Summer Concerts 2010: Rock and Pop Concert Rundown - Los Angeles Times
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Summer Concerts 2010: Rock and Pop Concert Rundown

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June 4

LCD Soundsystem. The virtues of LCD Soundsystem — a surgeon’s attention to detail, the pleasure of a slow-burning bass groove — are ageless. “This Is Happening,” the third and reportedly final LCD Soundsystem record, perfectly executes singer James Murphy’s ideas for disco-rooted rock. Hollywood Palladium, 6215 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A. 8 p.m. $29.50. (323) 962-7600.

June 5

KROQ Weenie Roast. Local heroes Silversun Pickups, arena- emo mavens Paramore and the surprisingly faithful Sublime with Rome are a few highlights at the annual compendium of mainstream guitar rock. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. 1 p.m. $45-$150. (949) 855-8095. www.kroq.com.

Maxwell. “BLACKSummers’ Night” is full of meditative jams written on the continuum between ardor and heartache. But as genteel and deceptively traditionalist as is Maxwell’s veneer, he’s always been bent on taking urban music forward: he just takes obsessively careful, small steps. Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., L.A. 7 p.m. $29.50-$252.50. (213) 742-7340. www.staplescenter.com.

June 5-6

The XX. The XX is a young British band whose self-titled debut is a quiet, 3 a.m. (eternal) masterpiece of smokey restraint. Singer-guitarist Romy Madley Croft looks like a young Alison Moyet and picks at her guitar with intent; bassist Oliver Sim moves to and from the mic with casual grace, and percussionist Jamie Smith pokes at vintage synthetic beat boxes using his fingers as drumsticks. Henry Fonda Theater, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., L.A. June 5, 6:30 p.m. $22.50. (323) 464-0808. https://www.henryfondatheater.com. The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. June 6, 9 p.m. $25. (213) 388-1400. www.wiltern.com.

June 8

Health. Health is a ravenously ambitious quartet that walks a knife’s edge between lacerating noise and uncannily pretty textures. Most pop fans would probably find about half of their new album, “Get Color,” bordering on unlistenable. But if you look at a band’s worth as its ability to create something new, then nobody else in Los Angeles even touches Health. The Echoplex, 1154 Glendale Blvd., L.A. 8 p.m. $12-$14. (213) 413-8200. https://www.attheecho.com.

June 11

The Glitch Mob. For much of their young career, the default setting of the L.A. electro trio the Glitch Mob could be summed up in the title of their popular mixtape: “Crush Mode.” Built off skittish, compressed-to-death drum loops and Dre-inspired synthesizers that could saw through metal, the Glitch Mob redlined practically every mixing board they played through. Henry Fonda Theater, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., L.A. 9 p.m. $22.50. (323) 464-0808.

June 11-12

Henry Rollins. L.A.’s patron saint of snide hardcore punk has become more of a mogul than musician in recent years. With a new KCRW radio show on his resume, his popular spoken-word nights are full of vim and vinegar. Largo at the Coronet, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd., L.A. 8:30 p.m. $15. (310) 855-0350. www.largo-la.com.

June 15

Woodsist Fest. Real Estate, Woods, Kurt Vile and Abe Vigoda are among the headliners at this catalog of scuzzy yet melodic and haunting indie rock, as curated by the much-touted and similarly-inclined band Woods. The Echoplex, 154 Glendale Blvd., L.A. 6 p.m. $10-$12. (213) 413-8200.

June 16

Sting. Reggae-rock’s foremost purveyor, augmented with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, turns on the red light for a SoCal stint. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. 6:30 p.m. $30.50-$201. (949) 855-8095. www.sting.com.

June 19

daKAH Hip Hop Orchestra. In appreciation of the LA Opera’s performance of the Ring Cycle, the daKAH Hip Hop Orchestra presents “Gangster Wagner,” which combines the drama of the ring with the in-your-face reality of West Coast gangsta rap. California Plaza, 300-350 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 8 p.m. Free. www.grandperformances.org.

