41 Best Los Angeles Concerts This May Featuring The Cure, Tegan & Sara, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires

April showers bring May flowers, or in the case of the Los Angeles live music scene, May is in full bloom with a wide array of concerts, featuring artists who are bringing their vibrant sounds to center stage. Musical pioneers such as The Cure, Duran Duran, The Who and Buzzcocks are sharing both new music and reviving old classics that feel as fresh and timeless as ever. There’s also a plethora of artists bursting onto the scene with robust new sounds and albums, from Tegan & Sara to Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires to Kim & The Created. Stop and smell the roses, or even better yet, stop and check out some of the eclectic musical offerings that May has in store.

May 2 — Duran Duran at Belasco Theater
When we last caught ’80s New Wave icons Duran Duran live they proved that after all these years they’ve still got it! Don’t miss your chance to hear everything from classic hits such as “Ordinary World” and “Hungry Like The Wolf” to fresh tracks like “Pressure Off” from their new album Paper Gods.
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May 2 — Gavin Turek Monday Night Residency at Bootleg Theater
The Bootleg is going to be poppin’ this month when indie electro-pop bae Gavin Turek takes over for a rump shakin’ good time every Monday Night in May. Lucky fans can i hatear all new music from Turek too! For this special kick off night, supporting acts Res, Alina Bea and DJ Val Fleury will be getting the party started.
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May 2 — Kim & The Created Record Release Show at Echoplex
Los Angeles favorites Kim & The Created, fronted by the immeasurable Kim House, are coming fresh off a tour with The Kills and into the direct spotlight with their Record Release show at The Echoplex this month. Hear new tunes such as the headbanging thrasher “Can’t Be” and manic surf number “Get What I Want.” WuWu supports.
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May 2 — The Soft White Sixties Monday Night Residency at The Satellite
Retro rock n’ rollers The Soft White Sixties have made the leap from San Francisco to their new home of Los Angeles and we welcome them with open arms. Be sure to catch these heavy soul-hitters ripping it up every Monday Night in May at The Satellite. Joining them for night one are special guests KOLARS, Sexy Jesus and Ellipses.
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May 2 — Monsieur Perine
From Columbia’s thriving music scene comes the large and in charge sounds of Monsieur Perine. The group incorporates elements of gypsy jazz, traditional Latin music styles from Cumbia to Bolero to Samba, and South American instrumentation, all which can be heard on their breakout album Caja de Musica. Hear what makes these Latin Grammy winners so special. Salt Petal support.
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May 2 — Tegan & Sara at The Roxy
Singer-songwriter sibling duo Tegan & Sara are ready to wow their Los Angeles fans with songs from their new album Love You To Death, which drops June 3 via Warner Bros. Records. Get down to addictive, catchy singles such as “U-Turn” and “Boyfriend” live before anyone else and earn some serious bragging rights.
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May 3 — Tegan & Sara at Teragram Ballroom
Tegan & Sara fans rejoice! In addition to their Roxy show you can catch the awesome Grammy nominated indie pop duo headlining at Teragram Ballroom. Let them sweep you off your feet with songs from their new album Love You To Death!
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May 3 — Genevieve Bellemare at The Hi-Hat
Los Angeles. via Vancouver singer-songwriter Genevieve Bellemare is ready to wow the local music scene with her moody, soulful songs from her debut album Melancholy Fever. Be sure to catch this buzz-worthy songbird live at the Hi-Hat.
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May 5 — Vinyl Williams & Street Joy with Emerson Star at The Hi-Hat
Not-so-average psychedelic outfit Vinyl Williams, led by front man Lionel Williams, knows how to dole out some seriously dreamy tunes that run the gamut of psych, pop and shoegaze. Trip out on tunes from his spiritually driven, artistic albums Lemniscate and Into. Street Joy and Emerson Star support.
