June is shaping up to be another cracking month for live music in San Francisco. One thing I have noticed though, the R&B/hip-hop scene seems to be hiding from me! I know there must be one in the Bay Area with artists like Netta Brielle, Kehlani and Jacka (RIP) so I guess I just need to look a little harder! Onwards and outwards with some potentially great shows for the coming month. Hoping to make a couple of them, however last few weeks have been insane!!! All still have tickets left at time of posting!
Wednesday June 3rd – The She’s – Rickshaw Stop ($10+fees)
Playful and joyful indie pop of the highest order. With harmonised vocals reminiscent of The Pipettes I have been really enjoying listening to the The She’s recently. Very much looking forward to (hopefully) seeing them perform live as I missed their show at The Chapel a few Saturday’s ago.
Thursday June 4th – Nneka – The New Parish ($25+fees)
I still cannot believe I have not seen Nneka perform. It is quite embarrassing really. She is the epitome of strong, gritty, African influenced R&B. Look for the threads of politics weaving their way through he music. Powerful stuf.
Monday June 8th – Surfer Blood – The Chapel ($18 + fees)
Seaside indie-rock with real bite. I’ve been told from reliable sources they put on a cracking live show. Time to practice nodding my head and looking cool.
Monday 8th June – Lupe Fiasco – Regency Ballroom ($32.50+fees)
I saw Lupe Fiasco many moons ago in Koko and he bought out Kanye West. It was pretty epic. While I’m not saying you should expect quite the same surprise when he hits San Fran this month, I am saying expect politically charged hip-hop delivered with a punch of excitement.
Friday June 12th – Emmy The Great – Hotel Utah ($12+fees)
I’m still pretty shocked that Emmy The Great is playing Hotel Utah. I still think I am going to wake up and it all be a dream. The darling of the indie-folk-pop scene in London playing such a cute and charming little venue is mind-blowing. This’ll be a special night x100… matter fact, x120
Friday June 12th – M. Lockwood Porter – The Lost Church ($10+fees)
I caught M. Lockwood Porter when he warmed up for Nick Mulvey a few weeks ago. I enjoyed his acoustic set that night. Mixing in a little bit of folk, a little bit of Americana alongside solid vocals M. Lockwood Porter is someone living in the Bay who is well worth your time.
Tuesday June 16th – PINS + Queen Kwong – Rickshaw Stop ($12 + fees)
OK. So I left London and the PINS got very very good. My little spies say their performance at The Great Escape (in Brighton) was pretty darn special and with a new album on the way in early June this’ll be a fantastic time to see them play. And to make things even better the reverb soak punk wonder that is Queen Kwong warms up!
Wednesday June 17th – Lenka – Brick and Mortar Music Hall ($15+fees)
Playfully fun pop music from the hugely talented Lenka. Like PINS she is on the cusp of releasing new music so it is a great time to catch her touring. If the album title, The Bright Side, is anything to go by this should be a good opportunity to dance around, be a little silly and refresh that side of your soul.
Wednesday June 24th – Alice Smith – The Independent ($25+fees)
I saw Alice Smith play in New York last month and the show was insane. That is all. Buy the tickets. Three line whip! Seriously… not playing.
Thursday June 25th – Floetry – Regency Ballroom ($32.50+fees)
After what seems like forever and a day of them releasing solo music, Floetry are performing together again! Is new music coming? I don’t know. I guess I could Google it… maybe later. Anyways, their show at The Jazz Cafe in 2007/8ish is among the best shows I have seen there. Yes, the Regency is a lot bigger than London’s Jazz Cafe, however I expect it to be every bit as good.
Tickets
SoulSide Funk 