This past summer was not short of new things, like animal prints, colorful makeup, “Euphoria” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” But, most importantly this summer has delivered racks of new music, leading to a fall full of new tours.
Here is a complete guide to some of the best shows this upcoming semester:
John Mayer at Viejas Arena
John Mayer began gracing our lives with his distinct vocals and soothing guitar riffs back in the early 2000s. Since then, he attests to becoming a “recovering ego addict”. He is also part of The Grateful Dead and hosts a late night talk show on Instagram Live. According to Mayer, his new tour will feature a two-act show to make sure everyone gets what they came for. The show is on Wednesday, Sept. 11.
Songs You May Know: “New Light” and “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room”
Songs You Should Listen To: “I Guess I Just Feel Like” and “Love on the Weekend”
KAABOO Del Mar at the Del Mar Fairgrounds
Featuring: Kings of Leon, Mumford & Sons, Black Eyed Peas, One Republic, Snoop Dog, Dave Matthews Band, Plain White T’s and many more.
KAABOO Del Mar is a unique festival which incorporates art, music, food and comedy. The festival has brought traffic to the Del Mar fairgrounds with people traveling from all over the country for the entertainment packed weekend. This year’s lineup has a nostalgic feel because it features artists who have seen their peaks throughout the last decade. This festival is from Friday, Sept. 13 to Sunday, Sept. 15 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
Chance the Rapper at Pechanga Arena
The Chicago-based rapper released his highly anticipated third album, “The Big Day”, this past July.
The rapper is known for his dedication to social work and political commentary. Since being titled “Kanye’s Protege” by fans, Chance has paved his own path in the music world and created a name for himself. He isn’t a protege anymore. This show is on Wednesday, Sept. 18.
Songs You May Know: “Cocoa Butter Kisses” and “No Problem”
Songs You Should Listen to: “Hot Shower” and “Do You Remember”
CRSSD Festival at Waterfront Park
Featuring: Portugal. The Man, KAYTRANADA, Polo & Pan, FISHER, Walker & Royce, Hot Chip, Kaskade and Shiba San with many other artists
CRSSD Festival comes to Waterfront Park twice a year bringing the house, techno and electronic scene to San Diego.
This year the festival has brought in rock artist Portugal. The Man as well as other notable DJ’s such as FISHER and Kaskade.
The two-day experience offers a refreshing contemporary vibe compared to other mainstream music festivals.
This festival is from Saturday, Sept. 28 and Sunday, Sept. 29
Greta Van Fleet at Cal Coast Open Air Theater
These rock stars have inspired much talk among the music industry. The band of brothers have a sound that transports you to Woodstock, but look as though they’re in college.
Their success grew after their first EP, “From the Fires”, opening a new door to classic rock. Since then, they have released their first album, “The Anthem of the Peaceful Army.” Their show is on Sunday, Sept. 29.
Songs You May Know: “When the Curtain Falls” and “Safari Song”
Songs You Should Listen To: “Age of Man” and “Flower Power”
Vampire Weekend and Soccer Mommy at Cal Coast Open Air Theater
Ezra Koenig and his band Vampire Weekend have returned with their newest album, “Father of the Bride”, which is their first album in six years.
This album carries their traditional indie-pop sound that originally gained popularity. However, they paired their past sound with a more sonically mature tracklist for the new album.
They will be playing on Thursday. Oct. 3 at Cal Coast Open Air Theater.
Songs You May Know: “A-Punk” and “Unbelievers”
Songs You Should Listen To: “This Life” and “Unbearably White”
Tyler, the Creator at Pechanga Arena
After incredible success from his newest album, “IGOR”, Tyler, the Creator is coming to San Diego with the Blood Orange and GoldLink as opening acts. The rapper is creative, innovative and showcases a great amount of talent throughout his humorous yet thought provoking raps.
“IGOR” topped the charts, knocking out pop artists such as DJ Khaled.
He will be playing on Saturday, Oct. 19.
Songs You May Know: “EARFQUAKE” and “See You Again”
Songs You Should Listen To: “NEW MAGIC WAND” and “WHAT’S GOOD I THINK”
Lizzo at Cal Coast Open Air Theater
This R&B singer has taken over the internet with her self-love, outstanding vocals and twerking. Lizzo is not afraid to show the world who she is no matter how over the top it may seem. She has become an icon for women across the world, and her songs have become the anthems of the summer. She will be performing on Thursday, Oct. 24.
You cannot go an hour listening to the radio without hearing her hit “Truth Hurts.”
Songs You May Know: “Truth Hurts” and “Good as Hell”
Songs You Should Listen To: “Juice” and “Cuz I Love You”
Hozier at Cal Coast Open Air Theatre
Hozier gifted our ears with “Take Me to Church” five years ago, and this past year he released his newest album, “Wasteland, Baby!” The indie-folk singer has awed people with authentic rawness that lies within his vocals. His newest album has evolved since the first because he has transitioned from a sad message to a more happy take on life.
This show is at Cal Coast Open Air Theater on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Songs You May Know: “Take Me To Church” and “Almost (Sweet Music)”
Songs You Should Listen To: “Movement” and “Nina Cried Power”
The Black Keys and Modest Mouse at Pechanga Arena
The infamous rock band, the Black Keys, released their newest album this past June. “Let’s Rock” has delivered the signature Black Keys sound fans fell in love with.
The Ohio natives are ready to rock out and let loose after their first album release in five years.
Modest Mouse is joining the Keys after releasing a new single this past spring, “I’m Still Here.”
Both bands play together at the Pechanga Arena on Sunday, Nov. 17.
Songs You May Know: “Lonely Boy” and “Lo/Hi”
Songs You Should Listen To: “Weight of Love” and “Sit Around and Miss You”
Wonderfront Festival at Waterfront Park
Featuring: MGMT, Hippo Campus, Tyga, Walk the Moon, X Ambassadors, Phantogram and Miguel along with other bands
This November, a brand new music and arts festival is coming to Waterfront Park named, “Wonderfront”.
The lineup features a range of genres from indie to rap and everything in between.
The lineup also features artists such as Ben Harper, Parquet Courts, Japanese Breakfast, Vince Staples, Flatbush Zombies and more.
The festival goes from Friday, Nov. 22 to Sunday, Nov. 24.
Other Concerts
Friday, Aug. 23: Kacey Musgraves at Cal Coast Open Air Theatre
Wednesday, Aug. 28: The Smashing Pumpkins at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Wednesday, Aug. 28: ZZ Top and Cheap Trick at Cal Coast Open Air Theatre
Wednesday, Aug. 28: Hot Flash Heat Wave at the Irenic
Sunday, Sept. 1: Porter Robinson at OMNIA
Friday, Sept. 6: Deep Purple at Pechanga Resort and Casino
Tuesday, Sept 10: Carrie Underwood at Pechanga Arena
Kelly Kerrigan is a senior studying journalism and media studies.