This week will be spent prepparing to meet Kristen and another friend in Taiwan for an adventure! There are a few shows I’d love to make it out to see this week but I’m not sure if I’ll have the time/ability. I need to pack for more than a week with a variety of climates and I’m not adept at packing light so, this will be a lot of pulling, editing, mind changing, second guessing, and still feeling like I packed entirely wrong. Wish me luck…
Monday: Fiesta Del Sol Battle of the Bands @ Belly Up at 6pm AND: The Frights, Hey, Chels @ Casbah at 7pm AND: Writers Round @ Ould Sod at 6pm AND: Auz Fontane @ Soda Bar at 7pm
Tuesday: Max McNown @ House of Blues Voodoo Room at 8pm AND: Exotic Fruit Tour @ Casbah at 8:30pm AND: Absolute Silence @ Winstons OB at 8pm AND: Burton Cummings of the original ‘The Guess Who’ @ Belly Up at 8pm – SOLD OUT
Wednesday: The Wild Feathers, Nathan Graham @ Soda Bar at 7:30pm
Thursday: Futurebirds @ Belly Up at 8pm AND: SIDNE, Hey Chels @ Soda Bar at 7pm
Friday: Phantogram @ Soma at 7pm AND: TX2 @ House of Blues Voodoo Room at 7:30pm AND: Emo Nite @ Casbah at 9pm AND: Lee Fields @ Observatory North Park at 8pm AND: Emo Kids @ Winstons OB at 9pm
Saturday: Moontricks @ Music Box at 9pm AND: Bright Eyes @ The Sound at 7:30pm AND: Gladys Knight @ Harrah’s at 8pm
Sunday: A Little Help for Our Friends – Los Angeles Benefit Concert feat: Tyson Motsenbocker, Francis Blume, Alex Bergan, Dulaney & Co., Justin John Rodriguez, Jesse Lamonaca, Sutton James, and more @ Casbah at 4pm AND: Purple Kiss @ Music Box at 7pm
Keep in Mind: January 24th: Death From Above 1979 @ Belly Up February 7th: Unwritten Law @ Observatory North Park February 8th: Unwritten Law @ Observatory North Park February 19th: Almost Monday @ Soma February 19th: Shane Hall @ Belly Up February 22nd: Coin @ Soma February 25th: Vonda Shepard @ Belly Up March 1st: ARIZONA @ Observatory North Park March 4th: Andy Grammer @ The Magnolia March 5th: Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group @ The Sound March 6th: Gillian Welch @ The Magnolia March 7th: The Devil Makes Three @ Observatory North Park March 11th: Anberlin @ House of Blues March 12th: Saint Motel @ The Sound March 13th: The Rocket Summer @ Music Box March 14th: Save Ferris @ Belly Up March 22nd: CountryFest feat: Justin Moore, Nate Smith, Warren Zeiders @ Gallagher Square March 26th: Papa Roach, Rise Against, Underoath @ Gallagher Square March 27th: AWOLNATION @ House of Blues March 28th: K. Flay @ Observatory North Park April 5th: Matt Nathanson @ The Sound April 11th: Laura Jane Grace @ Music Box April 29th: Dean Lewis @ The Sound May 13th: The Used: 25 Years Anniversary playing “Self Titled” @ House of Blues May 13th: They Might Be Giants @ Observatory North Park May 14th: They Might Be Giants @ Observatory North Park May 15th: The Used: 25 Years Anniversary playing “In Love And Death” @ House of Blues May 16th: Ryan Adams @ The Magnolia May 16th: The Used: 25 Years Anniversary playing “Lies For the Liars” @ House of Blues May 29th: Hauser @ Rady Shell May 30th: The Wrecks @ House of Blues June 26th: Shakira @ Snapdragon Stadium July 31st: Teddy Swims @ Gallagher Square Park August 6th: Creed @ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre August 27th: Nelly, Ja Rule, Eve @ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
With the ramifications from the ongoing fires and the continuing threat of evacuations, closures, and cancellations, it’s hard to know where live music sits. Some people need this community and this outlet more than ever while others need to prioritize taking care of things at home. I have not been in town and don’t have a great sense of how venues, bands, and concert-goers are responding (other than occasional messages about cancellations and resources for those in the music industry). What I do know is that what has helped me cope with events this week is to gather with other people from Los Angeles at none other than a concert. I hope that everyone can find safety and some sanity and trust that we will be rocking out together again soon!
