Boston Concerts Happening in Spring 2016
March
Ra Ra Riot
Having released a new album in February, the indie rock band Ra Ra Riot is headed on a spring tour—their second stop being Boston on March 3.
March 3, 8 p.m., Paradise Rock Club, 967 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, ticketmaster.com.
Photo Provided
Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage
Both solo instruments and a live symphony orchestra perform music from the popular sci-fi TV and movie series, while iconic scenes are screened in high definition on stage.
March 4, 8 p.m., Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St., Boston, citicenter.org.
Howie Day
Known for hits like “Collide” and “She Says,” American singer-songwriter Howie Day comes to the Sinclair to perform both new and old songs.
March 5, 8 p.m., The Sinclair, 52 Church St., Cambridge, sinclaircambridge.com.
Willie Nile
This Buffalo, New York, native has toured with the Who and sung with the likes of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. His album “The Innocent Ones” was named one of the “Top Ten Best Under-the-Radar Albums of 2011” by Rolling Stone.
March 5, 9 p.m., Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Cambridge, passim.org.
Vicente Amigo: Flamenco Festival 2016
Vicente Amigo is a Latin Grammy-winning flamenco guitarist said to be at the forefront of today’s new generation of flamenco performers, linking innovation with tradition.
March 5, 8 p.m., Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, berklee.edu.
Itzhak Perlman: 20th Anniversary of In the Fiddler’s House
Itzhak Perlman comes to Symphony Hall to celebrate the klezmer tradition and to revisit his album In the Fiddler’s House, which was released twenty years ago.
March 6, 7 p.m., Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, celebrityseries.org.
The Pink Floyd Experience
Described as a “full on sensory assault,” the Pink Floyd Experience has been touring for more than ten years and celebrates music from the famous and iconic rock band Pink Floyd.
March 6, 7 p.m., The Wilbur, 246 Tremont St., Boston, thewilbur.com.
A Great Big World
A Great Big World is made up of Ian Axel and Chad King. The duo may be best known for their song “Say Something,” which they re-recorded in 2013 with Christina Aguilera.
March 6, 7 p.m., Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Ave., Boston, ticketmaster.com.
The Who
The Who is relaunching the North American leg of their international “The Who Hits 50! Tour.” Twenty-eight shows had to be rescheduled when lead singer Roger Daltrey took time off to recover from viral meningitis.
March 7, 7:30 p.m., TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston, tdgarden.com.
David Cook
Hailing from Houston, Texas, David Cook found fame after winning the seventh season of American Idol.
March 8, 6 p.m., Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Ave., Boston, ticketmaster.com.
Rudresh Mahanthappa
Rudresh Mahanthappa was named the Best Jazz Artist of 2015 by the Village Voice. Now he’s bringing his latest project, Bird Calls, to the ICA. The show is a tribute to famed jazz-master Charlie Parker.
March 9, 7:30 p.m., Institute of Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave., Boston, icaboston.org.
The Music of Harry Potter
The magic of Harry Potter comes to life in this symphonic performance by Berklee musicians. Music from the Harry Potter movie series will be performed by the school’s Harry Potter Soundtrack Orchestra.
March 10, 8 p.m., Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, berklee.edu.
Beach House
Catch dream pop band Beach House at the House of Blues before they hit the stage at Coachella this spring.
March 11, 8 p.m., House of Blues Boston, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston, houseofblues.com.
Rachel Platten photo via Disney/ABC on Flickr/Creative Commons
Rachel Platten at Royale
Growing up outside of Boston, the “Stand by You” and “Fight Song” singer returns to the city for a stop on her the Wildfire Tour.
March 12, 6 p.m., Royale Nightclub, 279 Tremont St., Boston, royaleboston.com.
Jessie James Decker
Country singer Jessie James Decker brings her talents to Boston. The singer-songwriter is also a reality TV personality, and stars with her pro football player husband Eric Decker in their own show, Eric and Jessie: Game On, on E!.
March 12, 6 p.m., Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Ave., Boston, ticketmaster.com.