Country Throwdown. Old hands like Montgomery Gentry and young bucks like Jamey Johnson get equal billing at this rustic roadshow. Come early for the swagger and wry humor of the rising singer Eric Church. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. 1 p.m. $15-$35. (949) 855-8095. www.countrythrowdown.com.

Powerhouse 2010. KPWR-FM’s annual festival brings the heavy hitters of hip-hop ( Snoop Dogg), r&b (Ne-Yo) and wanton pop under one roof for a celebration of all that is insouciant teenagedom. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim. 7 p.m. $60.45-$108.50. (714) 704-2500. www.hondacenter.com.

June 20

Erykah Badu. Neo-soul’s reigning weirdo is on her second installment of her “New Amerykah” series, this one a little more rooted in organic instrumentation than digital wonkery. Live, she’s a hypnotic, riveting performer full of righteous rage and deep-rooted feeling. Janelle Monae opens. Greek Theatre, 2700 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7 p.m. $38.50-$101. (323) 665-5857. /www.greektheatrela.com.

KCRW World Fest (featuring Baaba Maal, Playing for Change, Yeasayer). What is Afro-pop? For Baaba Maal, it’s a techno-tilted band of beatmaking and ecstatic harmonies; for Yeasayer, it’s electro-infused desert disco; and each artist at this festival underscores the diversity of the continent’s influence on music today. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., L.A. 7 p.m. $12-$102. (323) 850-2000. www.hollywoodbowl.com.

June 25

Warped Tour. Alkaline Trio, Andrew W.K., Motion City Soundtrack and the All-American Rejects are a few of the gobs of lip-piercing friendly punkers headlining the annual festival. Home Depot Center, 18400 Avalon Blvd., Carson. 11 a.m. $33-$40. https://www.warpedtour.com.

June 25-26

Electric Daisy Carnival. L.A. has become possibly the most fertile new soil for techno festivals today, and Electric Daisy has deep roots in it. Moby, Deadmau5, Armin Van Buuren and Groove Armada headline this installment. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, 3939 S. Figueroa St., L.A. 2 p.m. $65 Friday. $75 Saturday. $129 for a two-day pass. www.electricdaisycarnival.com.

June 26

Danzig. The dark lord of goth-punk has revved his eponymous outfit for a rare tour. Go ahead and start growing your foot-long widows’ peak. Club Nokia, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., L.A. 8:30 p.m. $29.50. (213) 765-7000. https://www.clubnokia.com.

Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. “I Learned The Hard Way” is the latest album from the airtight soul crew, who pulls from vintage Stax and Motown yet never fails to sound wholly modern and fresh. Jones is a firecracker of a vocalist and performer that proves vitality knows no age in music. The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 8 p.m. $22.50-$27.50. (213) 388-1400.

A.R. Rahman. The brain behind the “Slumdog Millionaire” soundtrack and more Bollywood hits than you can shake a dosa at brings his ensemble and the spirit of the subcontinent for a night of ravishing Indo-pop. The Forum, 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood. 7 p.m. $50.85-$300.85. https://www.arrahmanlive.com.

June 27

Goldfrapp, TuneYards, Orquestra Buena Vista Social Club. Goldfrapp’s demure techno-pop has soundtracked more bad decisions in hotel lobbies than just about any other artist and remains one of pop’s best sonic indulgences. But come early for the mania of tUnE-yArDs, where reggae rhythms, beatboxing and frantic guitars add up to a strange and wonderful new sound. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., L.A. 7 p.m. $12-$131. (323) 850-2000.

July 2

Cocorosie. Sisters Bianca and Sierra Casady debuted with their Parisian bathtub electro-pop in 2004 and have returned with their fourth album, the murky “Grey Oceans,” released this month. The Orpheum should provide the right haunted feel for their cult atmospherics. Orpheum Theatre, 842 S. Broadway, L.A. 9 p.m. $28. (877) 677-4386. www.laorpheum.com.