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May 5 — Bleached at Teragram Ballroom
Los Angeles garage punk outfit Bleached are ready to rip with their sophomore album Welcome The Worms, which just dropped April 1 via Dead Oceans. The new tracks such as “Keep On Keepin’ On,” have a more polished feel but still remain true to that Bleached sound. Get there early to catch opening acts No Parents and Feels.
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May 4 — Peter Murphy at The Regent
Die hard fans rejoice! Legendary Bauhaus front man and Godfather of goth, Peter Murphy, is scheduled to headline The Regent this month. Murphy’s current tour is dubbed “Stripped” and is a rare chance to see him perform acoustic versions of his music from throughout his entire career and discography, from early Bauhaus material to his latest solo album Lion. It doesn’t get more intimate than that!
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May 4 — Kid Congo Powers & The Pink Monkey Birds at The Echo
Time to get weird! Kid Congo Powers (Gun Club, The Cramps, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds) & The Pink Monkey Birds will get The Echo crowd jumping around in no time to kick ass garage rock jammers from his new album La Araña Es La Vida, out now via In The Red Records. Opening acts are MIND MELD and Tramp For The Lord.
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May 5 & 6 — Explosions in the Sky at The Theatre at Ace Hotel
Texas post-rock group Explosions in the Sky are ready to melt faces, ears and provide a little musical catharsis with their heavy yet melodic sound. Now or never, experience the intensely alluring new songs from their latest release and sixth studio album The Wilderness. Supporting act is Disappears.
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May 5 — Lucius at Fonda Theatre
Indie synth-pop group Lucius, sure know how to serenade a crowd, as evidenced by their jaw dropping performances at FleetwoodMac Fest and this year’s SXSW festival. The band is touring in support of their new album Good Grief, which features sizzling singles such as “Born Again Teen” and “Something About You.” Margaret Glaspy opens.
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May 6 — Sunn O))) at The Regent
All hail! Cloaked-clad metal group Sunn O))) are well known for their mind and ear-bending blend of metal, drone, jazz and minilamism that will send you into a much welcomed musical frenzy when they headline The Regent this month. Let the earth shattering tunes commence! Supporting acts are Big Brave, Hissing, DJ Sam James Velde.
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May 7-9 — Melvins with Napalm Death at Troubadour
We’ve seen alternative rock heavyweights Melvins get wildly weird and play 100% energy fueled performances. We expect nothing less but a raucous good time when they co-headline three back-to-back nights of musical mayhem at the Troubadour alongside British grind-core legends Napalm Death. Melt Banana supports May 7-8 and Dead Cross supports on May 9. Time to tear it up!
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May 7 — Boris at The Glass House
Japan’s experimental, avant-garde metal/rock lords Boris are taking the US by storm with a handful of concert dates including a much anticipated stop at The Glass House. We’ve seen them melt faces with their untamed, yet divine musical performance and reign of shredding before and expect nothing less! Supporting act is Auma.
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May 7 — Givers at Bootleg Theater
Hailing from Lafayette, Louisiana is melodic pop outfit Givers who are scheduled to headline Bootleg Theater this month. Hear wonderfully vibrant and sometimes haunting tunes, such as single “Bermuda,” from their album New Kingdom which was just released on April 8th. Anna Wise opens.
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May 13 — John Prine and Jason Isbell at The Greek Theatre
Guitar-pickin’ Americana folk/country singer-songwriter John Prine may be approaching the ripe old age of 70 but he’s as rockin’ as ever (like the time we saw him performing with Conor Oberst), touring throughout 2016 including stops at Merlefest and Los Angeles’ very own Greek Theatre. Hear classic hits from across his lengthy yet beloved discography, such as, “Angel from Montgomery,” “Sam Stone,” and “Paradise.” Joining him are special guests Alabama singer-songwriter Jason Isbell and his wife Amanda Shires.