Sybarite5. / Photo by Brian Braun Provided
Stave Sessions
Presented by Celebrity Series of Boston, this five-day festival features distinctive and emerging musicians such as New York-based band My Brightest Diamond and string quartet Sybarite5.
March 13-19, shows start at 8:30 p.m., 160 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, celebrityseries.org.
Nick Carter
This Backstreet Boy is back in Boston to perform pieces from his latest solo album, All American, at the House of Blues.
March 13, 7 p.m., House of Blues Boston, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston, houseofblues.com.
The Dropkick Murphys
Hardly needing an introduction, the Dropkick Murphys are “Shipping Back to Boston” for what’s sure to be a lively and loud performance at the House of Blues.
March 18, 6 p.m., House of Blues Boston, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston, houseofblues.com.
Andra Day
Stevie Wonder helped jumpstart Andra Day’s career, and now the singer’s unique sound, what she calls “retro pop soul,” is making waves in the music industry. She performed at this year’s Grammy awards with Ellie Goulding.
March 20, 8 p.m., The Sinclair, 52 Church St., Cambridge, sinclaircambridge.com.
Hoodie Allen
In January, hip-hop star Hoodie Allen’s newest album, Happy Camper, shot up to number two on iTunes, just under Adele’s 25. This is despite the fact that Hoodie also put the album up for free downloading on his website upon its release.
March 20, 7 p.m., House of Blues Boston, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston, houseofblues.com.
Photo by Olga Khvan
Lake Street Drive
Lake Street Dive was founded in Boston in 2004, when the band’s four members met while attending the New England Conservatory of Music.
March 23, 7 p.m., House of Blues Boston, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston, houseofblues.com.
International Folk Music Festival
The International Folk Music Festival celebrates Berklee’s international student population, bringing students from around the world together through colorful folk music performances. Grammy-winning folk artist Arto Tuncboyaciyan will make a special appearance.
March 24, 8 p.m., Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, berklee.edu.
Red Baraat’s Festival of Colors
NPR dubbed Red Baraat “the best party band in years.” Decide for yourself when the Brooklyn-based, eight-piece band performs at the Sinclair.
March 24, 8 p.m., The Sinclair, 52 Church St., Cambridge, sinclaircambridge.com.
We the Kings
Brighton Music Hall welcomes We the Kings, a rock band hailing from Bradenton, Florida, perhaps most popular for their 2007 platinum single “Check Yes Juliet.”
March 25, 6 p.m., Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Ave., Boston, ticketmaster.com.
Stick Figure
Chill out and rock out with Stick Figure, a reggae band started by Massachusetts native Scott Woodruff.
March 25, 7:30 p.m., Paradise Rock Club, 967 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, ticketmaster.com.
Photo by Olga Khvan
Lucius
Fill your night with Lucius’s catchy pop songs as the Brooklyn-based, five-piece indie band takes over Royale.
March 29, 7 p.m., Royale Nightclub, 279 Tremont St., Boston, royaleboston.com.
April
Berklee Global Jazz Summit
This performance is a part of the Signature Series at Berklee and is led by Grammy-award winning pianist Danilo Perez.
April 1, 8 p.m., Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, berklee.edu.
Parachute
Parachute drops into Boston for a stop on their Wide Awake tour. The band met in high school, and have toured alongside the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Andy Grammer, and the All-American Rejects.
April 1, 6 p.m., Royale Nightclub, 279 Tremont St., Boston, royaleboston.com.
Johnny Clegg Band
Get in the Zulu zone as award-winning singer Johnny Clegg mixes South African rhythms with Western rock.
April 2, 8 p.m., Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville, worldmusic.org.
Wolf Alice
Nominated for British Breakthrough Act at this year’s Brit Awards, grime band Wolf Alice takes to Boston for a performance at Brighton Music Hall.
April 3, 7 p.m., Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Ave., Boston, ticketmaster.com.
Woody Woodmansey’s Holy Holy
A David Bowie cover band, Woody Woodmansey’s Holy Holy will perform Bowie songs from 1969 to 1973.
April 5, 7 p.m., House of Blues Boston, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston, houseofblues.com.
