July 31 – Aug 6 • Essential Weekly Concert Guide • L.A. Edition

Des Delgadillo

Lionel Richie w/ Mariah Carey at Hollywood Bowl | July 31
After their Hollywood Bowl performances were canceled earlier in the year, fans have been waiting with baited breath to see two generations of musical royalty on one world-renowned stage. Finally, the wait is over, as Lionel Richie brings his monstrous catalogue to the Bowl. Alongside vocal house of fire Mariah Carey, Richie will fill the Los Angeles venue with his brand of magic.

Matchbox Twenty w/ Counting Crows at The Forum | July 31
The fellas in Matchbox and Counting Crows have a bit of a bromance going on — so much so, in fact, they’ve elected to spend every summer on the road together. That’s not a bad resolution to make. Both multi-platinum certified acts stop off at the Forum on their “A Brief History of Everything” tour for a show bound to be rich in chart-toppers.

The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s 25th Anniversary Show at Hollywood Bowl | Aug. 2
Part of the Bowl’s “Jazz at the Bowl” series, Brian Setzer and his massive 19-piece big band stop by to light the place up with numbers spanning 25 rich years. With five Grammy awards under his belt, Setzer will demonstrate his ability to rivet an audience through his full-bodied music and spirited performance.

Chevelle at The Wiltern | Aug. 2
Rocking trio Chevelle know how to bring the heavy, whether they’re in the studio or in front of their loyal following on-stage. Their sound propels concertgoers into the pit for a serious night of rock n roll. The band returns to L.A. in support of their “North Corridor” album, one that is lauded as some of their heaviest work to date.

Lindsey Buckingham w/ Christine McVie at Greek Theatre | Aug. 2
A collaboration between Fleetwood Mac members, Buckingham/McVie mainly features guitarist Lindsey Buckingham and keyboardist/vocalist Christine McVie, but their debut album also includes guest appearances from four out of the five Fleetwood Mac crew. Both Fleetwood Mac diehards and curious musical explorers will be in attendance to see what this latest side-exploration is all about.

Vic Mensa Q&A and Signing at Amoeba Music | Aug. 2
After just releasing his “The Autobiography” album, up-and-coming rapper Vic Mensa stops by the legendary Amoeba Music record store in Hollywood for an intimate conversation with his most loyal fans. The Q&A will be followed by an autograph signing and meet and greet. It’s a great chance to get some face-time with the future of hip-hop.

Chastity Belt at Teragram Ballroom | Aug. 3
Chastity Belt’s third album, “I Used to Spend So Much Time Alone,” is hailed as their finest piece of work yet, and that’s saying something considering the quartet have laid down some of the finest fuzzy garage pop around. They bring their contemplative songwriting and compelling sound to L.A. for what should be a strong showing before they headline Viva Pomona later in the week.

Ibibio Sound Machine at Skirball Cultural Center | Aug. 3
Ibibio Sound Machine blend elements of electronic music with traditional African influences, making for a sound that is eclectic yet winningly accessible to audiences that wouldn’t otherwise give African-rooted music a chance. They head to L.A. to play a few numbers off their latest album, “Uyai.” Jasmin Blasco will be kicking things off with a DJ set. Make sure to RSVP for this free show.

In the Valley Below at Troubadour | Aug. 3
A songwriting culmination from duo Jeffrey Jacob and Angela Gail, In the Valley Below has already found substantive success with their 2014 album “The Belt” on the back of breakout single “Peaches.” Now riding the droning, synth-fueled wave of their latest effort, “Elephant,” they look to infuse a little more of their winning storytelling into their already immaculate soundscapes. Their Troubadour performance will be supported by melodic mavens Flagship.

Leslie Stevens and the Badgers at Levitt Pavilion MacArthur Park | Aug. 3
Stevens’ pitch-perfect vocals have tinged many a-tune already thanks to her ability to create such winning harmonies with anyone she finds herself singing with. She and her Badgers bring their signature Americana to a free outdoor show at the Levitt Pavilion alongside Southern California’s own Moonsville Collective.

Turnpike Troubadours at El Rey Theatre | Aug. 3
Turnpike Troubadours boast albums rich with stories and vivid characters that almost reach out and touch the listener. But while they have the songwriting thing down, they’ve more than mastered the live performance aspect of their craft, rocking audiences across the country with their own blend of punk rock and country and whatever else they feel like tossing into the bubbling stew that is their musical prowess.

Valerie June w/ Irma Thomas at Santa Monica Pier | Aug. 3
Singer/songwriter Valerie June has stunned every audience for whom she has performed, and that’s no exaggeration — she wooed Michelle Obama enough to offer her a visit to the White House. June has also appeared on every late night show this side of the pond, as well as shaking up the U.K. music scene itself. She’s far from her native Memphis, but June’s versatility as a songwriter and instrumentalist allows her to find home in any situation. She will bring that same versatility to her free live show at the Santa Monica Pier, with legendary soul performer Irma Thomas rounding out the bill.

Amadou and Mariam at El Rey Theatre | Aug. 4
Mariam Doumbia’s vocals and Amadou Bagayoko’s guitar are a match made in Malian heaven. The duo have been revered in West Africa for years thanks to a sound pushing the boundaries of blues and rock all while retaining their traditional West African flavor. They make a rare appearance in L.A. with DJ Jeremy Sole starting things off with his own set.

Barry Manilow at The Forum | Aug. 4
Manilow’s doctor advised him to reschedule this show back in May after the legendary singer sustained an injury. Finally, the wait is over, and Manilow brings his string of celebrated hits to Inglewood for an unbeatable Friday night. His music has been known to bring every emotion out of an audience, so expect tears, laughter and an unbridled enthusiasm from anyone in attendance.

