Fall in Los Angeles marks the dwindling of outdoor festivities, but before busting out that winter jacket, LA’s best fall concerts offer exciting and diverse options for concert-goers.
SEPTEMBER
I LOVE THE 90’S: Fatboy Slim
Sept. 18 at Shrine Auditorium & Expo Center
Remember the music video with Christopher Walken dancing? Yeah, that was this guy. And he’s still peddling his unique blend of funk, pop, electronica, hip-hop, house, and everything in between.
CLASSY: Yanni
Sept. 19 at Nokia Theatre LA Live
Two-time grammy winning pianist, composer, and music producer Yanni takes a break from touring the world to serenade Los Angelians with a night of soft rock and smooth jazz. His most recent work has evolved to include an array of instruments and influences Yanni has encountered over the course of his travels.
A PLEASURE (GUILTY): Katy Perry
Sept. 19 – 20 at Staples Center
There are plenty of closeted Katy Perry fans out there. How else can you explain the pop princesses’ Top 40 staying power? It’s been six years since “I Kissed a Girl” hit the radio. Now, prepare to listen to her vent her frustrations about her breakup with John Mayer.
INDIE: Pixies, Gogol Bordello and Cat Power
Sept. 28 at Hollywood Bowl
They might not be the Pixies of ol’, but Black Francis, David Lovering, Joey Santiago and Paz Lenchantin have reignited a passion in fans since the band started on its 10-year reunion tour. Joining them on stage, the somewhat odd pairing of Gogol Bordello, a gypsy punk band from Manhattan, and indie chanteuse Cat Power.
OCTOBER
TOP 40: Lorde
Oct. 9 at Santa Barbara Bowl
Lorde brings her hypnotic sound to the Santa Barbara Bowl. Although her hits “Royal” and “Tennis Court” have been murdered by radio over play, she remains a force to be reckoned with.
HIPSTER: Of Montreal
Oct. 16 at The Mayan
Since 1996, is there any sound ‘Of Montreal’ hasn’t gone for? From Kinks-inspired psychedelic to afrobeat, pseudo punk to electronica, they certainly have one of the more sundry musica libraries on our list. There’s no real telling what frontman Kevin Barnes will pull out of the bag during any given performance. This can either excite or terrify. Occasionally both.
COOL & QUIRKY: Alt-J
Oct. 20 at Fox Theater
The English quartet of Alt-J offered a dash of alternative rock, a sprinkle of jazz, and a whole lot style in their 2012 debut album, An Awesome Wave. Should they be worried about a sophomore slump? Hardly.
NOVEMBER
TRENDY: Bleachers
Nov. 5 at the Wiltern
Pop-hop, glam-rock – The Bleachers are another one of those bands that occupies a very gray area of genre. “I Wanna Get Better”, the band’s first single, dominated the airwaves this summer and topped the Billboard charts at #1. Lead singer and guitarist Jack Antonoff, who’s taking a break from his other band Fun, has an uncanny ability to turn the audience’s fervor up to 11. Expect more of the same.
ARENA ROCK: The Black Keys
Nov. 6 at the Forum
Everyone has been talking about the dynamic duo, The Black Keys, since their album Brothers peaked at No. 3 a couple of years ago on the Billboard charts. Nowadays, tickets can be hard to come by, but if you’re lucky, prepare for a stellar mix of blues, soul, and garage rock.
FUNKY: The Coup
Nov. 6 at the Satellite
If The Black Keys show is sold out, be sure to skip over to Silverlake for The Coup, a political funk/rock/hip-hop band fronted by MC Boots Riley. An insanely danceable bass-driven beat lays the ground for some clever, often insightful, lyrics scrutinizing the corruptibility of American capitalism, law enforcement, and patriarchal attitudes.
SUNNY: Vance Joy
Nov. 28 at The Fonda Theatre
Touted as the new Australian Jack Johnson, singer-songwriter Vance Joy captured America’s attention with his ukelele and so-comforting-it’s-like-you’re-actually-on-the-beach vocals in Riptide. He’s primed to make a big splash with his debut album, Dream Your Life Away, out now on iTunes.
