This week is stacking up to be one of the most genre-scrambled stretches on the LA concert calendar. Reggaeton juggernaut Karol G takes over SoFi Stadium for a career-defining run, while soul legend Al Green brings his legendary voice to the Hollywood Bowl the very same night. Pop’s reigning queen of the macabre, Melanie Martinez, touches down at the Kia Forum, and heavier crowds have plenty to sink their teeth into with Tomahawk and Melvins tearing up The Belasco.
On the smaller-venue side, Sparta, Abe Vigoda, and a stacked underground bill at Permanent Records and The Smell (respectively) keep the DIY spirit alive, while Ethio Cali and DJ Nu-Mark headline a free night of Ethiopian jazz and turntablism at California Plaza. Whether you’re chasing arena concerts or a sweaty club show, here’s where to be in LA the week of Aug. 10, 2026.
Sparta at Permanent Records Roadhouse — Aug. 11
Permanent Records Roadhouse hosts Sparta on Aug. 11, marking a rare club-sized outing for the band. Formed by former At the Drive-In members, Sparta blends post-hardcore with melodic, atmospheric rock songwriting.
Jill Scott at YouTube Theater — Aug. 11-12
Soul icon Jill Scott brings her unmistakable voice to YouTube Theater on Aug. 11. A master of neo-soul, R&B, jazz, and spoken word, Scott is celebrating her new album, Too Whom This May Concern.
Ani DiFranco, Valerie June at The Ford — Aug. 12
The Ford welcomes a folk-and-soul double bill on Aug. 12 pairing Ani DiFranco with Valerie June. DiFranco’s politically charged, DIY folk-punk songwriting has made her an indie icon for decades, while June brings her genre-blurring mix of Americana, blues, and gospel-tinged soul to open the night.
Helado Negro with Reyna Tropical at The Ford — Aug. 13
Set beneath the trees, Helado Negro and Reyna Tropical team up to bring you Helado Tropical at The Ford on Aug. 13. With the two beloved Latin artists, expect a warm blend of indie folk, electronic, ambient pop, and Latin experimental set to make you move or soothe.
BOYO, Ramonda Hammer at Gold-Diggers — Aug. 13
Gold-Diggers turns into a local-scene showcase on Aug. 13 with BOYO, Ramonda Hammer, Always You, and Cody’s Program. BOYO’s warped, lo-fi bedroom pop anchors the bill, backed by the buzzing alt rock of Ramonda Hammer and the scrappy guitar rock of Cody’s Program.
Melanie Martinez at Kia Forum — Aug. 14
Melanie Martinez brings her theatrical pop world to Kia Forum on Aug. 14. Known for the candy-colored horror aesthetic and confessional lyrics of albums like Cry Baby and Portals, and her latest, Hades, Martinez fills arenas with a devoted, costume-clad fanbase.
Al Green, The Womack Sisters at Hollywood Bowl — Aug. 14
Hollywood Bowl hosts a night of soul royalty on Aug. 14 when Al Green takes the stage with support from The Womack Sisters. Green’s silky falsetto and catalog of classics like “Let’s Stay Together” helped define ’70s soul, and The Womack Sisters carry that lineage forward with their own vocal harmonies.
Karol G at SoFi Stadium — Aug. 14-16
Aug. 14 also finds Karol G filling SoFi Stadium as part of her Viajando Por El Mundo Tropitour. The Colombian superstar’s genre-spanning reggaeton and Latin pop hits have made her one of the biggest global touring acts working today.
Brother Ali with Live Band at Blue Note Los Angeles — Aug. 14
Bringing his lyrical storytelling to an intimate setting, Brother Ali performs with a live band at Blue Note Los Angeles on Aug. 14. The Minnesota MC remains a respected force in underground hip-hop, blending conscious rap, alternative hip-hop, and soulful production.
Interpol at Santa Barbara Bowl — Aug. 14
A night of post-punk revival awaits as Interpol takes the stage at the Santa Barbara Bowl on Aug. 14. Not quite “Los Angeles,” but worth the drive and a spot on our list. The New York band helped define the early 2000s indie rock era with their signature blend of post-punk, alternative rock, and dark atmospheric songwriting, and still delivers one of the best live performances.
Oldies 2 Souldies: Joey Quiñones & More at the Greek Theatre — Aug. 15
A soulful summer evening awaits as Joey Quiñones (Thee Sinseers), Mayer Hawthorne, and Trish Toledo take over the Greek Theatre on Aug. 15, alongside Kelly Finnigan, Mirah Avila, The Lovelites, The Intruders, Blue Magic, Adrian Carmine, and more. Get ready to be transported to the golden age of soul, R&B, and funk.
Ethio Cali, DJ Nu-Mark at California Plaza (FREE) — Aug. 15
A free night of music hits California Plaza on Aug. 15 with Ethio Cali sharing the bill with DJ Nu-Mark. Ethio Cali channels the golden age of Ethiopian jazz and funk, while DJ Nu-Mark, a Jurassic 5 alum, brings decades of turntablism and beat-digging expertise to the set.
Abe Vigoda at The Smell — Aug. 15
The Smell packs a five-band underground bill on Aug. 15 topped by Abe Vigoda alongside Callahan & Witscher, Debt Rag, The Intima, and DREAM_MEGA. Abe Vigoda’s tropical-tinged post-punk made them scene favorites in the venue’s earlier years, and the rest of the lineup keeps things squarely in noisy, DIY guitar-rock territory.
Tomahawk, Melvins at The Belasco — Aug. 15-16
The Belasco goes heavy on Aug. 16 with a pairing of Tomahawk and Melvins. Tomahawk’s Mike Patton-fronted art-rock chaos meets Melvins’ sludgy, riff-driven heaviness for a night built for longtime fans of experimental metal.
Heathen Axe (ft. John Dwyer) at Permanent Records Roadhouse — Aug. 16
Permanent Records Roadhouse closes out the run on Aug. 16 with a set from Heathen Axe, featuring John Dwyer of Thee Oh Sees. Heathen Axe leans into scorched, high-energy garage rock, giving Dwyer another outlet for his prolific, genre-hopping output.
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