July 2, 3, 4

Vince Gill. Born in Norman, Okla., country powerhouse Vince Gill, who has sold more than 22 million albums, will help usher in America’s 234th birthday at this three-night stand at the Bowl. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. $12-$106. (323) 850-2000.

July 3

Hootenanny. Don’t expect to see any musicians screwing around with an iMac Pro at this show; this is strictly plug in the amps and go, featuring two elders, Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis, along with sets from Old 97’s, Shooter Jennings, and other bands running the rockabilly gamut. Oak Canyon Ranch, 4700 Santiago Canyon Road, Irvine. $39. Noon. www.thehootenanny.com.

July 8

Konono no 1. This Congolese ensemble debuted its Afropop-trance hybrid in 2005 and now it’s back with “Assume Crash Position,” an album steeped in thumb-piano experiments worked through its homemade sound system built from car parts, megaphones and old amps. Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 458-8900. www.twilightdance.org.

Sugarland. Fronted by Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush, Sugarland plays Nashville country but for the widescreen, going from working-stiff romance to the Grammy-snagging balladry of “Stay.” This is one of the stops on its 56-city tour titled “The Incredible Machine,” a preview of sorts for its upcoming album. Greek Theatre, 2700 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. $40.50-$96. (323) 665-5857.

July 10

Lilith Fair. The ‘90s showcase of women in music returns after an extended hiatus with a genre-defying lineup of musicians from every walk of life, style and age group, including Norah Jones, Mary J. Blige, Loretta Lynn, Heart, Gossip, Erykah Badu, Cat Power and Emmy Lou Harris. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. $31.50-$252. 3 p.m. (949) 855-8095. https://www.lilithfair.com.

July 12

Kings of Leon. This family band, three sons of a preacher man, plus a cousin, hasn’t let its holy roots stop it from recording hits with naughty titles like “Sex on Fire,” a slow-burner with tightly coiled guitars. The family Followill is also at work on a new album, which will reportedly take a turn for grungier territory. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. $32.50-$69.50. (323) 850-2000.

July 14

Kings of Leon. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. 7:30 p.m. $30.50-$60.50. (949) 855-8095. https://www.kingsofleon.com.

July 15

La Roux. Scarlet-haired Elly Jackson and her collaborator Ben Langmaid make bright and geometric electro-pop that’s gained a following from Franz Ferndinand and Daft Punk. Club Nokia, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., L.A. 9 p.m. $25-$32.50. (213) 765-7000.

July 16

MGMT. Don’t hold your breath waiting for the Brooklyn duo to play their 2007 sleeper hit, “Kids.” They skipped it at this year’s Coachella in favor of “Congratulations,” their now-experiment with prog rock. Greek Theater, 2700 N Vermont Ave. 7:30 p.m. $35. (323) 665-3125,

July 17

Hard LA. This year’s festival boasts its most buzz-worthy lineup in recent memory with rap-rave Internet sensations Die Antwoord, local Low End Theory guru Flying Lotus, Sleigh Bells, N.E.R.D. and headliner M.I.A. https://findlocal.latimes.com/chinatown/home/na/los-angeles-state-historic-park-los-angeles-venue-1“>Los Angles State Historic Park, 4 p.m.-midnight. $60-$80. 1245 N. Spring St. www.hardfest.com.

July 18

Swell Season. It’s true that Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, the couple who starred in 2007’s quiet and romantic “Once,” have since gone splitsville, but that doesn’t stop them from continuing with their dreamy folk partnership as the Swell Season. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave. 7 p.m. $10-$55.

July 19

New Pornographers. These Canadian power pop magnates are ever-energized on their latest collection, “Together,” which has guest spots from Zach Condon (Beirut), Annie Clark (St. Vincent) and Will Sheff of Okkervil River. The Music Box at Henry Fonda Theater, 6126 Hollywood Blvd. 7:30 p.m. $25.

July 20

Justin Bieber. In the great lineage of bangs that includes Betty Page and Farrah Fawcett, we now introduce perhaps the sole male member of the clan, Justin Beiber. Little girls go wild for his finely combed swath of brunette shag. Nokia Theater, 800 West Olympic Blvd. 7 p.m. $116 and up. https://www.justinbiebertour.net.

