California Concerts 2013-2016
The mid-2010s brought incredible variety to California venues. From indie rock legends to electronic innovators to progressive bluegrass masters, these shows represented a vibrant period in live music.
Huntington Beach (2013)
Matt Costa & Modest Mouse - Huntington Beach (2013)
Orange County singer-songwriter Matt Costa opened for indie rock legends Modest Mouse. Isaac Brock's slurred, intense vocals and Modest Mouse's art-rock grooves ("Float On," "Dashboard," "3rd Planet") showed why they're indie icons. Matt Costa's California folk-pop was a nice warm-up. Read more.
Sleeptrain Amphitheater Sacramento (2013)
Sublime with Rome, 311, Cypress Hill (2013)
This was peak California summer tour vibes. Sublime with Rome keeping Bradley Nowell's legacy alive, 311 bringing their reggae-rock-rap fusion ("Down," "Amber"), and Cypress Hill with West Coast hip-hop classics ("Insane in the Brain," "Hits from the Bong"). Three acts that defined '90s California alternative culture on one bill.
SF Bay Area Shows
Cass McCombs & The War on Drugs - The Fillmore (2014)
Two of indie rock's most sophisticated acts at the legendary Fillmore. The War on Drugs' expansive, Americana-influenced rock and Cass McCombs' literate songwriting made for a killer double bill. Adam Granduciel's guitar work on "Red Eyes" and "Under the Pressure" is transcendent. Read more.
Nickel Creek - Fox Theater Oakland (May 2014)
The progressive bluegrass trio (Chris Thile on mandolin, Sara Watkins on fiddle, Sean Watkins on guitar) reunited after a hiatus. Watching three master musicians who grew up together creating complex, beautiful music was special. Their ability to blend bluegrass tradition with modern sensibilities is unmatched. Read more.
Dinosaurs - 50 Mason Social House (2014)
Veteran rockers still bringing energy.
Toro Y Moi - UC Berkeley (2015)
Chaz Bear's chillwave-turned-indie-funk at UC Berkeley. His evolution from lo-fi bedroom producer to full-fledged band leader was on display. The grooves were infectious, the production was lush, and the crowd was dancing.
2016 Shows
Lindsey Stirling - Greek Theatre (2015)
The violinist/dancer/YouTube sensation brought her unique blend of classical violin, electronic beats, and choreography to the Greek. Her technical skill on violin combined with her performance art approach makes for a visually and musically engaging show.
The Mowgli's - San Jose (2016)
The LA indie-pop band's upbeat, feel-good anthems ("San Francisco") in San Jose. Their positive energy and group vocals make for a fun live show.
Odesza - SFMOMA Modern Ball (May 12, 2016)
The electronic duo performing at the SF Museum of Modern Art's gala was perfect - electronic music in an art context. Their production (drums, brass, beautiful visuals) elevates EDM into something more artistic and emotionally resonant. "Say My Name" and "A Moment Apart" with the museum as backdrop was special. Read more.
The Verdict
These California shows from 2013-2016 showed the state's continued importance in music culture. From The War on Drugs at the Fillmore to Nickel Creek's reunited mastery to Modest Mouse's indie-rock legacy to Odesza's electronic innovation - California venues continued to host incredible talent.
The diversity of venues - from amphitheaters to museums to legendary rock rooms - provided the perfect settings for these diverse artists to shine.