May 15 – May 21 • Essential Weekly Concert Guide • L.A. Edition

Joseph Baura

Billy Porter at Grammy Museum | May 15
The Tony and Grammy winning singer, composer, and playwright, Billy Porter, known for his album “Untitled” and  “The Corner of Broadway – Soul – LIVE,” as well as his work in plays such as Kinky Boots, Miss Saigon, Grease, and Dreamgirls will be spotlighted for his achievements In song and acting. Having his hand in both the production and execution of many Tony award-winning productions, Porter will be leading a discussion in regards to his latest album and his experiences throughout his career.

Conor Oberst at Amoeba Music | May 15
After bringing a solid performance to the Greek Theatre, Bright Eyes frontman, Conor Oberst, will be performing a special intimate performance. While best known for his work with the band, Oberst has had major success as a solo act and his latest album, “Salutations,” has been touted as one of his best projects as of late. Those who attend the performance will have the opportunity to receive a limited signed poster by Oberst through the purchase of the new CD or LP.

Brother Ali at El Rey Theatre | May 16
Upon hearing the voice of the emcee Brother Ali, it’s easy to sense that the Minnesotan has had his fair share of experiences as he brings an honesty to his music that many others fail to capture. While constantly reminded of his condition of practically being blind due to a medical condition, Ali’s view of the world is probably one of the most profound in his songs about love, anguish, triumph and personal loss.

Vancouver Sleep Clinic at Troubadour | May 16
Known as the solo works of musician and songwriter Tim Bettinson, Vancouver Sleep Clinic contributes to the growing trend of ambient electronic pop. Having worked with electronic artists such as Zhu, the falsetto vocals of Vancouver Sleep Clinic are easily a welcome addition to both somber and upbeat house tracks. With the release of his debut album, “Revival,” Bettinson is looking to breakout in 2017.

You Me at Six at The Roxy Theatre | May 16
Often shortened to YMA6, the England-bred pop/rock band known as You Me At Six made their breakout in 2008 with the release of their album, “Take Off Your Colours.” Since then, the band has released four more albums, including their latest effort, “Night People,” which features an alt-rock sound that is reminiscent of bands like Thirty Seconds to Mars and Fall Out Boy.

Astrid S at Troubadour | May 17
After beginning her career in Norway’s version of “Pop idol,” Astrid S has made a name for herself in the United States through her upbeat, funky pop sound. Her playfully light vocals nicely compliment her often drum and bass heavy production that takes its inspiration from genres like EDM and hip hop and make for a solid pairing that makes it irresistible to dance to. While tickets are currently sold out, a handful of tickets are available via StubHub.

Big Jay McNeely at Grammy Museum | May 17
At 90 years old, rock n roll saxophonist Big Jay McNeely is truly one that can be considered to be one of the pioneers of modern day rock. Having been the inspiration to artists like Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix, McNeely’s energetic and over the top live performances through his seven decade career can be described as being one of the first of its kind. McNeely will be leading a discussion at the Grammy Museum, and will follow up his talk with an intimate live performance.

Jazz Cartier at The Roxy Theatre | May 17
Canadian emcee, Jazz Cartier, carries a ton of bravado in his music and Cartier isn’t afraid to let other rappers know that he’s coming to take their spot. The slick-tongued rapper blends elements of trap music and conscious rap into a package that is guaranteed to provide a thought provoking look at the streets of Toronto while also having you bobbing your head.

Jessy Lanza at Teragram Ballroom | May 17
Through her upbeat electronic beats, Jessy Lanza dances over her instrumentals with a light, dreamlike voice that makes her music perfect for many types of moods. While still relatively quiet on the mainstream circuit, many have touted Lanza as an artist to breakout in 2017, especially after making waves critically with her album, “Oh No,” released in 2016.

Phantogram w/ How To Dress Well: David Lynch Foundation Benefit at El Rey Theatre | May 17
In conjunction with the David Lynch Foundation, electronic/rock duo known as Phantogram will be playing a special benefit performance at the El Rey Theatre. Phantogram, known for their hits, “When I’m Small” and “Fall In Love,” have continuously provided a powerful mix of soul, rock, r&b, and bass into their music that has made them completely versatile. Having collaborated with Outkast member, Big Boi, for their joint album, Big Grams, Phantogram is surely not a one-trick pony.