The following list was put together before I left town. Be sure to check in with the venue or band to make sure any event is still happening:
Monday:
Tuesday: Not Another Showcase… at the Hotel Cafe (7pm) ALSO: WFNM Showcase FREE at Hotel Ziggy (7pm)
Weds: Tom Grennan at the Moroccan Lounge (6:30) ALSO: Trinity Mei & Abby Lokelani at the Hotel Cafe second stage (7pm) ALSO: WFNM Showcase FREE at Hotel Ziggy (7pm)
Thursday: The Wild Feathers at the Troubadour (7pm) ALSO: Frances Whitney at the Moroccan Lounge (6:30) ALSO: WFNM Showcase FREE at Bar Lubitsch (7pm)
Friday: Superet, Laura Jean Anderson, Steven van Betten at Scribble (7:30) ALSO: Ben Provencial at the Hotel Cafe second stage (7pm) ALSO: Lily Talmers, Julianna Zachariou, Lucy Clearwater at Healing Force of the Universe (8pm) ALSO: Futurebirds at the Troubadour (7pm)
Saturday: Kills Birds at the Moroccan Lounge (9:30) ALSO: Mating Ritual at Gold-Diggers (7pm)
Sunday: Young the Giant at the Troubadour (7pm)
To Keep in Mind: January 20th: Young the Giant at the Troubadour January 24th: Ani Difranco at the Bellwether (8pm) January 27th: Third Eye Blind at the Hotel Cafe January 28th: Travis at the Wiltern January 28th: Third Eye Blind at the Hotel Cafe January 30th: Kelsey Karter & The Heroines at the Roxy (7pm) January 30th: Grace Bowers at the Troubadour January 31st: Houndmouth at the Bellwether (8pm) February 1st: Phantom Planet at the Regent Theater (8pm) February 3rd: Greg Holden at the Hotel Cafe February 4th: Lo Moon at the Roxy (7pm) February 6th: Vaccines at the Wiltern February 6th: Bailen at Gold-Diggers (7pm) February 7th: Bailen at Gold-Diggers (7pm) February 7th: Bright Eyes at the Wiltern February 7th: Tom Morello w/ Special Guests at the Fonda (7:30) February 8th: Alt Bloom w/ Annika Wells at the Moroccan Lounge (6:30) February 8th: Casey Abrams & Friends at the Troubadour February 12th: Wunderhorse at the Troubadour February 12th: Cursive at the Regent Theater (8pm) February 13th: Missio at the Troubadour February 15th: Guster at LA Opheum Theatre (8:30) February 17th: Sleeping at Last at the El Rey (8pm) February 19th: Sleeping at Last at the El Rey (8pm) February 20th: Hippo Campus at the Wiltern February 20th: Grizfolk at the Echo February 21st: Wallice at the Teragram Ballroom (8pm) February 21st: Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats at the Forum February 22nd: Almost Monday at the Echoplex February 22nd: Regina Spektor at the Belasco February 23rd: Regina Spektor at the Belasco February 23rd: The Plot in You w/ Holding Absence at the Fonda (6:30) February 27th: The Vices at El Cid (6pm) February 28th: Arizona at the Wiltern March 1st: Michigan Rattlers at the Peppermint Club (8pm) March 2nd: Lauren Mayberry at the Belasco March 3rd: Greg Holden and Friends at the Hotel Cafe March 4th: Jojo at the Wiltern March 6th: Nature TV at Permanent Records Roadhouse March 6th: Morgan Saint at the Moroccan Lounge (6:30) March 6th: Milck at the Hotel Cafe March 7th: Nature TV at Permanent Records Roadhouse March 7th: Nature TV at Gold-Diggers (7pm) March 8th: Max at the Troubadour March 9th: Max at the Troubadour March 10th: Max at the Troubadour March 13th: Bishop Briggs at Teragram Ballroom (8pm) March 13th: Jukebox the Ghost at Largo (8pm) March 14th: Jukebox the Ghost at Largo (8pm) March 14th: Saint Motel at the Wiltern March 14th: Anberlin at the Novo (8pm) March 15th: Tors at the Troubadour March 15th: Jukebox the Ghost at Largo (8pm) March 18th: Victoria Canal at the Troubadour March 19th: Charli Adams at Gold-Diggers (7pm) March 21st: Michael Marcagi w/ Ashley Kutcher at the Fonda (8pm) March 21st: The Wood Brothers at Teragram Ballroom (8pm) March 21st: Pokey Lafarge at Lodge Room (8pm) March 22nd: Corook at the Roxy (7pm) March 22nd: Los Angeles Folk Festival at the Bellwether (5:30) March 23rd: Los Angeles Folk Festival at the Bellwether (5:30) March 25th: Snow Patrol at the Wiltern March 26th: Snow Patrol at the Wiltern March 26th: Lime Cordiale at the El Rey (8pm) March 27th: The Rubens at the Echo March 28th: Papa Roach & Rise Against at the Forum March 29th: K.Flay at the Belasco March 30th: Old 97’s at Teragram Ballroom March 31st: Shakey Graves at the Bellwether (8pm) April 1st: Role Model at the Wiltern April 2nd: Role Model at the Wiltern April 3rd: Weathers at the El Rey April 5th: Stephen Day at the Troubadour April 5th: Wildermiss at Gold-Diggers (7pm) April 6th: Alice Phoebe Lou at Lodge Room (8pm) April 7th: Alice Phoebe Lou at Lodge Room (8pm) April 7th: Greg Holden at the Hotel Cafe April 8th: Stereophonics at the Wiltern April 8th: Dir