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 August 10.
Monday, September 10
Dave Matthews Band @ Hollywood Bowl [Tickets]
Dave Matthews and company have built a fanatical fan base over the decades, and that’s due largely to their live shows. Matthews is a bucket list live performer to see, so take your chance to cross this one off.
Phoenix @ Fonda Theatre [Sold Out]
So far during their Los Angeles residency, they’ve had a guest appearance from Beck, and as they continue making the Fonda Theatre their home this week, there are sure to be more fun surprises to come.
Tuesday, September 11
Leon Bridges @ Greek Theatre [Tickets]
Bridges is the pre-eminent soul man of our time, and a must-see live. His fun throwback sound translates to an absolute hoot live, especially kinetic tracks like “Bad Bad News.”
Phoenix @ Fonda Theatre [Tickets]
Wednesday, September 12
Leon Bridges @ Santa Barbara Bowl [Tickets]
Phoenix @ Fonda Theatre [Sold Out]
Thursday, September 13
Future Islands @ The Observatory [Tickets]
Samuel T. Herring is perhaps the most fascinating and energetic frontman in indie music today, as David Letterman famously agreed with during his final run of shows. Ultimately, passing up on the chance to see Herring do his thing on stage would be a serious regret.
Korn @ Hollywood Palladium [Tickets]
Nu metal is a genre that people either love to hate or hate to love (or just love to love; It has its merits). Regardless, if you want to see the best of the best, it’s Korn.
Friday, September 14
Benny Benassi @ Exchange LA [Tickets]
There are a few legends in electronic music, and Benassi is one of them. He’s a true pioneer in the electro-house genre, and at the very least, it’s a chance to hear the 2002 hit “Satisfaction.”
Rostam @ Fonda Theatre [Tickets]
The former Vampire Weekend member has done quite well for himself: In addition to collaborating with the likes of Carly Rae Jepsen and Hamilton Leithauser, he released his well-received debut solo album, Half-Light, last year.
Saturday, September 15
Foxing @ Constellation Room at the Observatory [Tickets]
Releasing their single in five languages, the title track of their new album Nearer My God in five languages may have been a bit of a gimmick, but that’s where the novelty ends. The record was one of the best new rock albums of last month, and they’re absolutely a band on the rise.
Future Islands @ Lobero Theatre [Tickets]
The Great American Smokeout (Snoop Dogg, Slightly Stoopid, Cypress Hill, Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony, and more) @ Citizens Business Bank Arena [Tickets]
If you like weed — more specifically, artists who famously share a mutual appreciation — then this is the event for you.
Meg Myers @ The Observatory [Tickets]
Myers’ first new album as a member of the 300 Entertainment roster was a winner: It features highlights like the unsettling “Numb” and the haunting title track “Take Me To The Disco.”
Sunday, September 16
Future Islands @ The Observatory [Sold Out]
Pathway To Paris (Patti Smith, Jim James, Karen O, Flea, Lucinda Williams, Talib Kweli, and more) @ The Theatre at Ace Hotel [Tickets]
Supporting the health of our environment is a good thing, and it’s even better when it’s accompanied by great music. Legends like Patti Smith, Talib Kweli, and others will be there, along with plenty of others making this a tremendously worthwhile evening.
The War On Drugs (with Alvvays) @ Hollywood Bowl [Tickets]
The War On Drugs’ heartland rock is one of the best things happening in rock right now. Pair that with the always-excellent Alvvays and this show is a true value from start to finish.