James Taylor and Carole King. These beacons of ‘70s songwriting continue on their Troubadour Reunion trek, which aims to re-create the evocative folk of their early performances at the famed West Hollywood club. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella, Anaheim. 7:30 p.m. $47-$140.

July 21

Rihanna. The good girl gone bad seems to have fully recovered from her rough passage with Chris Brown and the media aftermath. Her new tour is showing off a harder, sexier edge with symbolism that can’t be lost on anyone — think riding in on a hot pink army tank. Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St. 7:30 p.m. $20-$100. https://www.staplescenter.com.

Dead Weather. Jack White’s latest incarnation whips up his customary maelstrom of blues-rock, but instead of guitar, White rides the storm out on his drums, bolstering Alison Mosshart’s spit-in-the-eye vocals. The Palladium, 6215 W. Sunset Blvd. 7:30 p.m. $38. https://www.livenation.com.

Gaslight Anthem. These New Jersey guys landed on many end-of-year lists in 2007 with “The ’59 Sound,” their straight-ahead but tender take on working man’s rock that would do fellow Jersey native Bruce Springsteen proud. They’ll return with “American Slang,” dropping June 15. The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 7 p.m. (213) 388-1400.

July 23

Jackson Browne. The ‘70s songwriter will air out his enduring hits, including “Somebody’s Baby” and “Running on Empty,” the latter mired in contention a few years ago when John McCain’s campaign used the song without Browne’s permission. Greek Theater, 2700 N. Vermont Ave. 8 p.m. $40-$76. (323) 665-3125,

July 24

311. This ‘90s group has been going steady with its fusion of rap, reggae and hard rock, releasing “Uplifter,” its ninth studio album, last year. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. 7:30 p.m. $25-$80. (949) 855-8096 https://www.livenation.com.

July 30

Sergio Mendes. This maestro of Brazilian bossa nova incorporates elements of lounge, jazz and funk and has a new album out, “Born Tempo.” Morcheeba will open with downbeat grooves. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., L.A. 8:30 p.m. $10-$110. (323) 850-2000.

Serj Tankian. At work on his second solo album, “Imperfect Harmonies,” the System of a Down frontman is reportedly fusing orchestral arrangements with jazz and swells of stormy rock. Greek Theater, 2700 N Vermont Ave. 7:30 p.m. (323) 665-3125.

July 31

Joanna Newsom. This fleet-fingered harpist will be showcasing mellifluous tunes from her critically adored new album, “Have One on Me.” The Orpheum Theater, 842 S. Broadway. 9 p.m. $28.

Pacha Massive, Nonstop Bhangra. The former blends a mish-mash of Latin sounds, from cumbia to reggaeton to electronica and beyond, to create rhythm-heavy beat music. Nonstop Bhangra, from San Francisco, puts a modern spin on the ancient Punjab musical tradition. California Plaza, 300-350 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 8 p.m. Free. https://www.grandperformances.org.

Aug. 6

Silversun Pickups. It’s been quite a year for the hometown heroes. A best new artist nomination earned the act an invite to the Grammy Awards, and leader Brian Aubert recently got hitched. Now the worshippers of distortion-fueled ‘90s alterna-rock bring their anthems to Griffith Park. Greek Theatre. 2700 N Vermont Ave. Los Angeles. (323) 665-3125. On-sale information not yet available.

Aug. 7

Hard Summer. The second of two all-day dance fests under the Hard banner this summer. This one lacks M.I.A., but boasts Belgium’s masters of the remix Soulwax, Canadian electronic rockers Crystal Castles and Major Lazer, an all-star DJ collaboration between Diplo and Switch. Get their early for Chicago house maestro Green Velvet. Los Angeles State Historic Park. 1245 N. Spring St., L.A. $60. www.hardfest.com.