En Grey at the Belasco April 8th: Alice Phoebe Lou at Lodge Room (8pm) April 9th: Dir En Grey at the Belasco April 13th: Matthew Logan Vasquez at Gold-Diggers (8pm) April 13th: Laura Jane Grace & The Mississippi Medicals at Teragram Ballroom (7pm) April 23rd: Larkin Poe at the Fonda (8pm) May 1st: Josh Radnor at the Troubadour May 2nd: Dean Lewis at Bellwether (8pm) May 2nd: Half Alive at Hollywood Palladium May 7th: Gigi Perez at the Fonda Theatre (7:30) May 8th: The Used at the Wiltern May 8th: The Weather Station at Teragram Ballroom (8pm) May 10th: The Used at the Wiltern May 10th: Awolnation at the Belasco May 11th: The Used at the Wiltern May 12th: Jack White at Hollywood Palladium May 13th: Jack White at Hollywood Palladium May 14th: James Bay at the Bellwether (8pm) May 14th: Nightly at the Fonda (8pm) May 15th: The Menzingers at the Belasco May 17th: Magnolia Park at the Echoplex May 20th: Allison Russell at the Belasco May 21st: Daisy the Great at the Moroccan Lounge (6:30) May 28th: The War and Treaty at the Troubadour May 31st: The Wrecks at the Wiltern June 21st: Samantha Crain at Gold-Diggers July 18th: The Driver Era at Hollywood Palladium July 23rd: Ben Kweller at the Troubadour
Happy New Year! I don’t know about you but it’s been a slow start for me and I’m still unsure what day it is… I guess that’s what you get when you have holidays in the middle of the week. It’s a slow start for us here in SD, which is probably a good thing while we get our bearings for the new year. I’m proud to say I wrote the correct year when I had to date something but I did say to someone “next year” when I realized we are in the next year I was talking about. Oh boy.
Monday: Auz Fontaine, Social Cues @ Soda Bar at 7pm
Tuesday:
Wednesday: Ben Barnes @ House of Blues at 8pm AND: Peach Cooler, Emily Afton @ Belly Up at 8pm
Thursday: Robert Jon & The Wreck, Dude Cervantes and The Panchos @ Belly Up at 7:30pm AND: Sunny Sweeney, Erin Enderlin @ Soda Bar at 7:30pm
Friday: Absolute Silence, Sweet Myths, and more @ The Holding Company at 7:30pm AND: Louis XIV @ Casbah at 8pm AND: Dogs In A Pile @ Belly Up at 9:30pm AND: Nate Botsford @ Moonshine Flats at 10pm
Saturday: Louis XIV @ Casbah at 8pm AND: Nate Botsford @ Moonshine Flats at 10pm AND: Tommy Castro & The Painkillers @ Belly Up at 8pm AND: Doll Riot @ Soma at 7pm
Sunday:
Keep in Mind: January 17th: Phantogram @ Soma January 18th: Bright Eyes @ The Sound January 24th: Death From Above 1979 @ Belly Up February 7th: Unwritten Law @ Observatory North Park February 8th: Unwritten Law @ Observatory North Park February 19th: Almost Monday @ Soma February 19th: Shane Hall @ Belly Up February 22nd: Coin @ Soma February 25th: Vonda Shepard @ Belly Up March 1st: ARIZONA @ Observatory North Park March 4th: Andy Grammer @ The Magnolia March 5th: Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group @ The Sound March 6th: Gillian Welch @ The Magnolia March 7th: The Devil Makes Three @ Observatory North Park March 11th: Anberlin @ House of Blues March 12th: Saint Motel @ The Sound March 13th: The Rocket Summer @ Music Box March 14th: Save Ferris @ Belly Up March 22nd: CountryFest feat: Justin Moore, Nate Smith, Warren Zeiders @ Gallagher Square March 26th: Papa Roach, Rise Against, Underoath @ Gallagher Square March 27th: AWOLNATION @ House of Blues March 28th: K. Flay @ Observatory North Park April 5th: Matt Nathanson @ The Sound April 11th: Laura Jane Grace @ Music Box April 29th: Dean Lewis @ The Sound May 13th: The Used: 25 Years Anniversary playing “Self Titled” @ House of Blues May 13th: They Might Be Giants @ Observatory North Park May 14th: They Might Be Giants @ Observatory North Park May 15th: The Used: 25 Years Anniversary playing “In Love And Death” @ House of Blues May 16th: Ryan Adams @ The Magnolia May 16th: The Used: 25 Years Anniversary playing “Lies For the Liars” @ House of Blues May 29th: Hauser @ Rady Shell May 30th: The Wrecks @ House of Blues June 26th: Shakira @ Snapdragon Stadium July 31st: Teddy Swims @ Gallagher Square Park August 6th: Creed @ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre August 27th: Nelly, Ja Rule, Eve @ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
I’m traveling for the next few weeks so I apologize in advance if the calendars are not the most up-to-date. January is always a bit slow to pick up, but the last couple of years have been highlighted by a month of showcases at the Winston House in Venice. Unfortunately, at the end of the year, the venue announced it was closing which is a huge loss, especially to the local music scene this time of year.
