The 21 LA Shows That Matter From Now Until 2018

Outdoor music season? Just beginning.

September 11, 2017 9:00 am

If your correspondent had a church in L.A., it would be the hallowed halls of our city’s music venues.

The Greek. The Palladium. Troubadour. The Wiltern.

These are storied stages, and you’ll find them all on our list of the 21 best shows in town between now and the end of 2017.

New bands, old bands, serious bands, sardonic bands — all in there.

So pick up some tickets, sync your calendars and dust off those dancing shoes.

Because when you say you love all music you do mean all music …
Kaaboo Festival at the Del Mar Racetrack, September 15-17

Because you like to stay ahead of the curve on the next big thing
The National Parks at the Resident, September 18

Because you want to witness some of the greatest dance moves of all time
Future Islands at The Greek Theatre, September 19

Because American roots tunes play well with others
Mondo Cozmo at the El Rey, September 26

Because you want to share positive energy with a theater full of lovers
Bonobo at The Greek Theatre, September 27

Because you have a soft spot for larger-than-life reunions
The Shins at The Greek Theatre, September 29

Because American rock and roll has gone no where, baby
The War on Drugs at The Greek Theater, October 5

Because country music can be transcendent, too
Sturgill Simpson at The Greek Theatre, October 6

Because you want to see the possible next John Prine
Aaron Lee Tasjan at the Troubadour, October 9

Because there’s a hole in your heart that can only be filled by soul
Eric Lindell at The Mint, October 11

Because he’s a sexy, strange poet-performer in a dapper suit with an attitude to match
Father John Misty at The Greek Theater, October 13

Because you prefer your electronic music to be played by a bandand not a laptop
Odesza at the Staples Center, October 20

Because can’t we all just get along? 
Thievery Corporation the Hollywood Palladium, October 27

Because you like to ride the wave of an endless guitar solo 
Trey Anastasio Band at The Wiltern, October 31

Because listening to these ladies in the back room at McCabe’s is the gospel
Jolie Holland and Samantha Parton at McCabe’s Guitar Shop, November 3

Because they’re doing one set acoustic and one set electric
Deer Tick at the Teragram Ballroom, November 11

Because they do an alt-country cover of “Eye of the Tiger” that deserves repeat listens
The Rural Alberta Advantage at The Troubadour, November 13

Because you want to hear an arena-level band from a theater seat
Elbow at The Wiltern, November 16

Because you want to dance yourself clean
LCD Soundsystem at the Hollywood Palladium, November 21

Because you missed Guns N Roses at Dodger Stadium (or can’t get enough)
Guns N Roses at the Staples Center, November 24

Because if you’re like us, you have Painted Ruins on repeat
Grizzly Bear at The Wiltern, December 13, 14

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