Thursday, May 15th
Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Sleepy Sun at The Regency Ballroom
Charles Bradley is a force unlike any other force in soul music. This 65 year old former James Brown impersonator is a living testament that hard work and patience will pay off. This man was 60 when he finally got to release his first full length record, and his live show is indescribable.
Maximo Park, Eternal Summers at Rickshaw Stop
Priscilla Ahn at Yoshi’s – San Francisco
Friday, May 16th
New Young Pony Club, Parade Of Lights at Neck Of The Woods
We are about due for an electroclash revival, aren’t we? Aren’t we all sick of this EDM shows where it’s just a guy behind a laptop with a bunch of lights? New Young Pony Club haven’t been to the US in seven years, however their new material is just as strong as ever, and frontwoman Tahita Bulmer is one of the best band leaders I’ve ever seen.
Say Hi, Big Scary, HIPS at Bottom Of The Hill
Saturday, May 17th
Allen Toussaint at Yoshi’s – Jack London Square
Allen Toussaint is a rock n roll legend and innovator. He bridged New Orleans Funk and classic 50’s rock creating an entirely unique sound, and he’s been doing it for over 40 years.
Lindsey Sterling, Dia Frampton at The Warfield
Sunday, May 18th
Iggy Azalea at The Fillmore
Iggy Azalea is one of the best MC’s in the business. She is simply amazing on the mic, and, although this is her first full scale tour, it’s going to be great. Now listen to the song of the summer:
Monday, May 19th
Nickel Creek, The Secret Sisters at The Fox Theater – Oakland
Nickel Creek left us with Why Did The Fire Die nine long years ago. It was a brilliant record. Fast forward to a world where bands like Lumineers, Civil Wars, and Mumford & Sons are the biggest bands on earth, it’s only fair that Nickel Creek get to enjoy some of this folk revival that they helped inspire. They are back with a brilliant new album and one of the highest energy shows you will see all year.
Ben Folds with San Francisco Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall
Tuesday, May 20th
The Ghost Of A Saber Tooth Tiger, Syd Arthur at Great American Music Hall
Sean Lennon is the child of Yoko Ono and John Lennon. So chances were slim that he’d end up working as an accountant. It also means that he’s under an insane amount of pressure, because look at the footsteps he has to follow! I am very happy to say that he managed to put together a musical project that blends together psych, folk, and pop in a way that will do his dad proud.
Christina Perri, Birdy at The Fillmore
Wednesday, May 21st
Princess at The Regency Ballroom
This is the third time Maya Rudolph has brought her Prince cover band to the Bay Area in the last three years. At this point, it’s no longer just a novelty. It’s a genuine project that comes from a genuine love of Revolution-era Prince. It’s one helluva show, too!
Ledisi, Robert Glasper Experiment at The Warfield