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May 13 — Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires at The Theatre at Ace Hotel
Soul singer Charles Bradley aka “The Screaming Eagle of Soul” is back on tour in support of his new album Changes, which features gut-wrenching good tunes such as title track “Changes,” “Change for the World” and “God Bless America.” Grimy Goods writer Mark Ortega recently caught him live at SXSW, and shared that “Bradley never ceases to give me goosebumps.” God Bless Charles Bradley, I say! Opening acts are MOTHXR and Sam Fischer.
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May 13 — Wild Belle at Echoplex
Sister-brother duo Wild Belle made us instant fans with their fantastic debut album Isles, released in 2013. We’re happy to hear they’re back with their dreamy, eclectic follow up record Dreamland which features infectious singles such as “Our Love Will Survive” and “Throw Down Your Guns.” James Supercave opens.
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May 17 — Coasts at Troubadour
UK indie alt-rockers Coasts, led by charismatic front man Chris Caines, are touring in support of their new self-titled debut album which features irresistible tracks such as “A Rush of Blood” and “You,” just to name a few. Get there early to check out opening acts Knox Hamilton and Symmetry.
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May 18 — Phases at The Roxy
Indie pop four-piece Phases (fka Jjamz) infuses their downright catchy sound with elements of electronic and rock to create the ultimate dance-worthy jams. We had a blast talking to them about their new album For Life, and are stoked to see them headlining The Roxy. Opening acts are RKCB and Collapsing Scenery.
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May 19 — Youth Brigade at The Echo
Old school hardcore punks Youth Brigade are practically a Los Angeles institution, as they’ve been inciting circle pits and punk rock fervor since 1980. Lace up your boots and prepare for a musical riot! Get there early to catch opening acts Union 13 and Generacion Suicida.
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May 19 — Mac DeMarco at Greek Theatre
Last time we caught stoner rock prince Mac DeMarco live he was jamming out and even crowdsurfing! Now Los Angeles fans can enjoy his performance under the stars at the majestic Greek Theatre. Joining him for this one of a kind tour kick-off performance are special guests Jonathan Richman, Kirin J. Callinan, and DJ Jonathan Toubin.
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May 19 — Alberta Cross at The Satellite
Indie folk band Alberta Cross are getting ready to hit the road on their Spring Tour, in support of their latest self-titled album. Lucky fans and concert-goers will get a chance to hear soulful new tunes such as “Ghost of Santa Fe” and “Isolation” when they wrap up the tour right here in Los Angeles. Be sure to catch opening acts Grand Canyon and Sky White Tiger.
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May 20 — Fruit Bats at The Roxy
Indie folk-rock outfit Fruit Bats, led by frontman Eric D. Johnson, are back on tour, in support of their new album Absolute Loser which drops May 13, and is the much anticipated follow up to 2011’s Tripper. The album is an honest, confessional approach to the topic of loss and is sure to tug at the heartstrings. Singer-songwriter Kyle Craft supports.
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May 20 & 21 — TR/ST with Cold Cave at Echoplex
It’s a darkwave dream come true! TR/ST and Cold Cave are teaming up for two must-see shows at The Echoplex. Expect nothing short of sultry, synth-pop fueled, dance-floor seduction when Toronto’s TR/ST (aka Robert Alfons) and Cold Cave (aka Wesley Eisold) take to the stage.
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May 22-24 — The Cure at Hollywood Bowl
Love for ’80s goth/new wave legends The Cure is so strong in Los Angeles that their current North American tour includes three back-to-back show dates at Hollywood Bowl. Grab your picnic noms and libations and prepare to be serenaded under the stars by classic tunes such as “Lovecats,” “Friday I’m in Love,” and “Just Like Heaven,” just to name a few. Supporting act is Scottish band The Twilight Sad.
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May 23 — Titus Andronicus at Fonda Theatre
New Jersey indie alt-punks Titus Andronicus have proven themselves a force to be reckoned with when it comes to their live performances, and we’re stoked to see them headlining the Fonda Theatre. Prepare to rock out hard to songs from across their discography, including their latest album The Most Lamentable Tragedy. Opening act is indie pop darlings La Sera.