Meek Mill w/ Yo Gotti at Hollywood Palladium | Aug. 4
Whether you’re a Meek Mill supporter or just a Drake hater, you’ve undoubtedly been exposed to Mill’s no-holds-barred microphone work. Coasting off his latest album, “Wins and Losses,” the MC looks to make his Palladium show a huge win. Joining him at this must-see event is Yo Gotti, making this an even more stellar lineup.

RJ at The Novo | Aug. 4
Frequent YG and DJ Mustard collaborator RJ brings his often-showcased flow to the Novo in his native Los Angeles for a night of popping and locking. His mixtapes “O.M.M.I.O” and “Rich Off Mackin” have garnered favor in the rap community, and concertgoers will see why when they check this MC out for themselves.

The Ataris at Viper Room | Aug. 5
The Ataris have been creating catchy, cello-infused rock for two decades and change, and in that time they’ve cultivated a strong live presence in addition to their powerful following. Now they bring their catalogue to the Viper Room for a night of high-energy tunes alongside punk rock stalwarts The Queers.

Jared and The Mill at Troubadour | Aug. 5
Jared and The Mill are a Western rock band from Phoenix with zero allegiances. Their music meanders a little too close to country to be rock, but it also rocks a little too hard to be country, all while also hitting on a folksy aesthetic that listeners can’t deny. They bring their scintillating tunes to the Troubadour for a down-home night to remember alongside enigmatic duo Kolars.

Slayer w/ Lamb of God and Behemoth at The Forum | Aug. 5
Metal heads better get their horns ready for a night of thrashing and bashing courtesy of three of metal’s most visceral messiahs. Slayer bring their timeless brand of high-tempo ferocity to the legendary Forum alongside fellow pioneers Lamb of God and Behemoth. There are a lot of rock events around L.A. this weekend, but it’s doubtful any will rock as hard as this one.

Summertime in the LBC ft. Wu Tang Clan, 50 Cent, YG, Bone Thugs n Harmony and more  at Queen Mary | Aug. 5
Around Halloween time the historic Queen Mary takes on a more malicious demeanor, with legends of its haunted rooms spreading all over the Long Beach area. But summer time is an entirely different story, particularly with this weekend’s festivities. Some of rap’s most timeless luminaries grace the city for what will be one hot celebration. From the old school to the new, every style of hip-hop will be on display during this can’t-miss summer bash. If a few ghosts do show up, they’ll probably just be bobbing their heads to Wu Tang like everyone else.

Toad the Wet Sprocket at Pershing Square | Aug. 5
Toad the Wet Sprocket, as the name might suggest, is anything but ordinary, but their music’s  success speaks to their ability to transcend. With over 30 years of music history behind them, they look to continue their winning ways with a free show at the historic Pershing Square alongside alternative pioneers 10,000 Maniacs.

Hard Summer Music Festival ft. Snoop Dogg, DJ Snake, Migos, and more at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana | Aug. 5 + 6
The Inland Empire’s annual celebration of all things hard comes back around for a two-day music extravaganza headlined by DJ Snake and Snoop Dogg. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg, with so many other artists, both venerated and on the rise, will be playing sets at the Auto Club Speedway, which will be fiery hot both literally and figuratively.

Viva Pomona ft. Chastity Belt, The Coathangers, Slow Hollows, Sad Girl, Juan Wauters, Cuco, Tall Juan, Teeks Sotomayor, Very Be Careful and More at The Glasshouse Concert Hall (Pomona) | Aug. 5 + 6
Viva Pomona has become one of the city’s largest, most sonically sprawling festivals in the city’s history. Pomona may seem like a trek from L.A., but nestled in the city are some of the most intense DIY punk shows around, not to mention the art and culture that permeates the town. Viva Pomona encapsulates that DIY ethic, opening the stage up to independent bands from all genres for a two-day celebration of all things indie.

KCRW’s World Festival ft. Belle & Sebastian, Spoon and Benjamin Clementine at Hollywood Bowl | Aug. 6
Santa Monica public radio powerhouse KCRW keeps with tradition and brings another stacked, eclectic lineup to L.A. concertgoers, fortifying their World Festival with bona fide musical trend-setters like Belle and Sebastian as well as Spoon. Benjamin Clementine will also be on-hand for a night to remember.

Tha Dogg Pound w/ Bone Thugs N Harmony at The Novo | Aug. 6
Sunday is supposed to be the day of rest, but somebody evidently forgot to tell Bone Thugs N Harmony and The Dogg Pound. Two of rap’s most notorious collectives storm Microsoft’s Novo for a night of classics. Both groups have an undeniable stage presence. Couple that with their equally catchy hits and lesser known gems that pack the aggression, and attendees can’t help but have the best night in a while.

Kendrick Lamar w/ Travis Scott and D.R.A.M. at Staples Center | Aug. 6 + 8 + 9
Hip-hop juggernaut Kendrick Lamar brings his burning hot rhymes and extravagant performance skills to the Staples center for three unforgettable shows. With the critically acclaimed “Damn” still leaving scorch marks on the industry, Lamar looks to settle into a groove of stellar live fare alongside Travis Scott and D.R.A.M.

Vans Warped Tour ft. After The Burial, Attila, Candiria, Goldfinger, GWAR, Hatebreed, Hawthorne Heights, Silverstein, Watsky and More at Pomona Fairplex | Aug. 6
Old school punk fan? There’s something for you at Warped. More into newer screamo, emo or alt acts? There’s a lot for you at Warped. More into independent hip-hop? Warped’s got a little something for you, too. The point is, Warped has built itself into an annual must-attend event, with acts from all over the alternative landscape colliding for a tour that spans North America. For many, Warped is a tradition. Why not make it yours?