The five best Los Angeles concerts for the week of January 20, 2020

Have you been in the mood to check out some live music in Los Angeles? Fortunately for you, the city has shows taking place everywhere you look. We picked out five insane concerts taking place in the area from January 20 through January 26. Tickets for these shows are on sale right now to the general public.

Wednesday, January 22

Higher Power @ The Echo

English hardcore band Higher Power arrive to The Echo on their first U.S. headlining tour. On January 24, the band will unveil their sophomore studio album 27 Miles Underwater, which arrives on Roadrunner Records. Joining them as support are Take Offense, Drain, and Life’s Question will open.

Saturday, January 25

Freq. Fest: Homecoming @ The Smell

Chiptune fans will have their fill inside The Smell for Freq. Fest: Homecoming. The two day music festival, which takes places on Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26, will feature performances from acts such as Ivy Hollivana, Unicorn Dream Attack, and Neon Death Cat.

Wam Dingis @ Moroccan Lounge

Los Angeles art rock group Wam Dingis will celebrate the release of their new music video “Heaven First” at the Moroccan Lounge. The visual was directed by Aaron Kessinger. “Heaven First” stems from their latest studio album It's Not That Hard. Joining Wam Dingis for the celebration are Indigo Skyship and Fime.

Darling Dead, Androgen Rx @ The Stardust Club

Klub Terminal delivers a Saturday night gig with industrial metal outfits Darling Dead and Androgen Rx. Darling Dead will unveil their new studio album Hollywood's Most Hated sometime this year. Androgen Rx, who had their first show back in November, features Angel Nightmare of Midnight Nightmare. This show will have free entry before 10 p.m.

Sunday, January 26

Cursive, Cloud Nothings @ Teragram Ballroom

Cursive arrive to the Teragram Ballroom in support of their new studio album Get Fixed. The album was intentionally supposed to be a double album alongside their 2018 album Vitriola. Cloud Nothings, who are supporting their 2018 album Last Building Burning, and Criteria, who released their new album Years last week, will also perform.

The five best NYC concerts for the week of January 20, 2020

In the mood to discover your new favorite music act? Well, New York City is packed with a ton of concerts for your pleasure. We’ve picked five amazing shows taking place across the city from January 20 through January 26. Tickets for these concerts are on sale to the general public right now.

Wednesday, January 22

Bad Waitress @ Mercury Lounge

Last week, Canadian punk group Bad Waitress unveiled their new single “That’s Sedative.” On Wednesday, the band will play an early show inside the Mercury Lounge with support from Castle Rat and Old Lady. Bad Waitress have been seen touring with acts such as Rise Against and The Bronx in support of their debut EP Party Bangers Volume:1.

J Roddy Walston, Parker Gispert @ Bowery Ballroom

J. Roddy Walston will give some fan favorites from J. Roddy Walston and the Business a new feeling with some synthesizers and pianos. Aside from the re-imagined tunes, the singer will also introduce some new songs during this special performance. The Whigs frontman Parker Gispert, who unveiled their solo debut album Sunlight Tonight in 2018, will open.

Thursday, January 23

Ider, Raia Wes @ Rough Trade NYC

U.K. alternative rock duo Ider will arriving inside Rough Trade NYC to promote their debut album Emotional Education. The act have been earning mileage in Europe with tours alongside Tegan and Sara and Oh Wonder. Songwriter Raia Was, who is supporting their new EP titled Angel I'm Frightened (Side A), will open.

The Sadies, Cliff Westfall @ Union Pool

Canadian rock band The Sadies will have a two night stint inside Union Pool on Thursday, January 23 and Friday, January 24. Their Thursday performance will feature special guest Cliff Westfall, who is supporting their album Baby You Win. On January 24, the band will release their split with King Khan. The Sadies’ last studio album was 2017’s Northern Passages.

Friday, January 24

Samantha Urbani, Sedona @ Elsewhere

Last fall, Samantha Urbani made their return with the electric track “Made in Love.” The artist will have a special headlining show inside Elsewhere to test some new material. Joining them as support are Sedona, who will release their debut EP this year, and Tara, who unveiled their new single “Nine to Five” last month.

Five panels to catch at PAX South 2020

The sixth annual PAX South arrives this weekend, and thousands of gamers will take over the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. Aside from games, panels deliver some of the best content during the event. We look at five panels worth checking out while you’re at the convention. Tickets for PAX South, which takes place from January 17 through January 19, are still on sale here. More information about the convention can be found on their website.

Friday, January 17

The 41 Tabletop Games You Must Play
Bobcat Theatre
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Over the years, tabletop gaming has seen a spike in popularity thanks to Twitch channels such as Geek and Sundry and Hyper RPG. With so many tabletop games on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to pick the best ones. GeekNights' Scott Rubin and Rym DeCoster will be on hand to discuss the games you should play to understand the concept of tabletop gaming.