Jacob Banks at Hollywood Forever Cemetery | May 18
UK based singer-songwriter Jacob Banks first made waves over the pond as being the first unsigned act to perform on BBC’s Radio 1 Live Lounge. Banks channels an old kind of soul with his music that is reminiscent of singers like Otis Redding; however, his versatility in delivery can be classified under genres like hip hop and R&B as well. Banks brings a certain kind of energy to the genre of soul that is somewhat of a rare find in both execution and quality.

Kraak & Smaak at The Regent Theater | May 18
With a lot of electronic music branching out into genres like funk, soul and hip hop, Kraak & Smaak has been one trio that has been putting out that particular melding of genre for years. The Netherlands-based production trio, masterfully combines synth and bass elements of electronica with the ease and playfulness of funk that makes their music irresistible to dance to.

Michael Kiwanuka at The Fonda Theatre | May 18
Finding an artist these days that truly exudes the idea of soul music is somewhat of a rare breed. However, English musician Michael Kiwanuka, is just one of those special individuals that oozes every bit of it. Compared to legendary soul artists like Marvin Gaye and Bill Withers, Kiwanuka channels the right amount of passion and pain to evoke the perfect amount of blues in his music.  Tickets are currently sold out but are still available via StubHub.

Smino at The Roxy Theatre | May 18
Through his heavy upbringing in jazz and soul, St. Louis rapper, Smino, maintains a sound in his music that is often void of 808s and synths. Smino keeps it simple with his production in a way that is refreshing and keeps the focus of his music towards his clever and quick witted flows that rival some of hip hop’s best at the moment.

Woods at Teragram Ballroom | May 18
Brooklyn-bred folk/indie rock band, Woods, brings a distinct sound that is one part psychedelic and one part lo-fi folk rock. While it may seem like an awkward pairing at first, Woods masterfully plays with both sides to create a sound that almost feels reminiscent of 60s rock bands in its execution and delivery.

FKJ at The Novo | May 19
Even if FKJ didn’t include elements of soul into his music, the ease of his voice is enough to induce some sort of relaxation and calmness. FKJ’s soft falsetto sets the tone in his music that feels as if there is a strong sense of intimacy between yourself and his music as he glides over his welcomed simple production.

HO99O9 at Echoplex | May 19
Pronounced “Horror,” the bands rough and abrasive tracks are nothing short of what their name stands for—however it’s hardly off putting. In the same vein as hip hop groups like Death Grips, HO99O9 leads a niche subgenre in hip hop that touches on toes the line of punk music through their energetic and aggressive delivery in their music.

Lady Gaga (Filming “A Star Is Born” Music Video) at Shrine Auditorium | May 19
After a successful turnout at the Greek Theatre and Wiltern, Lady Gaga will be continuing the filming of her latest music video for the single, “A Star Is Born,” at the Shrine Auditorium. Fans will have the opportunity to be a part of the filming experience and proceeds made through ticket sales will be donated directly to Gaga’s “Born This Way” Foundation.

The Jesus and Mary Chain at The Wiltern | May 19
Brotherly songwriting duo The Jesus and Mary Chain have been rocking with their brand of  indie pop since the early 80s. Three decades into their career, and after a nearly 20 year hiatus from releasing music, The Jesus and Mary Chain released their newest album, “Damage and Joy” earlier this year with much praise from die-hard fans.

Bryan Adams at Greek Theatre | May 20
Bryan Adams can easily be considered to be one of rock’s living legends for his accomplishments that have spanned his four decade career. As one of Canada’s prized jewels, Adams has released timeless classics like “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?” and “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” which reached the top of the billboard charts and has won several Golden Globes and Academy Awards for his music work in film.

Chris Stapleton at The Forum | May 20
With the release of his debut album, “Traveller,” in 2015, Chris Stapleton skyrocketed to the top of the country Billboard charts and established himself as one of the premiere acts in country music today. The Tennessee-bred country star has released hits such as “Tennessee Whiskey,” and has just released his sophomore album, “From A Room: Volume 1.”

