Get Into the LA Groove: Sep. 16-22, 2024

Presented by The Witching Hours and Safe Travels, Alphabet Soup is a series of free shows that bring together artists alphabetically instead of by genre. Brought to you by the letter Q, the September 16 show at Resident includes neo-soul and jazz singer Qur’an Shaheed, darkwave artist Qyburn and DJ Quantoom. RSVP at Eventbrite.

In 2019, the celebrated Brazilian musician Marcos Valle headed to Los Angeles and recorded JID003 with Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad for their label/event brand Jazz Is Dead. In celebration of his 80th birthday, Valle will tour the U.S. under the Jazz Está Morto banner. Valle - whose work spans Bossa Nova, psyche and jazz funk, like his early ‘80s club favorite “Estrelar” - will headline The Ford on September 17, where he’ll be joined by Brazilian jazz funk outfit Azymuth and locals Brainstory.

Julieta Venegas, whose dance floor-friendly 2022 album, Tu Historia, picked up a Latin GRAMMY for Best Pop Vocal Album, heads to The Greek Theatre on Tuesday, September 17. Opening the show is Elsa y Elmar, the Mexico City-based, Latin GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter and producer whose most recent album, Palacio, was released in late August. Tickets at Ticketmaster.

Actor and filmmaker Bridey Elliott hosts a night of strange tales that stem from Hollywood life. Taking place at the Philosophical Research Society on September 17, Hollyweird includes performances from Kimmy Robertson, whom Twin Peaks fans will recognize from her role as Lucy Moran; Charles Rogers, Mitra Jouhari and Casey Jane Ellison. Tickets at Eventbrite.

GRAMMY winners and Hollywood Bowl favorites, Rodrigo y Gabriela return to the iconic amphitheater on Wednesday, September 18. Released last year, the Mexican guitar duo’s most recent album, In Between Thoughts…A New World melds rock, flamenco and funk with big, orchestral flourishes and occasional nods to Ennio Morricone’s iconic film scores. Afro-Cuban All Stars opens the show.

Known for singer Samuel T. Herring’s intense and emotional performance style, Future Islands is currently touring in support of their latest album, People Who Aren’t There Anymore. The indie favorites will be playing the Shrine Auditorium on Wednesday, September 18. Opening the show is Oh, Rose, the Washington-based band whose new album, Dorothy, is out in early September. Tickets to the all-ages show at AXS.

Donald Glover says goodbye to his hip-hop alter ego Childish Gambino with the album Bando Stone and the New World, released in July, and his current tour, which hits Crypto.com Arena this week. Wednesday the 18th is the first of two nights that he and opener Willow will play at the arena. Tickets, including VIP packages, are still available for both nights.

With a new EP, Black and Blue, out on September 13, local pop-punk faves Go Betty Go headline The Paramount in Boyle Heights on Thursday, September 19. Joining them are special guests Los Abandoned, as well as The Reflectors and Stormhouse. Tickets to the all-ages show at Dice.

Two Door Cinema Club, the Northern Irish band behind 2010s indie dance jams like “What You Know” and “Bad Decisions,” returns to Los Angeles on Thursday, September 19, where they’ll be playing the YouTube Theater. Opening the night is singer and TikTok personality Petey. Tickets at Ticketmaster.

Earlier this year, influential indie rock band Les Savy Fav returned with their first full-length album in 14 years, Oui, LSF, and are hitting the road with a just a few dates across the U.S. They’ll be at Zebulon on Friday, September 20, with Flat Worms opening; and September 21 with support from Tap PS. Tickets at Dice.

Estrada, the LA-based musician who describes his ‘90s-influenced sound as “foogaze,” hits the stage at The Paramount for the Boyle Heights venue’s darkwave night on Friday, September 20. Support from Oxnard's The Crystal Tears, who meld post-punk and soul to forge a unique sound; along with DJs Riki and Darko. Tickets to the all-ages show at Dice.

Peter Hook, the founding member of Joy Division and New Order whose idiosyncratic bass style influenced countless bands to follow, heads to the Hollywood Palladium on Friday, September 20, with his band The Light. They’ll be performing both Substance, the Joy Division singles compilation; and Substance, New Order’s 1987 best of album, so expect a night of bangers and fan favorites. Tickets at Live Nation.

With a new album, Hole Erth, out on September 6, indie electronic artist Toro y Moi headlines Hollywood Forever on Saturday, September 20. The concert is out on the Fairbanks Lawn of the famed cemetery, so bring a blanket and pillows. Picnics are fine for this event, but check Hollywood Forever’s site for what you can or can’t bring. Note that gates open at 6pm, but Toro y Moi’s set doesn’t begin until 8pm. DJ Zach Fox will open the night.

Dengue Fever, the Southern California band influenced by Cambodian rock of the 1960s, celebrates the 20th anniversary of their self-titled debut album at Lodge Room on Friday, September 20. Opening is Brazilian-raised, LA-based Bossa Nova artist Gabriel da Rosa.

Barcelona’s Brunch Electronik party heads back to Downtown LA for an outdoor dance party at Pershing Square on Saturday, September 21. British DJ Argy headlines a bill that also includes techno star Dubfire, Sabo and Airicca. Ticket options include the VIP Backstage Village pass, which includes access to the lounge and specialty cocktail bar, plus expedited entry. Tickets at Dice.

Leæther Strip, the long-running and quite prolific EBM project from Danish musician Claus Larsen, tours the U.S. this fall, following the release of his latest album, Serenade for the Dead, in early September. He’ll be playing the legendary Catch One on a night presented by industrial party Das Bunker, with support from Physical Wash and Fuedal.

Gavin Turek, who digs deeper into her disco and ‘80s R&B influences on her recent single “Outta My Mind,” brings her tour in support of the new album, Diva for the People, to Echoplex on Saturday, September 21. Be sure to arrive early to check out house singer Cor.Ece and alt-R&B duo RM47. Tickets at Live Nation.

Britpop icons Pulp begin their run of LA shows with a midweek, two-night stint at the Hollywood Palladium. Their performance at Hollywood Forever on Saturday, September 21 is perhaps the must-see of the three concerts. They’re playing on the Fairbanks Lawn at the historic cemetery, a setting that fits nicely with the drama packed into Pulp songs. Escape-ism opens the show at 7pm. Remember to bring a blanket, pillows and a picnic! Tickets at Ticketweb.

The second round of the North American leg of Nicki Minaj’s current world tour, which Billboard named as the highest grossing rap tour by a woman, is in effect. When she hits Los Angeles, the pop superstar will play Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, September 21; and Kia Forum on September 22. Both shows include support from Tyga, Bia and Skillibeng. Tickets at Ticketmaster.

Analog Outlaw isn’t a typical book fair. Organized by locals Bibliomancers and Nooners Books, the event brings together a cross-section of local publishers and vendors focusing on underground books, records and more. It’s an event designed for adults with discerning tastes and, since Analog Outlaw is going down at 21+ venue Zebulon, you can expect more of a day party vibe. Tickets at Dice.