Aug. 11

Lady Gaga. Few are as ambitiously odd as Lady Gaga, at least when it comes to fashion. But what her tunes lack in weirdness they make up for with high-gloss hooks. Expect a spectacle, as live concerts from this chart-topper border on performance art. Staples Center. 1111 S. Figueroa St., L.A. $51.25-$181.50.

Aug. 11-13

Empire of the Sun. This Australian act claims its name has nothing to do with the J. G. Ballard novel or Steven Speilberg film of the same name. Instead, its influences are rooted in ‘80s snyth-pop, and Empire of the Sun uses technology to create an orchestra of dance-friendly sounds. Aug. 11-13 at the Music Box @ Fonda. 6126 Hollywood Blvd., L.A. All three shows are sold out.

Aug. 12

Warped Tour Now in Year 15, this venerable punk rock-focused trek continues to thrive. The Pomona date features a mix of respected vets (Dropkick Murphys, Alkaline Trio), forgotten hitmakers (Everclear, Reel Big Fish) and plenty of young upstarts. Pomona Fairplex. 1101 W. McKinley Ave, Pomona. $32.75. www.vanswarpedtour.com.

Power of the Riff Festival: LA-based avant-metal label Southern Lord presents day-long immersion into the darker crevices of metal. Featuring Corrosion of Conformity, Repulsion, Night Horse, Eagle Twin, Rats Eyes and more names to be announced. Echoplex, 1154 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles. Ticket prices not yet announced.

Aug. 13

Bassekou Kouyate, Dengue Fever. Mali musician Kouyote, who is touring with Bela Fleck, upholds the long tradition of rhythmic Mali music. His instrument of choice is the ngoni, a West African string instrument. Also on the bill is L.A.-born Dengue Fever, which creates magnetic, out-of-time Cambodian pop and rock music. California Plaza, 300-350 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 8 p.m. Free. www.grandperformances.org.

Aug. 13

Aterciopelados. It may not be as relaxing as a vacation, but an Aterciopelados show serves as a trip around the globe. The Columbian band hasn’t released a new album since 2008, but a chance to see the veteran, genre-hopping and technology-wielding act is worth celebrating. Troudadour, 9081 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. $20. www.troubadour.com.

Aug. 13, 17

American Idols Live. The Top 10 2010 “American Idol” finalists will appear, including Casey James, Crystal Bowersox, Katie Stevens and Lee DeWyze. The main reason to go, however, is to witness whatever weird-but-fun singer Siobhan Magnus will cook up. Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. Aug. 14. $40.50-$75. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim. Aug. 17. $52.81 - $89.10.

Aug. 13, 14

Harry Connick Jr. One of America’s most celebrated crooners — his most recent album tackles works by Billy Joel, the Beatles and Elton John — settles in for a two-night stay at the Hollywood Bowl. He’ll be backed by his band and joined by the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., L.A.. $10-$156.

Aug. 14

Seu Jorge. The Brazilian singer, composer and actor has already displayed his diversity to American audiences, at least those who have seen his work in “City of God” or witnessed him sing David Bowie covers in “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.” But in August, expect to dance, as his recent work is a multi-instrument mix of socially conscious grooves. Club Nokia, 1111 S. Figueroa St. L.A. $13.

Aug. 15

Levon Helm. The legendary drummer of the Band is touring in support of his 2009 solo effort. “Electric Dirt,” a relatively upbeat collection of exquisite country-folk numbers. Country rebel Steve Earle and local songstress Jenny Lewis also perform. Greek Theatre. 2700 N. Vermont Ave. L.A. $29.50 to $75.

Aug. 18

Rodrigo & Gabriela. Two of the more ferocious acoustic guitarists around, this Mexican duo whip up a frenzy of rhythmic and melodic textures. Australian singer-songwriter Xavier Rudd and his band Izintaba also perform. Greek Theatre. 2700 N. Vermont Ave.m L.A. $29.50 to $45.

Aug. 21

Al Green. With 2008’s “Lay It Down,” Green proved he wasn’t going to become a nostalgia act, because collaborations with the likes of the Roots’ Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson provided a smooth updating of his always refined soul. Greek Theatre. 2700 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. $30 to $110.