We do have a few exciting show options next week. Don’t miss out:
Monday:
Tuesday: Not Another Showcase… at the Hotel Cafe (7pm) ALSO: WFNM Showcase FREE at Hotel Ziggy (7pm)
Weds: Cyn w/ Annika Rose at The Troubadour (7pm) ALSO: Daniel Saint Black & Friends at the Hotel Cafe second stage (7pm) ALSO: Cornelius Versa at the Peppermint Club (7pm) ALSO: WFNM Showcase FREE at Hotel Ziggy (7pm)
Thursday: Bad Bad Hats at the Echo (7pm) ALSO: Quinn Sullivan & Hamish Anderson at the Troubadour (7pm) ALSO: WFNM Showcase FREE at Bar Lubitsch (7pm)
Friday: Ben Barnes at the Wiltern (7pm)
Saturday: Eva Westphal at the Hotel Cafe second stage (8pm) ALSO: Lee Fields & Monophonics at the Fonda Theatre (8pm) ALSO: iHeartRadio ALTer EGO at Kia Forum (7pm)
Sunday: Emery at the Regent Theater (7pm)
To Keep in Mind: January 15th: Tom Grennan at the Moroccan Lounge (6:30) January 16th: The Wild Feathers at the Troubadour January 19th: Young the Giant at the Troubadour January 20th: Young the Giant at the Troubadour January 24th: Ani Difranco at the Bellwether (8pm) January 27th: Third Eye Blind at the Hotel Cafe January 28th: Travis at the Wiltern January 28th: Third Eye Blind at the Hotel Cafe January 30th: Kelsey Karter & The Heroines at the Roxy (7pm) January 30th: Grace Bowers at the Troubadour January 31st: Houndmouth at the Bellwether (8pm) February 1st: Phantom Planet at the Regent Theater (8pm) February 3rd: Greg Holden at the Hotel Cafe February 4th: Lo Moon at the Roxy (7pm) February 6th: Vaccines at the Wiltern February 6th: Bailen at Gold-Diggers (7pm) February 7th: Bailen at Gold-Diggers (7pm) February 7th: Bright Eyes at the Wiltern February 7th: Tom Morello w/ Special Guests at the Fonda (7:30) February 8th: Alt Bloom w/ Annika Wells at the Moroccan Lounge (6:30) February 8th: Casey Abrams & Friends at the Troubadour February 12th: Wunderhorse at the Troubadour February 12th: Cursive at the Regent Theater (8pm) February 13th: Missio at the Troubadour February 15th: Guster at LA Opheum Theatre (8:30) February 17th: Sleeping at Last at the El Rey (8pm) February 19th: Sleeping at Last at the El Rey (8pm) February 20th: Hippo Campus at the Wiltern February 20th: Grizfolk at the Echo February 21st: Wallice at the Teragram Ballroom (8pm) February 21st: Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats at the Forum February 22nd: Almost Monday at the Echoplex February 22nd: Regina Spektor at the Belasco February 23rd: Regina Spektor at the Belasco February 23rd: The Plot in You w/ Holding Absence at the Fonda (6:30) February 27th: The Vices at El Cid (6pm) February 28th: Arizona at the Wiltern March 1st: Michigan Rattlers at the Peppermint Club (8pm) March 2nd: Lauren Mayberry at the Belasco March 3rd: Greg Holden and Friends at the Hotel Cafe March 4th: Jojo at the Wiltern March 6th: Nature TV at Permanent Records Roadhouse March 6th: Morgan Saint at the Moroccan Lounge (6:30) March 6th: Milck at the Hotel Cafe March 7th: Nature TV at Permanent Records Roadhouse March 7th: Nature TV at Gold-Diggers (7pm) March 8th: Max at the Troubadour March 9th: Max at the Troubadour March 10th: Max at the Troubadour March 13th: Bishop Briggs at Teragram Ballroom (8pm) March 13th: Jukebox the Ghost at Largo (8pm) March 14th: Jukebox the Ghost at Largo (8pm) March 14th: Saint Motel at the Wiltern March 14th: Anberlin at the Novo (8pm) March 15th: Tors at the Troubadour March 15th: Jukebox the Ghost at Largo (8pm) March 18th: Victoria Canal at the Troubadour March 19th: Charli Adams at Gold-Diggers (7pm) March 21st: Michael Marcagi w/ Ashley Kutcher at the Fonda (8pm) March 21st: The Wood Brothers at Teragram Ballroom (8pm) March 21st: Pokey Lafarge at Lodge Room (8pm) March 22nd: Corook at the Roxy (7pm) March 22nd: Los Angeles Folk Festival at the Bellwether (5:30) March 23rd: Los Angeles Folk Festival at the Bellwether (5:30) March 25th: Snow Patrol at the Wiltern March 26th: Snow Patrol at the Wiltern March 26th: Lime Cordiale at the El Rey (8pm) March 27th: The Rubens at the Echo March 28th: Papa Roach & Rise Against at the Forum March 29th: K.Flay at the Belasco March 