Charlie Puth
Charlie Puth started his career by posting videos to YouTube, now he’s a rising star having hit the American Music Award stage and earning a 2016 Grammy nomination for “See You Again,” his hit collaboration with Wiz Khalifa.
April 5, 7 p.m., Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Ave., Boston, ticketmaster.com.
Waka Flocka Flame
In April 2015, Waka Flocka Flame announced his candidacy for President of the United States, but at 28 he didn’t meet the minimum age requirement. Show your support by attending the rapper’s gig at Paradise Rock Club.
April 7, 8 p.m., Paradise Rock Club, 967 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, ticketmaster.com.
The Smashing Pumpkins
Alternative-rock band the Smashing Pumpkins is reuniting with original drummer Jimmy Chamberlin for their 19-date North American tour, In Plainsong.
April 9, 7:30 p.m., Orpheum Theatre, 1 Hamilton Pl., Boston, ticketmaster.com.
Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals
Recently reunited, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals take their talents to Boston this spring. The band’s front runner, Ben Harper, has won three Grammy awards throughout the span of his career.
April 9, 5 p.m., House of Blues Boston, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston, houseofblues.com.
Rihanna
RiRi is sure to dominate TD Garden this April when the “Work” singer stops by the stadium for her Anti World Tour.
April 10, 7:30 p.m., TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston, tdgarden.com.
Iggy Pop
Punk rockers Iggy Pop and Josh Homme are touring together in support of their new album Post Pop Depression.
April 11, 7:30 p.m., Orpheum Theatre, 1 Hamilton Pl., Boston, ticketmaster.com.
Magic Man and the Griswolds
Immerse yourself in the catchy music of two distinctive bands. Magic Man and the Griswolds join forces on their Hotline Spring Tour.
April 12, 6:30 p.m., Royale Nightclub, 279 Tremont St., Boston, royaleboston.com.
Esperanza Spalding
At 31, jazz superstar Esperanza Spalding has won four Grammy awards, created five solo albums, and has produced seven collaborative albums. What have you done lately?
April 12, 7:30 p.m., Shubert Theatre, 265 Tremont St., Boston, citicenter.org.
Diana Ross
When Diana Ross comes to the area, you don’t want to miss it. Trek down to Providence for what’s sure to be an unforgettable night.
April 14, 7:30 p.m., Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence, Rhode Island, ppacri.org.
Brad Mehldau Trio
The New York Times called Brad Mehldau “the most influential jazz pianist of the last 20 years.” In this trio, Larry Grenadier plays bass while Jeff Ballard takes over the drums.
April 15, 8 p.m., Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, worldmusic.org.
Jewel
You know all the words to all of her songs, whether you’ll admit it or not, so attending Jewel’s concert at the Wilbur is really a no-brainer.
April 17, 7 p.m., The Wilbur, 246 Tremont St., Boston, thewilbur.com.
Vocal Jazz Festival
A cool night of jazz awaits at Berklee’s Vocal Jazz Festival, with performances by the Vintage Vocals Ensemble and the Berklee Vocal Jazz Ensembles.
April 19, 8 p.m., Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, berklee.edu.
Dream Theater
Spawned out of Berklee classrooms, this massive prog-metal band has released a long series of epic albums, none more so than the latest they’re touring behind, a 130-minute dystopian rock opera called The Astonishing.
April 19, Orpheum Theatre, 617-482-0106, crossroadspresents.com.
Van Morrison
A legend hits the stage at Wang Theatre this spring and that man hardly needs an introduction; don’t miss this concert by “Brown Eyed Girl” singer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Van Morrison.
April 26-27, 8 p.m., Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St., Boston, citicenter.org.
Tori Kelly
Newcomer Tori Kelly has pipes to boot. Despite being eliminated from American Idol in 2010, she worked her way to the top, earning a nomination for Best New Artist at the 58th Grammy Awards.
April 30, 6 p.m., House of Blues Boston, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston, houseofblues.com.
