There is a wide variety of musical acts coming to the LA area this spring. From Jay-Z to Willie Nelson, there are numerous chances for you to see your favorite band live.
If you happen to be staying in Claremont over spring break, you are in luck because the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is playing four gigs in Los Angeles. The band starts its mini LA tour Thursday, Mar. 11, at the Echoplex. It will also play there Friday, Mar. 12 and Sunday, Mar. 14. Tickets are scarce, but do not fret. Amoeba Music will be hosting a free B.R.M.C. set Mar. 12. The concert starts at 6 p.m., but since the line to get in will be long, plan to arrive early. After the set, you can stay behind and browse through Amoeba’s inventory of vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and posters.
Jay-Z’s BP3 Tour, titled after his most recent album, “The Blue Print 3,” will be making its last stop in Los Angles Friday, Mar. 26. Along with Young Jeezy and Trey Songz, Jay-Z will be playing at the Staples Center. He will be back in Southern California for the Coachella Festival Friday, Apr. 16.
If for some reason you have yet to see RJD2 and are looking for a concert where dancing is mandatory, you can catch him along with opening acts Busdriver and Happy Chichester at the El Rey Theatre Tuesday, Apr. 6. Expect a very intimate show, since the El Rey is a rather small venue.
If you have ever listened to Vampire Weekend, you know that the only way to stop their catchy songs from popping into your head is to listen to them repeatedly. What’s better than playing them over and over? You guessed it: seeing them live. Vampire Weekend is playing at the Fox Theater Pomona Wednesday, Apr. 14. Abe Vigoda will be opening.
Feel like seeing a legend on stage? Willie Nelson will be playing at the Grove of Anaheim Thursday, Apr. 15. You get to listen to Americana music while watching a master songwriter play a mellow set.
The two-piece band from Vancouver, Japandroids, is playing at the Echoplex Thursday, Apr. 22. The band consists of one drummer and one guitarist; both members sing. Some call them noise rock while others use the words “psychedelic” and “shoegaze” interchangeably to describe them. They define themselves as garage rock. Though there are only two members in the band, anticipate a highly energized performance and be ready to listen to their crazy banter.
It is difficult to define the type of music Dr. Dog plays. It is certain that the group is a rock band influenced by folk, blues, and psychedelic rock. In any case, Dr. Dog will be at the Henry Fonda Theater Tuesday, Apr. 27. Deer Tick will be opening.
No matter who you decide to see live, be sure to plan ahead and get your tickets in time. Nothing is more disappointing than missing out on your favorite band.