Memorable Concerts 2010-2011: San Diego & Beyond

Some concerts don't fit neatly into venue compilations or festival groupings, but they're too special not to remember. Here are some standout shows from 2010-2011 across different genres and venues.

Arena Rock Spectacle

Coldplay - Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre, San Diego (2009/2010)

Coldplay's arena show was pure spectacle. The confetti, the lights, the massive production - Chris Martin and crew know how to fill a large space. "Yellow," "The Scientist," "Viva la Vida," "Clocks" - hit after hit with stunning visuals. Say what you want about Coldplay, but they deliver an incredible live experience. Read more.

Legendary Singer-Songwriters

Paul Simon - Los Angeles (2011)

Paul Simon performing his incredible catalog - Simon & Garfunkel classics and solo masterpieces. "Graceland," "You Can Call Me Al," "The Boxer," "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover," "Bridge Over Troubled Water" - this is American songwriting at its finest. At 70, his voice had changed but his musicianship and song arrangements were impeccable. Read more.

Sufjan Stevens - Los Angeles (2011)

Sufjan's "The Age of Adz" tour was a radical departure from his earlier folk sound - electronic, maximalist, and challenging. The stage setup with lights and projections was overwhelming. Hearing newer electronic songs alongside classics like "Chicago" and "Casimir Pulaski Day" showed his range. Sufjan is uncompromising in his artistic vision. Read more.

Jackson Browne - See Humphreys post (2010)

Already covered in the Humphreys compilation.

Unique Venues & Experiences

Peter and Paul (from Peter, Paul and Mary) - Birch Aquarium (2010)

Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey performing folk classics at the Birch Aquarium with the ocean as backdrop was magical. "Puff the Magic Dragon," "If I Had a Hammer," "Blowin' in the Wind" - these songs are woven into American culture. Hearing them in such an intimate, beautiful setting was special.

Garrison Keillor - PLNU Brown Chapel (2010)

"A Prairie Home Companion" host Garrison Keillor brought his storytelling and radio show to Point Loma Nazarene University. His wit, his baritone voice, the musical guests - it was like experiencing the radio show live. Keillor's ability to paint pictures with words is unmatched.

Chris Hillman with Herb Pedersen - PLNU Symposium by the Sea (2011)

The Byrds founding member and Desert Rose Band co-founder Chris Hillman with bluegrass legend Herb Pedersen brought California country-rock history to life. Their harmonies and guitar work showed decades of experience.

Classical Excellence

Lang Lang - San Diego Symphony (2011)

The Chinese piano virtuoso performing with the San Diego Symphony was breathtaking. His technical skill is mind-boggling, but what sets Lang Lang apart is his emotional expressiveness and showmanship. He plays with his whole body, making classical music exciting and accessible.

Herbie Hancock - Disney Concert Hall (2011)

Herbie at the Frank Gehry-designed Disney Hall in Los Angeles. The acoustics of that space plus Herbie's genius made for an unforgettable night.

Anoushka Shankar - Balboa Theatre (April 20, 2012)

Ravi Shankar's daughter bringing Indian classical sitar music to San Diego. Her virtuosity on the sitar and her compositions that blend Indian classical with contemporary elements were mesmerizing.

Small Venue Treasures

Tyrone Wells - Lestat's (2010)

The San Diego singer-songwriter at Lestat's Coffee House showed his acoustic pop-soul in an intimate setting.

Family Wagon - Lestat's (2010)

Local folk-rock band bringing community vibes to the Normal Heights coffee house.

The Weepies - Winston's, Ocean Beach (2011)

The husband-wife indie-folk duo in the intimate OB venue. Their harmonies and sweet melodies were perfect for the small room.

The Blues Doctors - Claire De Lune (2011)

Local blues band at the coffee shop venue.

Washington D.C. Benefit

Nada Surf - Invisible Children Event, Washington D.C. (2009)

Caught Nada Surf at a benefit event in D.C. Their indie rock ("Popular" nostalgia plus newer, more mature material) for a good cause.

The Verdict

These shows represent the diversity of live music - from Coldplay's arena spectacle to Peter and Paul at the aquarium, from Lang Lang's classical virtuosity to Garrison Keillor's storytelling, from Sufjan's electronic experimentation to Chris Hillman's country-rock history.

Each show was special in its own way, proving that live music comes in many forms and can move you whether it's in an arena, a coffee shop, or an aquarium.