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May 24 — Frightened Rabbit at Fonda Theatre
Scottish folk rock band Frightened Rabbit has come along way from being a one-man band (Scott Hutchinson) to a full blown five piece. The group is touring stateside in support of their new, electronic infused album Painting of a Panic Attack, produced by The National’s Aaron Dessner. Hear them turn it up load with new singles such as “Get Out” and “Death Dream.” Caveman opens.
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May 24 — Pentagram at Echoplex
Despite the many lineup changes throughout the years, prolific ’70s metal group Pentagram, fronted by vocalist Bobby Liebling, are back and ready to tear it up at The Echoplex this May. Time to headbang along to classics as well as new tunes from last year’s release Curious Volume. King Woman and Wax Idols support. Throw those horns up!
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May 25 — The Who at STAPLES Center
From My Generation to Tommy to Quadrophenia, English rock kings The Who remain musical royalty to this day. Original members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend lead the The Who’s 50th Anniversary celebration of playing badass rock n’ roll! Slydigs supports.
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May 26 — San Fermin at Teragram Ballroom
Brooklyn ensemble San Fermin dazzles live with their specialty blend of rock, classical and pop music and instrumentation that includes a trumpeter, saxophonist and several vocalists. Let them enchant you with music from their latest gem, sophomore record Jackrabbit. Seattle rock combo Ivan & Alyosha support.
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May 26 — Moderat at Fonda Theatre
Berlin electronic music masterminds Moderat (aka MODESELEKTOR and Apparat) are gearing up to get fans grooving with songs from their cinematic new album III, the final installment of a trilogy of albums. Dance on, dance forth Los Angeles! Telefon Tel Aviv opens with their soothing, sexy electronic sound.
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May 26 — Buzzcocks at The Mayan
English punk pioneers Buzzcocks are celebrating their 40th anniversary with a 2016 tour and a much anticipated show at The Mayan. Pogo ’til you drop to classic hits such as “What Do I Get” and “Ever Fallen In Love” as well as newer tracks such as “Keep On Believing” and “It’s Not You” from their ferocious 2014 release The Way. Residuels support.
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May 27 — Refused at Fonda Theatre
When we last saw Swedish hardcore punks Refused live they absolutely pummeled the crowd with a whip fast set of both old school songs such as their influential number “The Shape of Punk to Come” to newer cuts such as “Elektra” from their 2015 record Freedom. Hold on to your hats because The Coathangers and Plague Vendor kick off this wild night of music.
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May 28 — The Bulls at The Echo
Toplining Play Like A Girl, a monthly lady-powered showcase, are Los Angeles shoegaze outfit The Bulls, fronted by pitch perfect vocalist/violinist Anna Bulbrook (Airborne Toxic Event, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros). The staggeringly good lineup also includes Kera and the Lesbians, The Regrettes and Night Talks. Lucky concert-goers will be blown away! Also, be sure to pick up a copy of the Play Like A Girl Zine, available at the show.
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May 28 — Big Black Delta at The Regent
Electro-pop artist Big Black Delta aka Jonathan Bates (Mellowdrone) is headed out on a extensive U.S. tour in support of his fiery new album Trágame Tierra which features guest appearances by Kimbra (“Bitten By The Apple”) and Debbie Gibson (“RCVR”). Hear it live! Fartbarf and Marc Baker open.
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May 28 — Millencolin at Teragram Ballroom
Twenty three years, seven albums and some 1,500+ live shows later and Swedish punk rockers Millencolin continue sticking it to society with their kick ass, passionate sociopolitical punk sound. Hear thrashing tracks from across their discography, including their new self-recorded album True Brew. Raise those fists in the air, and jump into the pit!
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May 31 — Sam Bean with Jesca Hoop at Fonda Theatre
Sam Bean of Iron and Wine fame is co-headlining The Fonda Theatre with songbird Jesca Hoop for a wondrous night of melodic music. Hear their special collaboration work, Love Letter For Fire, live when they headline the Fonda Theatre. Marlon Williams supports.
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