30th: Old 97’s at Teragram Ballroom March 31st: Shakey Graves at the Bellwether (8pm) April 1st: Role Model at the Wiltern April 2nd: Role Model at the Wiltern April 3rd: Weathers at the El Rey April 5th: Stephen Day at the Troubadour April 5th: Wildermiss at Gold-Diggers (7pm) April 6th: Alice Phoebe Lou at Lodge Room (8pm) April 7th: Alice Phoebe Lou at Lodge Room (8pm) April 7th: Greg Holden at the Hotel Cafe April 8th: Stereophonics at the Wiltern April 8th: Dir En Grey at the Belasco April 8th: Alice Phoebe Lou at Lodge Room (8pm) April 9th: Dir En Grey at the Belasco April 13th: Matthew Logan Vasquez at Gold-Diggers (8pm) April 13th: Laura Jane Grace & The Mississippi Medicals at Teragram Ballroom (7pm) April 23rd: Larkin Poe at the Fonda (8pm) May 1st: Josh Radnor at the Troubadour May 2nd: Dean Lewis at Bellwether (8pm) May 2nd: Half Alive at Hollywood Palladium May 7th: Gigi Perez at the Fonda Theatre (7:30) May 8th: The Used at the Wiltern May 8th: The Weather Station at Teragram Ballroom (8pm) May 10th: The Used at the Wiltern May 10th: Awolnation at the Belasco May 11th: The Used at the Wiltern May 12th: Jack White at Hollywood Palladium May 13th: Jack White at Hollywood Palladium May 14th: James Bay at the Bellwether (8pm) May 14th: Nightly at the Fonda (8pm) May 15th: The Menzingers at the Belasco May 17th: Magnolia Park at the Echoplex May 20th: Allison Russell at the Belasco May 21st: Daisy the Great at the Moroccan Lounge (6:30) May 28th: The War and Treaty at the Troubadour May 31st: The Wrecks at the Wiltern June 21st: Samantha Crain at Gold-Diggers July 18th: The Driver Era at Hollywood Palladium July 23rd: Ben Kweller at the Troubadour
Happy 2025! I’ve not got many positive things to say about 2024, but there were some amazing shows and exciting new music discoveries. I’ve put together some of my most memorable songs in my 2024 Music Mix. As for 2025, I’m staring the year in Tokyo. Not sure how much live music I’ll get in while I’m there (the ticketing system for concerts and other events is not kind to foreigners), but fingers crossed!
NYE week feels like mostly DJs, but I’ve scrounged up a few choice options:
Monday: Jeff Tweedy at Largo (8pm)
Tuesday: thedriveband at Griffins of Kinsale (9pm) ALSO: Morrissey at Hollywood Palladium (8:30)
Weds:
Thursday: Jeff Tweedy at Largo (8pm)
Friday: Jeremy Toback, Shane Alexander, Killah Cortez at Permanent Records (6pm) ALSO: Frankie and the Studs FREE at Licorice Pizza (7pm) ALSO: Jeff Tweedy at Largo (8pm)
Saturday: Beauty Queen at Genghis Cohen (7pm)
Sunday:
To Keep in Mind: January 8th: Cyn at the Troubadour January 8th: Cornelius Versa at the Peppermint Club (7pm) January 9th: Quinn Sullivan & Hamish Anderson at the Troubadour January 9th: Bad Bad Hats at the Echo January 10th: Ben Barnes at the Wiltern January 11th: iHeartRadio ALTer Ego ’25 at the Forum January 12th: Emery & The Almost at the Regent Theater January 15th: Tom Grennan at the Moroccan Lounge (6:30) January 16th: The Wild Feathers at the Troubadour January 19th: Young the Giant at the Troubadour January 20th: Young the Giant at the Troubadour January 24th: Ani Difranco at the Bellwether (8pm) January 27th: Third Eye Blind at the Hotel Cafe January 28th: Travis at the Wiltern January 28th: Third Eye Blind at the Hotel Cafe January 30th: Kelsey Karter & The Heroines at the Roxy (7pm) January 30th: Grace Bowers at the Troubadour January 31st: Houndmouth at the Bellwether (8pm) February 1st: Phantom Planet at the Regent Theater (8pm) February 3rd: Greg Holden at the Hotel Cafe February 4th: Lo Moon at the Roxy (7pm) February 6th: Vaccines at the Wiltern February 6th: Bailen at Gold-Diggers (7pm) February 7th: Bailen at Gold-Diggers (7pm) February 7th: Bright Eyes at the Wiltern February 7th: Tom Morello w/ Special Guests at the Fonda (7:30) February 8th: Alt Bloom w/ Annika Wells at the Moroccan Lounge (6:30) February 8th: Casey Abrams & Friends at the Troubadour February 12th: Wunderhorse at the Troubadour February 12th: Cursive at the Regent Theater (8pm) February 13th: Missio at the Troubadour February 15th: Guster at