Los Angeles is one of the finest music cities in the world, which is both a gift and a curse: There’s always a ton of great music being played somewhere, but there’s so much of it that it can be difficult to sort through it all and find the best stuff. If that’s a problem you’ve faced, you’re in the right place: Keep reading to find a list of the concerts in the Los Angeles area that are worth your time for the week of December 10.
Monday, December 17
Childish Gambino @ The Forum [Tickets]
Childish Gambino‘s politically-charged, yet catchy single, “This Is America” is up for Record of the Year at the 2019 Grammys. Its much-discussed music video, which also became non-stop internet meme, is nominated for Best Music Video at the awards show as well, and the song itself has a nod in the Best Rap/Sung Performance category. There’s no better time than now to catch Mr. Gambino live and he’ll of course be joined by Vince Staples.
Tuesday, December 18
H.E.R. @ The Observatory [Tickets]
H.E.R. gave fans I Used To Know Her: The Prelude earlier this year and ever since she’s been on her tour circuit with R&B singers Bri Steves and Tone Stith. The EP broke into the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums charts upon its debut and contains fan fave “Could’ve Been” featuring Bryson Tiller. It’s been a solid year for H.E.R.
Wednesday, December 19
Thundercat @ The Observatory [Tickets]
Grammy Award-winning guitarist Thundercat is a serious force to be reckoned with. He’s worked with everyone from the late Mac Miller to Erykah Badu to Kendrick Lamar on To Pimp A Butterfly and naturally, Flying Lotus. His 2017 album Drunk is an absolute masterpiece which features the very popular track “Them Changes.” Catching Thundercat live is something that anyone who loves live music and true talent should see.
Travis Scott @ The Forum [Sold Out]
Travis Scott’ Astroworld tour has been met with much fanfare and is finally hitting Los Angeles. Fans can expect to marvel at the workings of a colorful ferris wheel, packed into an entire theme park experience as he performs cuts from his album Astroworld, which features his No. 1 song “Sicko Mode” with Drake.
Thursday, December 20
Travis Scott @ The Forum [Tickets]
Friday, December 21
Joyner Lucas @ The Novo [Tickets]
Joyner Lucas is nominated for Best Music Video (“I’m Not Racist”) and Best Rap Song (“Lucky You”) at the 2019 Grammys. His artistry is remarkable and he’s become known as a great lyricist among hip-hop purists. Not only can he spit fire bars, he makes really good music and was triumphant in his friendly rap battle with Tory Lanez. Joyner’s ADHD is on the way and expected to feature Eminem.
Tenacious D @ Hollywood Palladium [Tickets]
After six years, Jack Black and Kyle Gass as Tenacious D a.k.a. The Greatest Band In The World, are reunited! Their new album Post-Apocalypto was released in November with a six episode series on Youtube. The D fans will not want to miss these two rocking it out on stage.
Saturday, December 22
Eric Bellinger @ El Rey Theatre [Tickets]
Compton R&B singer Eric Bellinger, mentored by Usher, is one the industry’s most talented, hit-making singer-songwriters. This has earned him tremendous respect among his peers as he’s penned a few Grammy-winning bops. In 2014, Eric’s breakout single “I Don’t Want Her” featuring Problem off the The Rebirth album took over the radio. His latest studio album Eazy Call broke into the Billboard 200 chart upon its release.
Sunday, December 22
John Legend @ Microsoft Theatre [Tickets]
John Legend‘s name has been thrown into the pot of potential King of R&B singers, since up-and-coming artist Jacquees advantageously claimed the thrown. Let John tell it, the throne belongs to no one at the moment. John is the first black man to receive an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), so even if he doesn’t think he’s king, he’s certainly one who is living up to his last name as a legend. Known to sing sweet tunes behind a grand piano, here’s an opportunity to experience the celebrated musician in all his glory, live.
