Selected Sounds: Shows to Warm Your Winter

It’s time to grab the hot cocoa, down blankets, and peppermint scented candles. Except, it’s also a great time for concerts. While it may be so easy to stay inside during the colder months, we’re sure these concert picks are worth the trek out. Just make sure to wear layers for when you start dancing.

Monday, December 3

Lo Artiz, Autumn Jones, and Al Riordan at Cafe 939 – Selected by Arielle

Three of Berklee’s rising female songwriters plus a Red Room show equals a night you don’t want to miss! Autumn Jones is an RnB singer and songwriter from New Jersey whose recent release, Bloom, utilities powerful lyrics and smooth melodies to tell personal stories and experiences. Al Riordan combines her classical vocal training with electronic elements to create her unique sound that pushes the boundaries of traditional contemporary songwriting. Headlining the evening is Lo Artiz, whose energetic, soulful melodies provide the perfect backdrop for her brave and honest lyrics.

Tuesday & Wednesday, December 11-12

Lawrence at The Sinclair – Selected by David

There are fun bands, then there’s Lawrence. The eight-member soul-pop band led by wunderkind siblings Clyde and Gracie Lawrence produce the equivalent of a musical sugar rush that you’ll never want to end. Their videos are silly and delightful, and their music is like a fresh breath of joy. If you’re wondering why Clyde and Gracie exude a youthful energy into everything they do, it’s probably because they’ve been impressing people with their talent since they were in kindergarten. Clyde, 24, wrote music for the film Miss Congeniality—which was released in 2000—at the age of six; he was the youngest member admitted to the Songwriters Guide of America. Gracie, 21, on the other hand, has been acting in movies and TV shows for ten years; she currently stars in the CBS show, One Dollar. Her voice is phenomenal. If that’s not enough reason for you to get a ticket to one of their two shows at The Sinclair, then I don’t know what is.

Friday, December 14

Ghost at Boch Center Wang Theatre – Selected by Alexis

Rocking cardinal robes, waistcoats, leather gloves, and a ghoulish mask all while singing with macabre backdrop of a stained glass cathedral, Tobias Forge storms into Boston with his Swedish rock-metal band, Ghost. Infamous for their artful performances that look as if they’ve emerged from Andrew Loyd Weber’s nightmares, the band is on the road promoting their latest LP, “Prequelle.” The album consists of ten songs, with the leading single, “Rats,” topping the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart this past summer. Ghost attracts an impassioned cult following that creates a unique and memorable show experience. The setlist is part of what makes the band so interesting. Ghost can go from a slow, Broadway-inspired rock song to a powerful metal track, proving their ability to experiment with different styles of music. With the band’s haunting lyricism, delivered by Forge’s powerful vocals and enthralling guitar riffs, A Pale Tour Named Death will not disappoint.

Sunday, December 16

Jorja Smith at House of Blues – Selected by Knar

In the words of Zoolander’s Mugatu, Jorja Smith is so hot right now. She’s been featured on Drake’s More Life, the much-talked-about soundtracks of Insecure and Black Panther. She’s been on the covers of the likes of BRICK, Clash, ASOS, and more. She’s played a moody Tiny Desk concert and BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge session, performed on Late Night with Stephen Colbert and took home this year’s Critic’s Choice at the BRIT Awards. Her debut, Lost and Found (released this year), showcases a rich blend of her sultry soul, freestyle rap, and RnB atmosphere that, judging by her past performances, will be as excellent live as it is on record.

Tuesday, December 18

Oh Hellos at the Berklee Performance Center – Selected by Meaghan

You may already be sick of Christmas tunes, but leave some room in your Grinch-like heart for a few more festive songs and check out the Oh Hellos Christmas Extravaganza. For the last few years, the Oh Hellos have taken their family Christmas singalong on the road, complete with ugly sweaters. If the songs don’t warm your heart, then their Christmas cheer and funny holiday stories certainly will.

Monday, December 31

Lake Street Dive at The Wang Theatre – Selected by Jared

If you’re looking for a way around the New Year’s Eve $100 bar covers and champagne-fueled bar-fights, look no further than the classy as f&#k, Lake Street Dive at The Wang Theater. This group of hip-swaying, Motown-infused soul singers actually formed at Berklee, and the viral video that put them on the map was filmed in Boston. The group’s meteoric rise to fame eventually landed them a slot as Stephen Colbert regulars. Expect to see lead singer, Rachel Price, belt out the group’s painfully poignant hit songs about love and loss (heavy on the loss). They’re actually so well known for killer break up songs, that Colbert had them partake in a related sketch. When you’re with Lake Street, feelin’ sad never felt so good.