LA Opheum Theatre (8:30) February 17th: Sleeping at Last at the El Rey (8pm) February 19th: Sleeping at Last at the El Rey (8pm) February 20th: Hippo Campus at the Wiltern February 20th: Grizfolk at the Echo February 21st: Wallice at the Teragram Ballroom (8pm) February 21st: Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats at the Forum February 22nd: Almost Monday at the Echoplex February 22nd: Regina Spektor at the Belasco February 23rd: Regina Spektor at the Belasco February 23rd: The Plot in You w/ Holding Absence at the Fonda (6:30) February 27th: The Vices at El Cid (6pm) February 28th: Arizona at the Wiltern March 1st: Michigan Rattlers at the Peppermint Club (8pm) March 2nd: Lauren Mayberry at the Belasco March 3rd: Greg Holden and Friends at the Hotel Cafe March 4th: Jojo at the Wiltern March 6th: Nature TV at Permanent Records Roadhouse March 6th: Morgan Saint at the Moroccan Lounge (6:30) March 6th: Milck at the Hotel Cafe March 7th: Nature TV at Permanent Records Roadhouse March 7th: Nature TV at Gold-Diggers (7pm) March 8th: Max at the Troubadour March 9th: Max at the Troubadour March 10th: Max at the Troubadour March 13th: Bishop Briggs at Teragram Ballroom (8pm) March 13th: Jukebox the Ghost at Largo (8pm) March 14th: Jukebox the Ghost at Largo (8pm) March 14th: Saint Motel at the Wiltern March 14th: Anberlin at the Novo (8pm) March 15th: Tors at the Troubadour March 15th: Jukebox the Ghost at Largo (8pm) March 18th: Victoria Canal at the Troubadour March 19th: Charli Adams at Gold-Diggers (7pm) March 21st: Michael Marcagi w/ Ashley Kutcher at the Fonda (8pm) March 21st: The Wood Brothers at Teragram Ballroom (8pm) March 21st: Pokey Lafarge at Lodge Room (8pm) March 22nd: Corook at the Roxy (7pm) March 22nd: Los Angeles Folk Festival at the Bellwether (5:30) March 23rd: Los Angeles Folk Festival at the Bellwether (5:30) March 25th: Snow Patrol at the Wiltern March 26th: Snow Patrol at the Wiltern March 26th: Lime Cordiale at the El Rey (8pm) March 27th: The Rubens at the Echo March 28th: Papa Roach & Rise Against at the Forum March 29th: K.Flay at the Belasco March 30th: Old 97’s at Teragram Ballroom March 31st: Shakey Graves at the Bellwether (8pm) April 1st: Role Model at the Wiltern April 2nd: Role Model at the Wiltern April 3rd: Weathers at the El Rey April 5th: Stephen Day at the Troubadour April 5th: Wildermiss at Gold-Diggers (7pm) April 6th: Alice Phoebe Lou at Lodge Room (8pm) April 7th: Alice Phoebe Lou at Lodge Room (8pm) April 7th: Greg Holden at the Hotel Cafe April 8th: Stereophonics at the Wiltern April 8th: Dir En Grey at the Belasco April 8th: Alice Phoebe Lou at Lodge Room (8pm) April 9th: Dir En Grey at the Belasco April 13th: Matthew Logan Vasquez at Gold-Diggers (8pm) April 13th: Laura Jane Grace & The Mississippi Medicals at Teragram Ballroom (7pm) April 23rd: Larkin Poe at the Fonda (8pm) May 1st: Josh Radnor at the Troubadour May 2nd: Dean Lewis at Bellwether (8pm) May 2nd: Half Alive at Hollywood Palladium May 7th: Gigi Perez at the Fonda Theatre (7:30) May 8th: The Used at the Wiltern May 8th: The Weather Station at Teragram Ballroom (8pm) May 10th: The Used at the Wiltern May 10th: Awolnation at the Belasco May 11th: The Used at the Wiltern May 12th: Jack White at Hollywood Palladium May 13th: Jack White at Hollywood Palladium May 14th: James Bay at the Bellwether (8pm) May 14th: Nightly at the Fonda (8pm) May 15th: The Menzingers at the Belasco May 17th: Magnolia Park at the Echoplex May 20th: Allison Russell at the Belasco May 21st: Daisy the Great at the Moroccan Lounge (6:30) May 28th: The War and Treaty at the Troubadour May 31st: The Wrecks at the Wiltern June 21st: Samantha Crain at Gold-Diggers July 18th: The Driver Era at Hollywood Palladium July 23rd: Ben Kweller at the Troubadour
My 2024 was largely defined by health issues that lead to job issues that lead to general life issues. But I think this all made me appreciate live music, Los Angeles, and my favorite venues and bands even more. Here’s my End of Year Mix and a bit of a reflection on what each song and artist meant to me this year.
