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14 Summer Concerts In L.A. That You Simply Can’t Miss

red hot chili peppers la concerts
No one can dispute that living in L.A. means totally living it up. Aside from the too-gorgeous-to-fully-describe sunsets (did you happen to catch last night's?), we can count on the best musical acts making it top priority to stop in the City of Angels while on tour. And though it's already almost the end of July (yikes!), we're here to dutifully remind you that the night is young, dear readers. Yes, August may be upon us, but that doesn't mean toasting to summer has to grind to a screeching halt. Quite the contrary, in fact — it turns out some of our favorite venues have saved the best acts for last.
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From indie wunderkinds like Regina Spektor, Tennis, and White Denim to timeless music icons like, yep, the Liza Minnelli, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Crosby, Stills and Nash, we think this list will have something for music lovers of every stripe. Rest assured, all of the shows still have tickets available — you may just have to mosey on over to Stubhub to do some sleuthing.
We hope you relish in every summer groove!

Dirty Projectors at The Wiltern
Buzz, buzz, buzz! That's what has been surrounding this band's new album, titled Swing Lo Magellan, and there's no question, it's a real put-on-repeat winner. For a show that promises crazy-amazing vocals, you'll want to be sure not to miss this July closer.

When: Saturday, July 28 at 8 p.m.
Where: Wiltern Theater, 3790 Wilshire Boulevard (at South Western Avenue); 213-388-1400.
Tickets: $26.50 to $34, purchase here.

Real Estate at The Fonda
Real Estate may hail from Ridgewood, New Jersey, but we think the band's vibes feel mighty Californian. The group's 2011 album Days has become a real favorite on a relaxing afternoon in the sun. What better way to kick off the month of August?

When: Friday, August 3 at 8 p.m.
Where: The Fonda Theatre, 6126 Hollywood Boulevard (at North Gower Street); 323-464-0808.
Tickets: $30.60, purchase here.

Liza Minnelli at The Hollywood Bowl
Before we go any further, we have one question for you. Have you seen Cabaret? If not, do that, and then just try to tell us you don't want to experience that infamous Minnelli charm, sass, and sheer talent in living color.

When: Saturday, August 11 at 8 p.m.
Where: The Hollywood Bowl, 2301 North Highland Avenue (near Cahuenga Boulevard); 323-850-2000.
Tickets: Prices vary, purchase here.

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Red Hot Chili Peppers at Staples Center
You wouldn't be a dutiful Angeleno if you didn't know "Under The Bridge" by heart, but were you aware that these guys live will knock your socks off (pun intended)? Though tickets "sold out" in a flash to the back-to-back (rescheduled) shows, a plethora are still available on Stubhub. Hop to it, and enjoy an act that's been wow-ing music lovers in LA since the band's formation in 1983.

When: Saturday, August 11 and Sunday, August 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Staples Center, 1111 South Figueroa Street (between Chick Nearn Court and West Pico Boulevard); 213-742-7326.
Tickets: Prices vary, purchase here.

Tennis at The El Rey
Super-cute (and way-talented!) husband-and-wife duo Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley are our go-to when we're craving something a little bit floaty and retro. With their new album, Young & Old, released this year, you can bet this show will keep your ears as happy as can be.

When: Sunday, August 12 at 8 p.m.
Where: El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Boulevard (at South Burnside Avenue); 323-936-4790.
Tickets: $30.60, purchase here.

White Denim at The Troubadour
Austin has no shortage of amazing musical acts, that's for sure. White Denim is one of our favorites from the city, with their jump-around-and-groove-inducing tunes. If you think you might have some calories to burn, and prefer a concert to the elliptical (us, too), this show is a surefire option.

When: Saturday, August 11 at 8 p.m.
Where: The Troubadour, 9081 Santa Monica Boulevard (at North Doheny Drive); 310-276-1158.
Tickets: $15, purchase here.