KROQ Weenie Roast Y Fiesta ft. Lorde, Incubus, Imagine Dragons, Cage the Elephant, Lana Del Rey, Paramore, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness at StubHub Center | May 20
With the festival season in full swing, KROQ is serving up their offering to the festival circuit with their annual Weenie Roast. This year’s helping of artist features the likes of female songstresses Lorde and Lana Del Rey, rock bands Imagine Dragons, Paramore, and Cage the Elephant, as well as Incubus and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness.

Moving Units (performing Joy Division) at The Regent Theater | May 20
Earlier this year, Los Angeles based indie rock band, Moving Units, released an album paying tribute to one of the bands who they find as one of their many inspirations. Their album, “A Tribute To Joy Division: Collision With Joy Division,” is played as a perfect love letter to the 80s punk band. Moving Units will be playing a set focused around their tribute album and will follow that performance with a set dedicated to their own original works.

Nite Jewel at Getty Center | May 20
To kick off their annual concert series, The Getty Museum will be bringing electronic artist, Nite Jewel, to their outdoor stage. Nite Jewel delves into topics such as love in her upbeat, and often dreamlike production, as evident on her recent album release, “Real High.”

Pretty Ricky at The Novo | May 20
In the 2000s, Pretty Ricky was burning up the billboard charts with their boy band like bravado and their songs about women and making love. Their singles “My Body” and “Grind With Me” instantly became R&B love anthems, and their overall demeanor made them somewhat of a modern day version of New Edition.

Skyline Music Festival ft. Miike Snow, Duke Dumont, Lido, Eden, MICHL, Elohim, Jason Bentley at Los Angeles State Historic Park | May 20
With the finishing touches of the Los Angeles State Historic Park underway, the Skyline Music festival will be touching down at the state park to reintroduce Angelinos to the 34 acre property. Headlining the festival will be Swedish band Miike Snow, accompanied by EDM DJ, Duke Dumont, Lido, and up and coming EDM star, Elohim. Along with the performances, attendees will be able to enjoy the presence of a large number of food trucks and vendors throughout the festival grounds.

The Wild Reeds at Teragram Ballroom | May 20
It can be difficult to classify The Wild Reeds into one genre as they touch on several including folk rock and country. The all-female band bring the attitude of rock n roll but their songs about love and heartbreak blend with the country twang to bring an sense of approachability and honesty that makes the trio very difficult to ignore.

U2 w/ The Lumineers at Rose Bowl Stadium | May 20-21
In 1987, U2 released their album, what is now consider to be a classic, “The Joshua Tree.” On the 30–year anniversary of the albums release, U2 has decided to take the album on the road and perform the album in its entirety. U2 will be making their stop at the Rose Bowl along with folk pop band, The Lumineers as their opening act. While currently sold out, some tickets are still available via StubHub.

DIIV at The Regent Theater | May 21
Although they come from Brooklyn, indie rock band, Diiv, brings a sort of laid back, relaxed vibe that feels like it comes from the beaches of California. In what can be called chillwave, Diiv dreamy guitar riffs and light vocals make for a listening experience that is ideal for those looking for an easy listen.

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience at Greek Theatre | May 21
In keeping the spirit of his father, John Bonham, alive, drummer Jason Bonham has created and led his band in reliving some of Led Zeppelin’s greatest hits alive through “Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience.” Covering the band’s entire career, Bonham takes fans on a sonical and visual trip down through the band’s history that relives the band’s experiences through the art of storytelling.

King Lil G at The Fonda Theatre | May 21
While it may seem like King Lil G is just another rapper from the heart of LA, it is evident that from your first listen of his music that he has a story to tell and is willing to lay it all on the line to do so. King Lil G brings out the best of what classic 90s gangster rap had to offer, but throws in elements of storytelling that paints a picture of the current state of LA’s streets through King Lil G’s honest experiences.

Robin Trower at The Wiltern | May 21
Robin Trower has easily inspired several generations of guitarists in his 50-year career. Known widely for his album, “Bridge of Sighs,” the blues rock guitarist  has also been known for  being an inspiration to guitar legends like Jimi Hendrix and Robert Fripp, and has also worked with artists like Sting and The Police and Jack Bruce.