My Chemical Romance bring their emo catalogue to the Hollywood Bowl on Friday, while Andrew Bird joins the Los Angeles Philharmonic at Walt Disney Concert Hall the same night. Those two sit on opposite ends of the week’s sound, and the rest of the list fills in the middle with jazz, electronic sets and stand-up.
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- My Chemical Romance at the Hollywood Bowl
- Andrew Bird with the Los Angeles Philharmonic
- Julian Lage and friends at the John Anson Ford Theatre
- Rapsody at the Blue Note Los Angeles
- Ballet Festival: Jerome Robbins at the Ahmanson
- Kool and The Gang at Pershing Square
- Hugel at Reframe Studios Outdoors
- Rock 2 Freedom Festival at the Wiltern
- The Adicts at the Novo
- Chelsea Wolfe at the Orpheum
My Chemical Romance at the Hollywood Bowl
Fri, Oct 23, 8:00 PM · Hollywood Bowl · from $98
The New Jersey emo band that made The Black Parade a defining record of the 2000s returns to one of the city’s most storied outdoor stages. Expect a crowd singing every word and a set built for the open air. Booking early is wise for a show this sought after.
Andrew Bird with the Los Angeles Philharmonic
Fri, Oct 23, 8:00 PM · Walt Disney Concert Hall · from $177
Bird’s violin loops and whistling melodies translate well to a full orchestra, and Walt Disney Concert Hall is one of the finest rooms in the country for hearing that detail. It is a rare chance to hear an indie songwriter inside a symphonic setting.
Julian Lage and friends at the John Anson Ford Theatre
Fri, Oct 23, 8:00 PM · John Anson Ford Theatre · from $81
Guitarist Julian Lage brings his jazz and blues playing to an outdoor amphitheatre in the Hollywood Hills, joined by John Medeski, Jorge Roeder and Kenny Wollesen. The intimate setting suits improvised music well. Expect a relaxed evening of conversational, virtuosic playing.
Rapsody at the Blue Note Los Angeles
Fri, Oct 23, 7:00 PM · Blue Note Los Angeles · from $64
Rapsody is a Grammy-winning rapper whose lyrical, jazz-tinged albums have earned critical acclaim. The Blue Note’s small room puts you close to the performance. It is a strong pick for hip-hop fans who want something more intimate.
Ballet Festival: Jerome Robbins at the Ahmanson
Fri, Oct 23, 7:30 PM · Ahmanson Theatre · from $84
Jerome Robbins choreographed some of the most celebrated dance of the twentieth century, including West Side Story. This program at the Ahmanson offers a chance to see his work performed by a company in a major theatre. It suits anyone who wants dance rather than a concert.
Kool and The Gang at Pershing Square
Sat, Oct 24, 2:00 PM · Pershing Square – Los Angeles · from $36
The funk and R&B band behind Celebration and Get Down on It has been a dancefloor staple for decades. This free-to-the-public-style square setting in downtown makes for an easygoing afternoon. Bring something to dance to.
Hugel at Reframe Studios Outdoors
Sat, Oct 24, 6:00 PM · Reframe Studios Outdoors · from $507
Hugel is a techno producer whose sets have built a loyal following in electronic circles. This outdoor Saturday date offers a daytime alternative to the city’s nightclub scene. It suits fans who prefer dance music in open air.
Rock 2 Freedom Festival at the Wiltern
Sat, Oct 24, 3:30 AM · The Wiltern · from $375
The Offspring and .48 Special share a bill at the Wiltern, a historic Art Deco theatre on Wilshire Boulevard. The Offspring’s Smash-era punk-pop remains a touchstone for many. The venue’s ornate interior is part of the evening.
The Adicts at the Novo
Fri, Oct 23, 8:00 PM · The Novo · from $68
The Adicts are a long-running British punk band known for their theatrical, comic-book style. The Novo is a compact room in downtown that suits a loud, communal night. Expect a crowd that knows the anthems well.
Chelsea Wolfe at the Orpheum
Fri, Oct 23, 8:30 PM · Orpheum Theatre – Los Angeles · from $34
Chelsea Wolfe blends gothic folk with heavy, atmospheric rock, and her records have earned a devoted cult following. The Orpheum’s historic downtown room is a strong setting for her brooding sound. It is a good pick for listeners who want something moody.
Check dates and times before you go, and book early for the Hollywood Bowl and Walt Disney Concert Hall, where demand tends to run high.
