Masks are starting to come off (at long last), and so far, we’re looking at the best live-music season in S.F. in recent memory. (Fact: We can no longer remember anything before March 2020.)
Herein, we’ve compiled an eclectic bunch of shows — and a couple of festivals, too — for the months to come. Whether you want the stadium experience or something more intimate, these are the can’t-miss shows of the spring.
Note that some indoor venues are still requiring masks and proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry. Double check before you go.
Because as he gets older, he’s found a slick blues groove
John Mayer, March 18 and 19, Chase Center, San Francisco
Because smooth funk is the name of the game with this winning mashup of NOLA, Bay Area and Brooklyn sounds
Pimps of Joytime, March 24, Starline Social Club, Oakland
Because she’s sizzling hot right now
Charli XCX, March 26 and 27, The Fox Theater, Oakland
Because you have to hear for yourself why she won the Best Pop Vocal Album Grammy in 2021
Dua Lipa, March 27, SAP Center, San Jose
Because have you even lived if you haven’t streamed “The End of the World” for three solid days?
Billie Eilish, March 29, Chase Center, San Francisco
Because “The Voice of Broadway” is bringing the Great White Way to the West
Betty Buckley with Christian Jacob, March 30 to April 2, Feinstein’s at the Nikko, San Francisco
Because even without Fleetwood Mac, rumours are that this guy can shred
Lindsey Buckingham, April 5, Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Because two totally different New Orleans bands are in the hall
Tank and the Bangas, Big Freedia, April 8, August Hall, San Francisco
Because electric blues played by the best never get you down
Keb’ Mo’, April 21 to April 24, SFJAZZ Center, San Francisco
Because this Bay Area psychedelic rock favorite always brings the rolling papers
Moonalice, April 22, Great American Music Hall, San Francisco
Because exploring his family legacy is a cosmic jazz experience
Ravi Coltrane, April 28 to May 1, SFJAZZ Center, San Francisco
Because when one of the world’s hottest Latino Reggaeton stars comes to play, we’re in
J Balvin, May 1, Oakland Arena, Oakland
Because it’s a sure sign the pandemic is waning when a Kiwi arrives in town
Lorde, May 3, Bill Graham Civic Center
Because after watching eight hours of “Get Back” we’ve just gotta see this legend’s “Got Back” tour
Paul McCartney, May 6, Oakland Arena
Because when funk meets psychedelia, the show is always mind blowing
St. Paul and The Broken Bones, May 6, The Fox Theater, Oakland
Because a new NorCal music fest is a cause for a full-day celebration
Mill Valley Music Festival featuring Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Lettuce and more, May 7, Friends Field, Mill Valley
Because this is one rapper who proudly admits to loving his Auto-Tune voice processor
T-Pain, May 10, The Warfield, San Francisco
Because you know you want to hear “Yellow” one more time live
Coldplay with guest H.E.R., May 15, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
Because if you love rock ‘n’ roll, you’ve gotta see both these legendary bands at least once in your life
Steve Winwood and Steely Dan, May 25, Concord Pavilion, Concord
Because you loved the Super Bowl halftime show and need some more aging rap stars in your life
Mount Westmore featuring Snoop Dogg, E-40, Too Short and Ice Cube, May 27, Oakland Arena, Oakland
Because your kids will be clamoring to go along to see this Disney Channel teen phenom
Olivia Rodrigo, May 27, Bill Graham Civic Center, San Francisco
Because this may just be the greatest music, wine and food festival ever
BottleRock Napa Valley Festival featuring Metallica, Pink, Luke Combs, The Black Crowes and more, May 27 to May 29, Napa Valley Expo, Napa
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