Although summer may be winding down in Boston, there are still plenty of can’t-miss concerts all across the city. The Sound of Boston team has rounded up their picks for the most exciting upcoming shows in the area. This edition of Selected Sounds includes Death Cab for Cutie, Alice Smith, and much more!
Thursday, August 27th, 2015
The J. Geils Band at Blue Hills Bank Pavillion -Selected by Jon
Worcester’s finest (oxymoron?), J. Geils Band new-wave blues-rock sound filled the 70’s and 80’s with leading harmonica melodies. These days, even if Mr. Geils is no longer active, the band still rocks out. I can hear the encore now: “My blood runs cold! My angel is the centerfooooold!”
Friday, August 28th, 2015
Alice Smith at Brighton Music Hall -Selected by Knar
Paper Magazine claims soulful singer Alice Smith will dominate 2015 (and perhaps the Amy documentary will help set the stage for more lady-fronted jazzy soul). Domination seems an aggressive prediction, but Smith and crew are sure to put on an engaging live set. Expect a few new tunes– her next album is rumored to come out this year. Bonus: local soul-rock act and Berklee grad Shea Rose will kick off the night, so come on time.
Sunday, August 30th, 2015
The Vaccines at The Sinclair -Selected by Beth
The English indie-rock quartet will bring their bouncy jams back to Boston for a heroic celebration of their new album English Graffiti. Expect snarky and poetic lyrics, energetic guitar chords and super hip lads. Yeah, I’m sure they sound amazing on vinyl but it won’t be the same as seeing their infectious energy live.
Tuesday, September 8th, 2015
The Milk Carton Kids at Berklee Performance Center -Selected by Matt J.
The Grammy-nominated, Milk Carton Kids are set to takeover the intimate and technically marvelous Berklee Performance Center. Tickets sold out a long time ago for a good reason, modern folk doesn’t get much better than this.
Thursday, September 10th, 2015
Moon Hooch at Great Scott -Selected by Will
This ridiculously talented trio categorizes their sound as “cave music” and plays some of the most intense dance music you can make on two saxophones and drums. Their songs get you pumped up like nothing else I’ve ever heard, and their live shows are a force to be reckoned with. The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music graduates mix catchy beats and sax lines with howls and screams on their saxes that are just as evocative as any noise the human voice can create. They are a must-see band.
Friday, September 11th, 2015
Death Cab for Cutie at Blue Hills Bank Pavilion -Selected by Jenna
You can always expect a great night with Death Cab. The last time they were in town was to headline Boston Calling in May 2014, but since then, the band has seen a few developments—namely, a new album and a departed band member. Although Chris Walla will be sorely missed, it’s sure to be a nostalgia-inducing, career-spanning performance as they treat Boston to tracks from Kintsugi for the first time.
Saturday, September 12th, 2015
Boston Scene Party with Grey Season and more at Firebrand Saints
Come out to Kendall Square for a night of celebrating local music from ska to folk! Boston Scene Party‘s three-night showcase kicks off with Saturday night’s show at Firebrand Saints, sponsored by us here at Sound of Boston, and Mutiny on the Microphone, Boston Ska, Eye Design. The fun continues throughout the weekend, so make sure to check out the other great local bands playing night two at O’Brien’s Pub and night three at Charlie’s Kitchen.