May
Buika
Spanish singer Buika blends flamenco, jazz, soul, and blues in order to create her own unique sound. NPR featured her in their series “50 Great Voices,” and she has been nominated for several Latin Grammy awards.
May 1, 7:30 p.m., Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, worldmusic.org.
Ben Folds
A versatile musician with a diverse repertoire, Ben Folds has probably “been there, done that.” His focus now, however, is on his new chamber pop album “So There.”
May 7, 7:30 p.m., Orpheum Theatre, 1 Hamilton Pl., Boston, ticketmaster.com.
M. Ward
Matt Ward worked with Zooey Deschanel when they produced five LPs as the pop duo She & Him. Now he’s off promoting his ninth solo album, More Rain.
May 7, 6 p.m., Royale Nightclub, 279 Tremont St., Boston, royaleboston.com.
Juan de Marcos Gonzalez and the Afro-Cubans All Stars
Bandleader Juan de Marcos grew up in Havana, and includes classic 1950s Cuban sound to the songs he and his All Stars produce.
May 8, 7:30 p.m., Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, worldmusic.org.
Photo Provided
Punch Brothers
You can expect a knockout performance from this bluegrass-rock quintet as they play music from their latest album, The Phosphorescent Blues.
May 10, 7:30 p.m., Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., Cambridge, harvard.edu.
Justin Bieber
“Baby, baby, baby,” we can already hear the sound of thousands of screaming girls. This serves as a fair warning.
May 10, 7:30 p.m., TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston, tdgarden.com.
Lukas Graham
The Danish are coming! Hailing from Denmark, Lukas Graham arrives stateside with his pop hip-hop tunes during a performance at Brighton Music Hall.
May 12, 7 p.m., Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Ave., Boston, ticketmaster.com.
Together Boston
The Hub becomes an eight-day dance party, as venues on both sides of the river host DJs and EDM artists from around the world.
May 15–22, togetherboston.com.
Photo via Somerville Arts Council
Somerville PorchFest
Musicians from a variety of genres play outside during Somerville’s sixth annual PorchFest music festival. Take a listen as sweet songs fill the city’s sidewalks, lawns, and, well, porches.
May 21, 12-6 p.m., Somerville, somervilleartscouncil.org.
Photograph courtesy of Michale Dornbierer
Boston Calling Music Festival
Do you hear that, Boston? This uber successful music festival is back with headliners that include the likes of Sia, Disclosure, and Robyn.
May 27-29, time vary, City Hall Plaza, Congress St., Boston, bostoncalling.com.
The Monkees
Who would have thought that a 1960s television show could produce such a catchy and impactful rock band? The Monkees are still jamming 50 years later, paying tribute to the Battle and the Marx Brothers.
May 27, 8 p.m., The Wilbur, 246 Tremont St., Boston, thewilbur.com.
The Summer Set
Head to Paradise Rock Club to hear this band’s array of feel-good tunes that will make you glad summer is on the horizon.
May 28, 6 p.m., Paradise Rock Club, 967 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, livenation.com.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez will be joined by fellow Disney Grad Joe Jonas as his band DNCE opens for her during the Revival Tour.
May 28, 7:30 p.m., TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston, tdgarden.com.
Boston Pops’ Gospel Night
Now in its 24th year, one of the most popular concerts of the Boston Pops season has been Gospel Night, which features some of the biggest stars in holy soul music. In June, conductor Charles Floyd welcomes a particularly stellar special guest: Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Darlene Love. Read more.
June 11, Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., bostonpops.org.
And coming up in June…
Modern English
When T. T. the Bear’s shuttered last year, legendary local DJ Chris Ewen relocated his night of vintage New Wave and goth tunes to the Middle East. Fittingly, he’s now helping that club host the ’80s U.K. band famous for “I Melt with You.” Black togs and eyeliner, please.
June 7, The Middle East, 617-864-3278, mideastclub.com.
Brian Wilson Performs Pet Sounds
The genius Beach Boy celebrates the 50th anniversary (!) of his masterpiece album by playing it in its entirety. Special guests include former bandmates Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin.
June 17–18, Symphony Hall, 888-266-1200, bostonpops.org.
