It’s finally, officially, fall, which is supposed to be the pinnacle of concert season. These 22 shows prove that theory right.
From legacy act anniversary tours to up-and-comers, and legends that rarely perform to legends vowing to retire after one last stadium tour (really!), there’s something for everyone willing to wear earplugs.
September
Grace Jones at Fox Theater, September 23
Sure, this ticket isn’t cheap but it’s the Grace Jones. How often does Grace Jones tour? Never. Go hear “Warm Leatherette.” That alone is worth the ticket.
Sudan Archives at The Independent, September 27
The most modern sounding working violinist. The future of pop music? Sudan Archives is primed to have a massive 2023. See Brittney Parks before she’s labeled as the next MIA or Lorde or Lizzo.
Mac Sabbath at Great American Music Hall, September 27
Is there a better time to enjoy some McDonald’s-themed Sabbath tunes?
Kehlani at Oakland Arena, September 30
Oakland’s finest performs at the Oakland Arena.
October
DEHD at August Hall, October 2
If you prefer your ’80s-influenced synth pop to be minimal and clean in sound but maximum goth bordering on parody in presentation, DEHD is for you.
Rosalia at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, October 4
See her in an auditorium before she’s headlining stadiums next summer.
My Chemical Romance at Oakland Arena, October 5
It’s Halloween’s favorite band in the same month of Halloween. This tour has been selling out at every stop and it’s obvious this is the show of the season. Also, teenagers still scare the living shit out of me.
Johanna Warren at Starline Social Club, October 8
Originally from St. Petersburg, Florida, now based in Wales, United Kingdom, Warren makes the kind of guitar driven singalongs that share commonalities with Billie Eilish and Elliott Smith. They’re not anthems, but they will get stuck in your head.
Elton John at Levi’s Stadium, October 8-9
It’s a goodbye tour, but I’ll bet any amount of money there’s another Vegas residency on the horizon.
SnowBlood at DNA Lounge, October 14
Do you prefer your spooky music with lots of four-letter words, abrasive noise reminiscent of 100 old-school NES consoles breaking down and female-fronted vocals inspired by K-pop? Here you go!
Lissie at The Independent, October 20
The Stevie Nicks vocal similarities are impossible to deny. They’re also a huge compliment. See Lissie during witch season.
Lil Nas X at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, October 23
For the first year of his career, Lil Nas X was considered a novelty. The novelty has worn off. The relevancy hasn’t.
Twin Temple at The Regency Ballroom, October 27
What does “satanic doo-wop” sound like? Get in this time machine to a bizarro version of 1962 and find out.
The B-52’s at The Masonic, October 28-30
This is the best farewell tour of the season because it seems like it’s actually a farewell tour. The best and most fun band to ever come out of Athens, Georgia (yes, R.E.M. is from Athens, but who’s more fun?) spends three nights with thousands of colorfully dressed, like-minded individuals and openers The Tubes.
Turnstile, JPEGMAFIA and Snail Mail at Fox Theater, October 30, at The Warfield, October 31
Three of the best Baltimore acts on one tour. The only thing these acts really have in common is a shared area code. Doesn’t matter. From start to finish, this is one of the best bills of the season.
November
Bret McKenzie at The Fillmore, November 9
Half of Flight of the Conchords gets serious with his “Songs Without Jokes” tour.
The Smashing Pumpkins at Chase Center, November 15
Billy and friends belong in stadiums.
Jean Dawson at The New Parish, November 15
The Venn diagram of My Chemical Romance and Lil Uzi Vert puts Jean Dawson right in the middle. The Tijuana/San Diego rapper embraces the sound and ethos of the loudest emo and the nihilism of trap.
Girl Talk at The Fillmore, November 18
The dream of the ’00s is alive at Girl Talk shows.
Bill Callahan at Palace of Fine Arts, November 20
As the weather gets chillier, Callahan’s introspection sounds more appropriate.
December
Alaska at The Independent, December 8-9
Yes, Alaska is a winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race but she’s also a musician. Or at least sings live. However you classify them, they put on a fun show.
Courtney Marie Andrews at The Independent, December 13
There’s a maturity and beauty in Andrews’s sound. She’s barely 30, but I’m looking forward to hearing what songs like “Loose Future” sound like in 30 more years.
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