The 2024 KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas at the Kia Forum brought together a stellar lineup, highlighting the festival’s consistency in blending genres and talents. This was its 33rd year,
and it continues to be a holiday tradition for many music fans in Southern California (including me),
with something for everyone. Each year, Almost Acoustic Christmas promises an extraordinary sonic experience and partners with local charities. The beloved event worked with Para Los Ninos and Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center this year, helping local youth and families.
2024’s lineup featured heavy nostalgia hitters like The Smashing Pumpkins, Beck, Awolnation, 311, Sublime and Jimmy Eat World. These icons performed alongside newer-to-the-spotlight talents such as bby and The Linda Lindas. Australian duo Royel Otis was slated to perform but had to cancel due to family matters at home.
All-in-all, twas a night filled with loud music and plenty of holiday cheer. Each band brought a unique
vibe to the festive atmosphere. The Smashing Pumpkins delivered a set packed with classics
and fan favorites, starting strong with their hit “Tonight, Tonight” from Mellon Collie and the
Infinite Sadness. Brief author’s note: I was named after a Smashing Pumpkins song, so getting
to see them for the first time at an event that gets the pleasure of hearing those KROQ hits
everyone remembers was extremely special.
Beck’s performance was a huge highlight, as he also followed suit and graced the crowd with hit after hit in stylish sunglasses. 311 and Sublime played back-to-back and kept the crowd swaying with their signature reggae/rock fusion that SoCal loves so much. The second the stage flipped for Sublime, The Forum turned hazy (and not from smoke machines). The crowd was not smoking two joints in the morning. Instead, they smoked two joints at night.
Franz Ferdinand’s upbeat and fast-paced performance added a danceable vibe that everyone joined in on, especially when they played their iconic hit “Take Me Out.” Meanwhile, younger acts like The Linda Lindas impressed with their raw talent and infectious energy. Their endless smiles and laughs showed they had just as much fun as the crowd.
Overall, this year’s festival had the perfect balance between KROQ’s hits through the years and fun new discoveries, keeping its place as an important part of the holiday concert season in Los Angeles.
Photography by Lilly Duran
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