high-octane bill.