1. The Virginmarys – “White Knuckle Riding” Album of the year, song of the year, band of the year, The Virginmarys hold a very special place in my heart. I saw them in London in March for my birthday week despite the fact that standing and walking were both very painful activities. Their 2024 album, The House Beyond The Fire, speaks to my soul. When people ask me how I’m doing, the routine response has been “I’m surviving,” but I should just send them this song/album.
The Virginmarys at The Electric Ballroom
2. Twin Atlantic – “Asleep” This was my most played song of the year according to Spotify. Twin Atlantic was also part of my birthday week celebrations where I saw them in Nottingham (home of Robin Hood) at Rescues Rooms. At the show they gave a sneak peak of a few songs of their 2024 release, Meltdown.
3. Orla Gartland – “Why Am I Like This?” I became an Orla Gartland fan after seeing her supergroup, Fizz, perform at a music festival last year. I was lucky to be able to see her in LA at The Troubadour towards the end of the year, right around the time I was becoming obsessed with the TV show, Heartstopper, which features this song.
4. Joe P – “Birthday Baby (The Girl with No Smile)” Joe P released a fabulous album, Garden State Vampire, around the time I was interviewing for a job in New Jersey. While I did not end up moving to New Jersey, I was able to see Joe P in Anaheim in one of those perfectly timed/placed events as I en route from a music festival in Dana Point.
King No-One at The KLA
5. The Fever Dreams – “Ain’t No Stopping Me” Anyone in need of a new band love? Look no further than this dream duo of Jamie N Commons and Ben Epand who just began releasing new music in 2024. This was the first song out the gate of what will hopefully be a long and successful run (that includes a live show in the near future).
6. King No-One – “Manchester Rain” If you ask me what band I’d most want to see live right now, chances are I’d respond “King No-One.” Which is why I decided for my big birthday I would do just that and travel to the UK to see them play Bristol and London.
7. Griff – “Anything” 2024 had an absolute explosion of female pop artists, but none grabbed me more than Griff and her album Vertigo.
Badflower at The Echoplex
8. Badflower – “Detroit” Badflower has been a top Band Love for over a decade now, but in 2024 they really made my year by coming back to LA to play back-to-back intimate shows, busting out a few old bangers as well as new hits like “Detroit”. As happy as I am for Badflower’s recent success, nothing beats seeing this band in a small rock club, just like how we started!
9. Wheelwright – “Battle Cries“ My most seen artist of 2024 is Wheelwright. This is the song that has been opening his sets and hearing it makes me smile in anticipation. Wheelwright has been busy releasing new music this year and continues to impress me with his lyrics, his showmanship, and his general warmth as a human being.
Morgxn at The Hotel Cafe
10. Morgxn – “To Be Human“ In February, Morgxn headlined one of those magical evenings at the Hotel Cafe, a place I spent a lot of time this year. This song, off his 2024 album Beacon, brought me to tears and continued to resonate throughout the year.
11. Holding Absence – “Wilt“ I saw Holding Absence headline for the first time this year and they blew me away. As soon as I exited the venue, I put in my earbuds and played this song on repeat during the long walk back to my car. It’s been on my playlist ever since.
Bastille at United Theater on Broadway
12. Bastille – “Intros & Narratives” One of the great pleasures of my year was being able to sit front row for a performance of Bastille’s new album, & (Ampersand). This album was also the somewhat unlikely soundtrack of a 6 hr. road trip to see a baseball game.
13. Snow Patrol – “The Beginning” I have decided that at the top of my bucket list of bands I need to see is Snow Patrol. The band released a new album (The Forest Is The Path) this year and this first single hits me just as hard as any tune from Final Straw, one of my all-time favorite albums.
14. Vincent Lima – “In the Cold” In the spring, I spent some time in San Francisco with a couple of cats. The cats, along with the hills of the city helped me with my physical therapy. I went to several shows during my stay (K.Flay, The Veronicas, Waterparks) but was most excited to finally (and I mean FINALLY) see Vincent Lima live.
15. Ashley Kutcher – “House On The Water” I attended a few remarkable single or album release events this year, but perhaps the best was Ashley Kutcher playing her new album, House On The Water, on the beach.