BomBARDed - A Musical D&D Adventure
Falcon Theatre
9:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Dungeon & Dragons podcast BomBARDed will have a special live show combining live music and D&D. BomBARDed was founded by members of the Texas indie rock band Lindby. The podcast follows the journey of three bards attending Strumlott's School for Bards. You can check out previous episodes of the podcast here.

Saturday, January 18

Mega Games: What Are They and How Do I Play One?!
Bobcat Theatre
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Mega games blend the mechanics of RPGs, TTRPGs, LARPs, and wargames for a massive group of players. Some mega games have seen up to 300 people involved in the storytelling. Dallas Mega Games staff will be in the house to explain this unique style of gaming. The company will hold their own mega game inside the Spring Creek Church in Garland, Texas on Saturday, February 29.

Sunday, January 19

Making a Difference with Playing Video Games in the Hospital
Bobcat Theatre
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Child’s Play Charity has made it easier for children to play their favorite video games in the hospital thanks to Gaming Technology Specialists. Child's Play Charity program director Erik Blandin will join a slew of tech specialists in the field to discuss how they managed to pull this off and how attendees can lend a helping hand.

Gatekeeping Makes You Look Like an A**Hole
Bobcat Theatre
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Whether its video games or properties such as Star Wars, gatekeeping is a major issue. Fortunately, Hey Listen Games owner Zachary Hartzman teams up with group of psychologists and psychotherapists (Anthony Bean, Amelia Herbst, Julia Stamman, Rachel Kowert, and Jared Kilmer) to talk about how to put an end to this in geek culture.

The five best NYC concerts for the week of January 13, 2020

As the City That Never Sleeps, there’s always something going down in New York City. For music lovers, there’s always a concert for their live experience needs. We have five of the best concerts taking place in New York City from Monday, January 13 through Sunday, January 19. Tickets for these concerts are on sale to the general public right now.

Friday, January 17

Cashmere Cat @ Webster Hall

Grammy-nominated producer Cashmere Cat will arrive at Webster Hall to promote their latest studio album Princess Catgirl. The seven track album, which includes the singles "Emotions" and "For Your Eyes Only," peaked at number 12 on the Dance/Electronic Albums charts. Joining Cashmere Cat as support are Zora Jones and Sinjin Hawke. Tickets for Cashmere Cat's postponed December 4th performance will be honored here.

Emily Claman, Nathan Brouillet @ Mercury Lounge

New York City-based singer Emily Claman takes the stage at Mercury Lounge for an early performance. Claman's first single "Gone" gained some buzz through Spotify's Discover Weekly playlist. They're slated to release their debut EP soon. Joining Claman is Nathan Brouillet, who spent 2019 releasing the singles "I Follow A Light" and "Angels In America."

Lovelorn, Reduction Plan @ Gold Sounds Bar

Featuring former members of Philadelphia psychedelic-punk group Creepoid, Lovelorn will make their way to Brooklyn's Gold Sounds Bar for a night of new music. Forming in 2018, the band have unveiled a handful of songs so far, including "Chains" and "Candle." Joining them as support are Reduction Plan, Kissed by an Animal, and Dismal Stars.

Saturday, January 18

The Smithereens (feat. Marshall Crenshaw) @ Sony Hall

Following the death of singer Pat DiNizio in 2017, New Jersey rock group The Smithereens have been using guest vocalists to continue DiNizio's legacy. Their performance inside Sony Hall will feature Marshall Crenshaw, who is best known for his singles "Someday, Someway" and "Whenever You're on My Mind." In 2018, the band was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

Sunday, January 19

Virginia Plain, Plates of Cake @ Union Pool

Union Pool will be the place for a double record release show from glam pop group Virginia Plain and psychedelic rockers Plates of Cake. Virginia Plain, which was formed in 2012 by Alfra Martini, unveiled their debut studio album Strange Game last month. Plates of Cake also unveiled their fifth studio album Decline and Fall in December. Indiepop Pale Lights, whose last studio album was 2017's The Stars Seemed Brighter, will open.

The five best Los Angeles concerts for the week of January 13, 2020

In the mood for some live music in Los Angeles this week? Fortunately, there’s something for all kinds of music lovers going down at every turn. We’ve handpicked five great shows taking place during from Monday, January 13 through Sunday, January 19. Tickets for these shows are on sale right now to the general public.

Tuesday, January 14

Erin Anne, Unconditional Lover @ The Satellite

Last June, singer-songwriter Erin Anne unveiled their debut album Tough Love. The release caught the attention of Carpark Records, who re-released the album on their label. For their label debut, Anne re-recorded the whole album with producer Alex Rogers to give it a stronger bite. Joining them on the show are Unconditional Lover (fka GalPals), who are celebrating the release of their new EP. Opening the show are post rock group Gypsum.

