We are in the first full week of February which means resolutions are beginning to wane and the season of love should be in full swing. Because of this, February might be a tough month for some, despite being the shortest one of the year. To get through it all, we have outlined five awesome live shows to check out! To be honest, there are even more we couldn’t include—from James Blake and Jacob Banks to the latest in Cliff Notez’s Sketchbook series and ZUMIX’s Big Worlds concert series—so keep your calendars open.
Friday, February 15
I’m With Her and others at The House of Blues– Selected by Meaghan
Cherry Glazerr at Brighton Music Hall – Selected by Mary
Cherry Glazerr, an energetic indie rock trio spearheaded by wacky, fearless frontwoman Clementine Creevy, is touring in support of their third studio LP, Stuffed & Ready. Creevy and the Glazerrs found a fair amount of success with 2017’s Apocalipstick, a hooky, unapologetic album guided by a genuine rock ‘n roll spirit. In one of the lead singles from Apocalipstick, “Told You I’d Be With the Guys”, Creevy yowls, “I was a lone wolf” before realizing how to make herself happy: “Now, now I see the beauty / It’s necessary / To give a lady love.” The same feminist power also shines through on Cherry Glazerr’s lead single from Stuffed & Ready, “Daddi”, in which Creevy sarcastically sings, “Who should I see, Daddi? / Who should I play? / Would you let go? / Is it ok with you?” At 21 years old, Creevy’s creative vision for her band is manifesting beautifully into a tamed musical lion—less vehement, but still just as wild.
Thursday, February 21
The Knocks at The Sinclair – Selected by Jared
The perfect trifecta of hip-hop, soul, and pop; The Knocks are sunshine in a song and they’re bringing their dance party to The Sinclair to promote their new album, New York Narcotic. Proudly taking back disco with carefree, kick-back jams like “Classic,” The Knocks pump out power-strut-friendly music that makes you happy and energetic year-round. The NYC duo, Ben “B-Roc” Ruttner and James “JPatt” Patterson, have created the standard by which all modern electro-pop should be measured. Their sound has attracted partnerships with pop innovators like Big Boi, Foster the People, Alex Newell, Wyclef Jean, Carly Rae Jepsen, Walk the Moon, Fetty Wap, and Method Man. I’ll be there reviewing the show, so come out to the Thursday night get-down!
Saturday, February 23
Anderson .Paak and the Free Nationals at the Orpheum – Selected by Knar
By now, drummer and rapper Anderson .Paak is a household name. 2016’s critically acclaimed Malibu, a feature on the Black Panther soundtrack, collaborations with Macklemore, Goldlink, Chance the Rapper, Mac Miller and many many more have put him on the map—and his latest Kendrick Lamar featured “Tints” shows he knows it. With his latest release, Oxnard, .Paak flexes his artistic connections—most notably, producer Dr. Dre—and displays a fresh blend of his smooth and bubbly sounds. (See: “Trippy,” “Headlow,” “Saviers Road”). This show sold out in seconds, but he’ll soon be turning the Boston Calling stage into his personal dance floor. Yes Lawd!
Friday, February 22
Flogging Molly at the House of Blues – Selected by Alexis
Celtic punk band Flogging Molly sweeps into Boston for a memorable night of Guinness drinking, sing-alongs, and brilliant performances on their Life is Good tour. The band’s songs range from head-banging classes like “Drunken Lullabies” and “What’s Left of the Flag,” to poignant, Shane MacGowan-esque love songs like “If I Ever Leave This World Alive.” The band is known for their bold and compelling lyricism, in which they use pink and hard rock melodies to address subjects such as grief, Ireland’s turbulent history, politics, drinking, and poverty. Dublin-born lead singer Dave King’s powerful, haunting vocals and authentic stage presence have a way of conjuring passion in every audience he stands in front of. The tour has an impressive 18-song setlist that will not disappoint.