Bostich & Fussible. The Nortec Collective DJ team creates a seamless blend of electronic music that draws from norteno and techno music to create rhythm-heavy party music. California Plaza, 300-350 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 8 p.m. Free. www.grandperformances.org.

Aug. 21-22

Sunset Junction. The annual Silver Lake street fest has a retro-look in 2010, with local soul-influenced acts Mayer Hawthorne and Fitz and the Tantrums among the early bookings. Also on the bill: the Ohio Players, the Whispers and Meshell Ndegeocello. Sunset Junction Street Festival, 3700-4300 Sunset Blvd. and 4000-4200 Santa Monica Blvd. Prices not announced. /www.sunsetjunction.org.

Aug. 21, 23

Dave Matthews Band. The jam band’s recent “Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King” failed to win the Grammy for album of the year, but it did provide a streamlining of the band’s sound. Verizon Wireless Amphiteater, 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. Aug 21. $33.75-$66.75. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., L.A. Aug 23. $45-$85.

Aug. 22, 24

John Mayer. John Mayer has garnered more headlines this year for what he’s said than what he’s sang. Yet he still has boasts a career of hits and has plenty of suave bluesy riffs in his arsenal. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., L.A. Aug. 22. $38-$85.50. Verizon Wireless Amphiteater, 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. Aug. 24. $30-$73.50.

Aug. 24

Chris Isaak. The singer/talk-show host has a live album on the way and comes to the Greek in support of last year’s “Mr. Lucky.” It was Isaak’s first release of new material in seven years and captured the varying styles Isaak has tackled over the years, including plenty of his cool romanticism. Greek Theatre. 2700 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. $50 to $100.

Aug. 26-28

Sunset Strip Music Festival. A salute to former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash is already planned, so a performance from the artist is probably a safe bet, as are appearances from a dozen or so acts who worship at the blues-metal alter of Guns N’ Roses. Past performers have included Korn and Ozzy Osbourne. The fest is spread over six clubs and outdoor stages on the Sunset Strip, Sunset Boulevard between Doheny Drive and San Vicente Boulevard. www.sunsetstripmusicfestival.com.

Aug. 29

Chemical Brothers, Chromeo, YACHT. The British electronic duo teams with electro booty shakers Chromeo and catchy dance band YACHT to transform the bowl into an electro-tinged dance party. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave, L.A., 7 p.m. $12-$102, (323) 850-2000.

Aug. 30

Slayer, Megadeth. Epic speed metal band Slayer returns to its native ground to team with veteran headbanger Megadeth. Spend the summer season in the abyss with devil horns, power chords and righteous fury. Long Beach Arena, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, 7 p.m. $39.50. (562) 436-3636.

Aug. 31

Green Day. The AFI pop-punk genius and Broadway show tune superstar has managed to transform three chords and a melody into a stadium ready sound. With fellow punker AFI. Verizon Amphitheatre, 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 7 p.m. $20-$59.50. (949) 855-8096.

Sept. 4

FYF Fest. One of the best underground rock festivals in the country returns to the downtown LA State Historic Park with a two-day festival of hardcore punk, spazzy electronic, noise and indie. Line-up and ticket pricing to be determined, but rest assured it’ll pack a wallop for hipsters on a limited budget. LA State Historic Park, 1235 N. Spring St., L.A. noon to midnight. $20-$25. https://www.fyffest.com.

Sept. 10

Sheryl Crow, Colbie Caillat: She’s been making sturdy, radio-ready rock songs for two decades now, and at this point Crow has enough hits to create a set list overflowing with empowering sing-along anthems. With Malibu-born songwriter Colbie Caillat, whose DNA has predestined her to craft catchy, smart ditties. The Greek, 2700 N. Vermont Ave., L.A., 7:30 p.m. $35-$85. (323) 665-5857.