Wednesday, January 15

Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Secrets @ 1720

Scary Kids Scaring Kids will arrive to 1720 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their debut album The City Sleeps In Flames. Former Saosin member Cove Reber will be on hand as their vocalist. Joining Scary Kids Scaring Kids on this show are Secrets, who are working on the follow up to their 2018 self-titled album, and Push Over, which features The Fall of Troy's Thomas Erak and former Dance Gavin Dance/A Lot Like Birds vocalist Kurt Travis.

Thursday, January 16

Crywolf, Emilie Brandt @ The Moroccan Lounge

Crywolf brings a special acoustic set inside The Moroccan Lounge. Last spring, the Los Angeles producer delivered their jaw-dropping studio album widow [OBLIVIØN Pt. I]. The second half of this project is expected to be released soon. Last week, Crywolf released their new single "beauty is not a need, she is an ecstasy," which features guest vocals from Charity. Emilie Brandt, who recently collaborated with Seven Lions and Jason Ross, will be the opening act.

Friday, Janaury 17

Patio, Cheekface @ The Hi Hat

New York City post-punk trio Patio arrive to The Hi Hat to promote their debut album Essentials. The 10 track release was produced by Shehzaad Jiwani, who has worked with The Dirty Nil and The Beverleys. Joining Patio are Cheekface, who are also plugging their debut album Therapy Island, and First Ever Boys, who are dropping their new EP I Feel Like You’re Mad At Me this month.

Saturday, January 18

Brandon Coleman @ The Moroccan Lounge

Brandon Coleman, who is best known for their work with jazz musician Kamasi Washington, hits up The Moroccan Lounge to perform tunes from their latest studio album Resistance. Released on Brainfeeder, the 12 track album features guest appearances from Sheera, N’Dambi, Patrice Quinn, and Techdizzle.

Five panels to catch at Long Beach Comic Expo 2020

Long Beach Comic Expo, which takes place this weekend, kicks off the convention season for many in Southern California. The two day convention brings major players in the comic book world, including Dan DiDio, Gerry Conway, and Julie & Shawna Benson. This year’s LBCE has a slew of panels for those looking for some discussions about all things geek culture. We look at five panels worthy of your time. Tickets for LBCE are still on sale here. The convention takes place at the Long Beach Convention Center in Los Angeles, Califonia on Saturday, January 11 and Sunday, January 12.

Saturday, January 11

Women of SciFi Panel
Room: 102C
Time: 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

Over the years, women have delivered memorable characters in the world of SciFi. Nakia Burrise (Power Rangers), Gigi Edgley (Farscape), Aliza Pearl (Shield of Tomorrow), and Michele Specht (Star Trek Continues) will be on hand to talk about the highs and lows of being a part of this compelling genre. This panel will be moderated by Jackie Dallas (Stranger Things).

Star Wars: Nothing But Star Wars (*and related current properties)
Room: 103A
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Have you been keeping your mouth zipped about Episode 9? Want to fully discuss everything about The Mandalorian? Moderated by Fatman Beyond host Marc Bernardin, this panel will be filled with discussions about everything Star Wars. Former Lucasfilm Director of Fan Relations Craig Miller (Star Wars Memories), artist Tony Fleecs (Star Wars Adventures), and novelists Cecil Castellucci (Star Wars: Moving Target) and S.T. Bende (Viking Academy) will join the fun with their thoughts on everything.

Playing With Other People’s Toys: Creating Licensed Comics
Room: 103A
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Being able to work with a licensed property is every creator’s dream. Moderated by Ringo Award-winning writer Rylend Grant (Aberrant), artists Cat Staggs (Smallville) and Drew Johnson (Godzilla: Aftershock) will join writers Cecil Castellucci (The Little Mermaid) and David Avallone (The Twilight Zone) to talk about working on some beloved franchises.

Sunday, January 12

Rise of the Latina Superhero
Room: 103B
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Over the decades, Latina superheroes have been a rarity in comic books. The folks behind new Latina superhero Jalisco (creator Kayden Phoenix, illustrator Amanda Julina Gonzales, and colorist Gloria Felix) will join cosplayer Ivy Doomkitty and Fanbase Press founder Barbra Dillon will discuss how and when Latina superheroes will finally get their time to shine.

Women of Horror Panel
Room: 102C
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Recently, women have been turning the horror genre on its head. From directors such as The Soska Sisters to female-led films such as Hereditary, the genre has been leaving old tropes behind. Dana DeLorenzo (Ash vs Evil Dead), Devanny Pinn (The Dawn), Alex Rinehart (The Black Room), Elissa Dowling (Tales of Halloween), and Esther Goodstein (Slay Belles) will discuss the ever-growing landscape of horror movies and TV shows. The panel will be moderated by producer Esther Goodstein (It Watches).

