Summer in Southern California continues to heat up with amazing concerts and experiences. In July, there are dozens of concerts and shows worth going too, most of which are under $15. While bigger name attractions might fill up the Forum or the Hollywood Bowl, smaller and equally as talented acts will take over museums and innovative new venues.
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros: On July 9 Santa Monica radio station KCRW presents folk-indie band Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros at the Annenberg Space for Photography. The show is part of KCRW’s Sound in Focus series that brings free concerts to the public all summer long. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros is a fun, quirky band with an innovative, yet delightfully familiar sound. Their most recent release, PersonA (2016), highlights the band’s growth and incorporates a beautiful medley of sounds and lyrics. While the show is free, an RSVP is necessary, and admission is not guaranteed – once the venue reaches full capacity, individuals will not be admitted in. To RSVP or check out future headliners for Sound in Focus, visit their website here.
Kera and the Lesbians: Weird, feisty and unconventional are all understatements when describing Kera and the Lesbians, but it’s the best I can do. Kera and her band of misfits intrigue and captivate those open-minded enough to venture into her world of edgy and chic. While Kera careens over every inch of the stage, her music moves fans on the floor. Kera and the Lesbians will play July 15 at The Blind Spot in Downtown Los Angeles along with several other bands. The Blind Spot is a newer venue born out of The Blind Spot Project, a collaborative team that puts together psychedelic liquid light shows. The Blind Spot’s unique visuals will pair perfectly with Kera’s avant garde music. Tickets start at $10, but are definitely worth it to check out this innovative musician.
Thao and the Get Down Stay Down: The Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles is one of many museums hosting free concerts this summer, and on July 21, San Francisco base band Thao and the Get Down Stay Down will kick off Skirball’s free summer concert series. Experimental, eclectic and refreshingly unique, Thao and her band mix electronic sounds with piercing vocals and interesting musical collaborations. Folk, bluegrass, electro, indie and funk can be found weaving its way through Thao’s songs, and while parking for the show is $10, it’s worth it to spend a day viewing art and hearing a fantastic band. For more information, visit Skirball’s website here.