Whenever it seems as though every genre sound has been explored, bands like Hiatus Kaiyote and Snarky Puppy come into the picture to quickly disprove that notion, with the two collectives’ expansive discographies coming to the Hollywood Bowl as part of a joint concert on Sept. 3. Singer-songwriter and producer Georgia Anne Muldrow serves as the opener.

Despite having different trajectories and emerging from two different sides of the globe, both genre-bending acts share a tendency to challenge listeners’ expectations, whether it be Hiatus Kaiyote stretching beyond the bounds of neo-soul or Snarky Puppy dipping their toes in every soundscape imaginable. Tickets currently start at $31, however, Grimy Goods will be giving away tickets. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to be among the first to know when we drop the giveaway.

Banner year for Hiatus Kaiyote

When it comes to bands that are your favorite artists’ favorite artists, Hiatus Kaiyote fits the bill and then some. Outside of the many times they’ve been sampled by big name artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé, the Melbourne band is among the few artists who bring jazz and soul music to crowds on an international scale. Their crossover appeal dates back to their debut in the early 2010s, quickly garnering co-signs and mystifying listeners with their ability to fuse genres into jazz.

Last year, they once again solidified themselves as a shapeshifting band by turning to psych-rock on Love Heart Cheat Code. Their fourth studio album saw the four-piece turning to the cosmos for inspiration, embracing all things space-related over swirling production in a combination that quickly became one of their best projects to date. Despite the change of pace, Hiatus Kaiyote’s eclectic nature remained intact, something reaffirmed by diverse inspirations ranging from Jefferson Airplane to the “Adventure Time” series.

Redefining what it means to be a collective

Although the phrase “It takes a village” doesn’t immediately apply to music, Snarky Puppy certainly proves that theory time and time again. Ever since the collective emerged in Denton, Texas, in 2004, the extended family that has included well past 40 musicians over the years has defined how they approach music, ensuring there’s always a healthy supply of wildly different sounds being contributed to the outfit’s jazz emphasis.

In the spirit of jazz, they’ve kept true to keeping improvisation a key part of their act. Even when they find themselves trying out other sonic textures – including, but not limited to, rock, gospel, and funk – they’ve never lost sight of what brought them together. Their last album, Empire Central, saw them do just that, paying homage to Dallas’ history of Black music. It also earned them their fifth Grammy, just one of many accolades they have earned for the Snarky Puppy name.

Pushing the envelope

If there’s one thing Hiatus Kaiyote, Snarky Puppy, and Georgia Anne Muldrow share, it’s the geeky adoration for all things music that’s evident when listening to any of their songs.

In the case of Hiatus Kaiyote, their long list of co-signs is proof enough that they’ve continually struck gold like it’s California in the mid-19th century. For Snarky Puppy, the fact that they are less of a revolving collective and more accurately a tightly knit group of artists who consistently return throughout the years shows how integral the music is in each member’s life.

Georgia Anne Muldrow similarly holds music at large in high regard, having co-founded her label, SomeOthaShip Connect, and releasing over 20 albums since her debut in 2006. As if that weren’t enough, when Yasiin Bey, FKA Mos Def, compares you to Nina Simone, you know you’re doing something right.

Making the Hollywood Bowl special

With a team-up like this concert, you’re not going to want to miss a second of it. To make sure you don’t miss a thing, here are a few tips for getting to the Hollywood Bowl and making the most out of your time at the amphitheater.

Considering this is a bigger show, you’ll want to get there when the gates open at 6:00 PM. Depending on where you’re coming from, make sure you get a head start to beat rush hour traffic, especially since the surrounding area around the Bowl can get hectic.

For anyone getting there around 5:00 PM, there’s also pre-concert wine and beer tastings in the Plaza Marketplace as an added bonus for arriving before the gates open. However, you’re also welcome to bring your own drinks and food to the Bowl, given they’re within the rules outlined here.

In case you’re unsure of travel plans, the Bowl also offers several alternatives for getting there. With options ranging from shuttles to on-site parking, there are more than a few ways you can get there.

There are plenty of upcoming shows at the Hollywood Bowl that you’ll want to be on the lookout for. Get ready to dance when Latine bands Bomba Estéreo and Rawayana come together as ASTROPICAL on Sept. 7. Big Thief and Noname, two acts full of rich songwriting and storytelling, will take the stage on Sept. 27. Prior to the joint show between Hiatus Kaiyote and Snarky Puppy, see Cyndi Lauper on her farewell tour on Aug. 29 and 30.

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