The five best Los Angeles concerts for the week of January 6, 2020

Trying to find something to do in Los Angeles after a long day at the office? There’s nothing better than catching some live music. We’ve picked out five fantastic shows taking place from January 6 through January 12. Tickets are available to purchase right now.

Tuesday, January 7

Cedric Burnside, Leroy from the North @ The Echo

Blues artist Cedric Burnside will kick off a five-date trek along the West Coast inside The Echo. Last year, the artist gained their second career Grammy nomination for their acclaimed album Benton County Relic. Joining him as support is L.A.'s own Leroy from the North, which is the project of former Wild Feathers member Eli Wulfmeier.

Thursday, January 9

Wand @ The Echo

Los Angeles psychedelic rock band Wand will take over The Echo for two nights of music (night two takes place on Friday, January 10). Last year, the band released their fifth studio album Laughing Matter. With no opening bands, Wand will be playing a longer set than usual. As of this writing, these will be the only L.A. show for Wand in 2020. Both sets will be recorded for a future release.

Friday, January 10

Good Riddance, Youth Brigade @ The Roxy Theatre

California punk group Good Riddance will make their way to The Roxy Theatre on their Tour of Duty stint. Last year, the band released their ninth studio album titled Thoughts and Prayers. Joining them as opening acts are Youth Brigade, Sharp Shock, and The Last Gang.

Basscon Wasteland 2020 @ Hollywood Palladium

On January 10 and January 11, Basscon will turn the Hollywood Palladium into bass heaven with Wasteland. Spinning on night one are Brennan Heart, DJ Isaac, Geo, LNY TNZ, Radical Redemption, and Soren. Night two will feature sets from Darksiderz B2B Pulsatorz, DJ The Prophet, Mad Dog B2B DJ AniMe, Sub Zero Project, and Wasted Penguinz. Two-day and single day tickets are still on sale.

Saturday, January 11

Silver Snakes, Death Valley High @ 5 Star Bar

Industrial rock outfit Silver Snakes kicked off 2020 by announcing their breakup. Their performance inside 5 Star Bar will be one of their last in their hometown with a farewell show in the works. Last year, the band unveiled their fourth studio album Death and the Moon. Joining them as support are Death Valley High and Fighter Jets.

The five best NYC concerts for the week of January 6, 2020

In the mood for a great concert in the Big Apple? Fortunately, there’s something going on every single day in the city! We’ve put together a list of five events worth checking out from January 6 through January 12. Tickets for these shows are on sale right now to the general public.

Thursday, January 9

The Unlikely Candidates, The Orphan The Poet @ Mercury Lounge

Texas indie rockers The Unlikely Candidates have been putting in mileage in support of their latest single "Novacaine," which has nearly 10 million streams on Spotify. The group's music has been featured on programs such as American Idol and the Super Bowl playoffs. The band will have an early show inside Mercury Lounge with support from The Orphan The Poet, who are plugging their Queen Cobra EP.

Cimafunk @ Webster Hall

Erik Iglesias Rodríguez, who is better known as Cimafunk, will bring his Afro-Cuban funk to Webster Hall. In 2017, the artist unveiled their debut album Terapia, which led to accolades and festival appearances around the world. 2019 found the artist collaborating with talent such as Nube Roja ("Estás Pa' Mi"), Tony Succar ("El Tren del Sabor"), and Omara Portuondo ("El Potaje").

Saturday, January 11

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Jake Shimabukuro @ Sony Hall

Swing revival group Big Bad Voodoo Daddy got their big break thanks to the 1996 film Swingers. During their 25+ year career, the band have found themselves performing on the Super Bowl halftime show, Dancing with the Stars, and the Capital One Bowl. Their last studio album was 2017's Louie, Louie, Louie. Joining them as support is ukulele maestro Jake Shimabukuro, who released their latest album The Greatest Day in 2018.

Rén with the Mane, Tiger Darrow, Eleni @ Elsewhere

A trio of NYC rising female artists will join forces for an electric night inside Elsewhere. Headlining the event is Rén with the Mane, who spent 2019 releasing the singles "Just Wanna Lie," "Burnin," and "Fool For You." Last March, Tiger Darrow unveiled their five-song Ugh EP. The artist also collaborated with Elizabeth P.W. on the song "Not Today." Eleni will kick things off.

Sunday, January 12

Epica, Starkill @ Webster Hall

Dutch metal outfit Epica return to NYC to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Design Your Universe. Released in 2009, the record, which became their first to land on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, earned universal acclaim. Last year, Epica unveiled a Gold Edition of the album, which includes five acoustic songs. Joining them as support are Starkill, who are supporting their fourth studio album Gravity.