Sept. 10-12

<runtime:topic id=”PECLB0004946”>Pink Martini. One of the perennial feel-good concerts of the summer, Pink Martini brings its blend of cocktail jazz and pop to the Bowl. Music for sipping Chardonnay and tapping toes. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave, L.A., 7 p.m. $10-$120. (323) 850-2000.

Sept. 18

Phoenix, Grizzly Bear, Girls. The Bowl kicks off a virtual “indie week” with French rock stars Phoenix, which has gradually built its stateside fanbase to become one of the biggest guitar bands in America. Openers are indie barbershop quartet Grizzly Bear and San Francisco pop rock masters Girls. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave, L.A., 7 p.m. $25-$58. (323) 850-2000.

Sept. 19

Paramore. The platinum rock band’s not-so-secret weapon is Hayley Williams, the charismatic singer and keyboardist who brings energy and spark to their post-emo sound. Also on the packed bill are Tegan and Sara, New Found Glory, and Kadawatha. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave, Anaheim, 6 p.m., $48. (714) 704-2400.

Sept. 19

Ozomatli, Los Super Seven: East LA’s best melting-pot party band has been planning this big-production Bowl extravaganza for the past half-year and will feature a wide range of Angeleno sounds. Also on the bill is the great Latin American super group Los Super Seven. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave, L.A., 7 p.m. $12-$102. (323) 850-2000.

Sept. 22

Uproar Festival: Anger can be power, apparently, as evidenced by this mega-guitar punk extravaganza featuring Disturbed, Avenged Sevenfold, Airborne and Hellyeah, among others. Verizon Amphitheatre, 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 7 p.m. $20-$59.50. (949) 855-8096.

Sept. 23, 25

Muse, Passion Pit: Huge British prog rock band Muse takes over downtown after a successful star-turn at Coachella. Openers Passion Pit also tore up Coachella, and, combined, this promises to be a fist-pumping, brain-noodling rock rollercoaster. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim. Sept. 23. $47.15-$77.85. (714) 704-2400. Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa, L.A., Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m., sold out, (213) 742-7100.

Sept. 24

Willie Nelson: The king of country music continues his never-ending tour at the Greek, where the open-air atmosphere will provide much needed ventilation for all the secondhand … twang. The Greek, 2700 N. Vermont Ave., L.A., 8 p.m. $35-$85. (323) 665-5857.

Sept. 25

Band of Horses: After jumping from mega-indie Sub Pop to major label Columbia, the Seattle country rock band is looking to cross over by walking the line between indie rock, jam band music and twang. The Greek, 2700 N. Vermont Ave., L.A., 7:30 p.m. $37.50. (323) 665-5857.

Sept. 26

Vampire Weekend, Beach House: Mixing indie rock, tropical rhythms and West African guitar licks, Vampire Weekend has created a catchy, pop-friendly sound that has made it one of the most acclaimed bands in America. Opener Beach House is even better, though, with its love of Brill Building song craft and echo-chamber pop. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave, L.A., 7 p.m. $18-$85. (323) 850-2000.

Kris Kristofferson: The charismatic songwriter-turned-actor has just released a new collection of his early demos, which once again proves him to be a master lyricist with wit, grace and intelligence. Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., 7 p.m., $46. (805) 449-2787.

Sept. 27

Black Keys: Mix country blues with skewed Captain Beefheart guitar tangle and enough rhythm to move a bunch of hipsters and you’ve got Akron, Ohio’s Black Keys, who provide evidence of the ongoing vitality of old American musical forms. Hollywood Palladium, 6215 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A., 7 p.m., $43. (323) 962-7600.

Sept. 30

Pavement, Sonic Youth, No Age: If, as Robert Christgau once said, Sonic Youth extended the electric guitar’s relevance by a decade, reunited indie legends Pavement pushed the shelf-life even further. No Age, then, has rendered Christgau’s prediction moot by creating new guitar sounds for a new generation. (So we’ve got until at least 2020 now.) Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave, L.A., 7 p.m. $30-$70. (323) 850-2000.

Compiled by August Brown, Todd Martens, Randall Roberts and Margaret Wappler

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