16. Linkin Park – “Over Each Other” I’ve always enjoyed Linkin Park, but I’m an even bigger Dead Sara fan and when the music announcement of the year revealed that Emily Armstrong was the new lead singer of Linkin Park, I felt connected to a “bigger” band in a way I haven’t for a long time. Linkin Park released new music which embraces Emily’s unique rock vocals and I’m here for it.
Chinchilla at Bardot
17. Chinchilla – “Little Girl Gone” No artist made a bigger first impression on me this year than Chinchilla whose LA showcase for School Night at Bardot gave me that feeling I chase every time I go out for music. This tiny power house blew the roof off the place!
18. Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things” Benson Boone’s debut album Fireworks & Rollerblades got a lot of play from me (and many others) this year. The fact that I haven’t seen him perform live is just criminal, but I have plans to rectify this early next year…
Nico Vega at the Troubadour
19. Beauty School Dropout – “Fightmode” From my first show of the year, these guys have come to represent the LA rock music scene for me. They do a fabulous job creating a sense of community with local, intimate shows often ending in the beautiful chaos sparked by this song.
20. Nico Vega – “Make it Out Alive” Nico Vega, one of the best bands to every grace the LA music scene, released new music after their triumphant comeback last year. I was able to see them a handful of times this year, including an unforgettable show at The Troubadour where they ended their set with this song.
21. Jet – “Move On” What might be my favorite show of the year was celebrating 20 years of Get Born at the Troubadour with the one and only, Jet! The music felt both nostalgic and contemporary (not many doing the rock genre any better) and what a sing-along it was! This song hit particularly deep.
Happy New Year!! I can’t believe another year has already come and gone. This year has been filled with new friends, major highs, some definite lows, more crying than I’d like to admit, great concerts, unexpected surprises, and a whole new version of myself. A friend of mine asked if I’d change anything or do anything different and I can honestly say no. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead next year and I hope you all feel the same.
Monday: Post Malone, Paul Cauthen, Zach Top and Vince Neil Emerson @ Petco Park at 5pm AND: Starcrawler @ Casbah at 8:30pm AND: Writer’s Round @ The Ould Sod at 6pm
Tuesday: NYE w/ American Mile @ Moonshine Flats at 8pm AND: NYE Extravaganza w Aviator Stash, Dead Feather Moon @ Pour House at 8pm AND: Starcrawler @ Casbah at 8:30pm
Wednesday: New Years Day
Thursday: The Grin, Ian Curtis, Little Heroine @ Soda Bar at 7:30pm
Friday: Emo Night Brooklyn @ House of Blues at 9pm AND: Kimmi Bitter @ Belching Beaver Brewery at 6pm AND: Harmony Shay @ Moonshine Flats at 9pm
Saturday: Harmony Shay @ Moonshine Flats at 9pm
Sunday: Ways Away @ Soda Bar at 7pm AND: T.S.O.L. @ Observatory North Park at 5pm
Keep in Mind: January 8th: Ben Barnes @ House of Blues January 9th: Robert Jon & The Wreck @ Belly Up January 17th: Phantogram @ Soma January 18th: Bright Eyes @ The Sound January 24th: Death From Above 1979 @ Belly Up February 7th: Unwritten Law @ Observatory North Park February 8th: Unwritten Law @ Observatory North Park February 19th: Almost Monday @ Soma February 19th: Shane Hall @ Belly Up February 22nd: Coin @ Soma February 25th: Vonda Shepard @ Belly Up March 1st: ARIZONA @ Observatory North Park March 4th: Andy Grammer @ The Magnolia March 5th: Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group @ The Sound March 6th: Gillian Welch @ The Magnolia March 7th: The Devil Makes Three @ Observatory North Park March 11th: Anberlin @ House of Blues March 12th: Saint Motel @ The Sound March 13th: The Rocket Summer @ Music Box March 14th: Save Ferris @ Belly Up March 22nd: CountryFest feat: Justin Moore, Nate Smith, Warren Zeiders @ Gallagher Square March 26th: Papa Roach, Rise Against, Underoath @ Gallagher Square March 27th: AWOLNATION @ House of Blues March 28th: K. Flay @ Observatory North Park April 5th: Matt Nathanson @ The Sound April 11th: Laura Jane Grace @ Music Box April 29th: Dean Lewis @ The Sound May 13th: The Used: 25 Years Anniversary playing “Self Titled” @ House of Blues May 13th: They Might Be Giants @ Observatory North Park May 14th: They Might Be Giants @ Observatory North Park May 15th: The Used: 25 Years Anniversary playing “In Love And Death” @ House of Blues May 16th: Ryan Adams @ The Magnolia May 16th: The Used: 25 Years Anniversary playing “Lies For the Liars” @ House of Blues May 29th: Hauser @ Rady Shell May 30th: The Wrecks @ House of Blues June 26th: Shakira @ Snapdragon Stadium August 6th: Creed @ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre August 27th: Nelly, Ja Rule, Eve @ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
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