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. And you should probably get your tickets early, recent research from Eventbrite revealed that most Angelenos get their tickets well in advance of the show, and fall low on the spontaneous cities list. So keep reading to find a list of the concerts in the Los Angeles area that are worth your time and the effort of planning ahead for the week of May 13.
Monday, May 13
The Strokes @ The Wiltern [Sold Out]
The Strokes are active again and announced they’d be making their return to the stage this summer at Bilbao BBK Live in Spain. Those lucky enough, will be able to catch them at their sold-out show The Wiltern before their global comeback. Proceeds from the show will benefit The Center in Hollywood and FoodCycle LA to support the city’s homeless community.
Tuesday, May 14
Jorja Smith @ Greek Theatre [Tickets]
UK pop singer Jorja Smith‘s star is rising. She was nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammys this year and her critically acclaimed debut studio album, Lost & Found landed on the Billboard 200 chart upon its release. It included the stand out cuts “Blue Lights” and “February 3rd.” Jorja is also a favorite of Drake, who featured her on his More Life project.
Wednesday, May 15
Boogie @ The Observatory [Sold Out]
Compton rapper Boogie made waves when he came onto the scene with his banger “Oh My” in 2015 and two years later Eminem signed him to his label Shady Records. His debut album Everything’s For Sale was released in January to critical acclaim. Boogie’s hype performance at Uproxx’s The RX showcase is reason enough for anyone who enjoys his music to see him do his thing live.
Jorja Smith @ Greek Theatre [Tickets]
Thursday, May 16
Ari Lennox @ El Rey Theatre [Sold Out]
Ari Lennox’s debut album Shea Butter Baby dropped this month and from the sounds of it, the 28-year-old DC native is effectively bringing neo-soul back to the forefront. The album’s title track was featured on the Creed II soundtrack including a verse from J. Cole. Dreamville’s First Lady is on her first headlining tour in support of the project with Baby Rose, Mikhala Jené, and Ron Gilmore in tow.
Chemical Brothers @ Greek Theatre [Tickets]
Four years after Born In The Echoes was released, pioneering electronic music duo the Chemical Brothers dropped their ninth studio album No Geography in April. The two brothers have the power to make the world dance and are currently on a world tour in support of the new project.
Lucky Daye @ The Echo [Tickets]
In February, R&B singer Lucky Daye released his EP II ahead of his debut album release for Painted, which is scheduled to unleash this spring. His track “Roll Some Mo” is impressive and his music is so good he joined Ella Mai on her international trek, The Debut Tour.
Friday, May 17
Santigold @ Hollywood Palladium [Tickets]
Santigold’s second mixtape I Don’t Want: The Gold Fire Session, released last summer, is a dancehall haven. Tracks like “Run The Road” and “Crashing Your Party” are fun and Santigold is certainly fun to watch live.
Boogie @ The Roxy [Sold Out]
Saturday, May 18
Black Star @ The Novo [Tickets]
Talib Kweli and Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) as Black Star, are making a triumphant return as the duo that hip-hop heads across the globe have been waiting for. Their reunion was not only surprising for fans, but also for Talib himself.