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Andrew Bird at The Greek Theatre

Without a doubt, this one is going to be a real beaut, from the gorgeous-as-heck setting to Bird's drifting, trickling, infectious musical confections. Added bonus: Super-lovely songstress Sharon Van Etten is set to open. That level of sound underneath the stars? We're there.

When: Sunday, August 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Greek Theatre, 2700 North Vermont Avenue (at Commonwealth Canyon Drive); 323-665-5857.
Tickets: Prices vary, purchase here.

Regina Spektor at The Greek Theatre
Oh, Regina. So charismatic and sweet! We're big fans of the songstress' unique blend of down-to-earth and up-in-the-clouds energy, and we can't wait to see her charm the L.A. crowd.

When: Tuesday, August 14 at 8 p.m.
Where: The Greek Theatre, 2700 North Vermont Avenue (at Commonwealth Canyon Drive); 323-665-5857.
Tickets: Prices vary, purchase here.

fun. at The Wiltern
Three nights in a row, all sold-out. That's not to say that Stubhub doesn't have a ton of tickets available to make sure you don't miss out on this night of wacky, upbeat fun. The band's name? Yeah, definitely not an accident.

When: Friday, August 15; Saturday, August 18; Sunday, August 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Wiltern Theater, 3790 Wilshire Boulevard (at South Western Avenue); 213-388-1400.
Tickets: Prices vary, purchase here.

Gotye at The Greek Theatre
If you've been bitten by the Gotye bug, this is one show you will not want to miss. With The Greek's killer acoustics, Wouter De Backer's well-oiled pipes will sound even more epic than usual. Synth-pop duo Chairlift will open to prime your ears for more aural goodness.

When: Tuesday, September 4 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Greek Theatre, 2700 North Vermont Avenue (at Commonwealth Canyon Drive); 323-665-5857.
Tickets: Prices vary, purchase here.

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Crosby, Stills and Nash at The Greek Theatre
This one's for all of the old souls out there! Crosby, Stills and Nash is one of those sixties "supergroups"— comprising some of the best folk-rock musicians of all time. And if the word supergroup didn't clue you in to the amazingness that will ensue, then you may just have to catch them live to find out. As for us, we're snatching up a ticket fast.

When: Friday, September 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Greek Theatre, 2700 North Vermont Avenue (at Commonwealth Canyon Drive); 323-665-5857.
Tickets: Prices vary, purchase here.

Hot Chip and Passion Pit at The Hollywood Bowl
We can't even begin to wrap our heads around all of the funky dancing that will be happening at this one. Hot Chip always puts on an exciting, interesting performance, making even the most staunch show-sitter tap her feet. And with Passion Pit's just-released album, we can all rest assured that this will be one great Sunday evening.

When: Sunday, September 9 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Hollywood Bowl, 2301 North Highland Avenue (near Cahuenga Boulevard); 323-850-2000.
Tickets: Prices vary, purchase here.

My Morning Jacket and Iron & Wine at The Wiltern
Talk about musical genius. If you're the type to marvel at the mastery being displayed by the musicians on stage, we highly recommend this show-stopping pairing. My Morning Jacket's driving intensity may be just perfectly complemented by Iron & Wine's understated power.

When: Wednesday, September 12 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Boulevard (at South Western Avenue); 213-388-1400.
Tickets: $59, purchase here.

Fiona Apple at The Greek Theatre
Fiona Apple's the new comeback kid, and by god we've missed her. Truth be told, we've had complete girl crushes on the ghost-eyed crooner since trying to replicate the moody atmosphere in Criminal on our own angsty adolescent bedroom floors. Her new album, The Idler Wheel... reiterates that she's got talent in spades, and we wouldn't want to miss this show for the world.

When: Friday, September 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Greek Theatre, 2700 North Vermont Avenue (at Commonwealth Canyon Drive); 323-665-5857.
Tickets: Prices vary, purchase here.


Photo: Via Red Hot Chili Peppers

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