15 can’t-miss concerts in Boston this October
From Honk! Fest to Elvis Costello.
From three acoustic punk pioneers to a soulful collective of former Bostonians, here are some of the best live acts in the city this month.
Local love
Lake Street Dive
The New-England-Conservatory-grads-turned-Brooklynites of Lake Street Dive are back where they first started in support of the February release of Side Pony. Joining them will be funky Vermonters Rubblebucket. (Friday, October 7 at 8 p.m.; Citi Wang Theatre; $39-$49; all ages; with Rubblebucket; tickets available here)
Honk! Fest
Somerville’s annual activist street band festival returns for its 11th year, this time with a new starting point at Somerville’s ONCE Ballroom. Grab a noise-making device and join in the fun. (Friday, October 7 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, October 8 at 12 p.m., and Sunday, October 9 at 12 p.m.; starts at ONCE Ballroom, ends in Harvard Square; free; all ages; with Extraordinary Rendition Band, Le Pompier Poney Club, more; more information here)
Halfsour
Jangly local trio Halfsour is celebrating the release of their new EP Charm School with musical friends from all over. Join the party along with Big Eyes of New York, Kindling and Laika’s Orbit from Western Massachusetts, and fellow Bostonians Daephne. (Wednesday, October 12 at 7 p.m.; Middle East Upstairs; $10; all ages; with Big Eyes, Kindling, Laika’s Orbit, Daephne; tickets available here)
Reks
Few rappers within Boston’s hip-hop scene are regarded as highly as Lawrence’s own Reks. The lyricist has been releasing music for more than 15 years, and will celebrate his new album, The Greatest X, with a party at Middle East Upstairs. (Friday, October 14 at 10:30 p.m.; Middle East Upstairs; $10; 18+; tickets available here)
Big D and the Kids Table
There’s no Halloween in Boston if local ska punk legends Big D and the Kids Table aren’t there to help celebrate. The band returns with their 19th annual “A Nightmare Before Halloween” festival. (Saturday, October 22 at 5:30 p.m.; The Paradise; $15; all ages; with A Wilhelm Scream, Nick and the Adversaries, OC45; tickets available here)
Timeflies
The members of Timeflies are both Tufts graduates and internet sensations, and they’ve amassed a following that goes well beyond the college population of Boston. Fans of their viral brand of pop will surely pack up the modestly-sized Paradise. (Thursday, October 27 at 7 p.m.; The Paradise; $30; all ages; tickets available here)
Rock of ages
Violent Femmes
Acoustic punk pioneer trio Violent Femmes released their first new album in 16 years this past winter and will now stop in Boston to promote it. If you’ve always envisioned providing the double-claps to “Blister in the Sun,” now may be your chance. (Friday, October 7 at 7:30 p.m.; The Orpheum Theatre; $28-$155; all ages; with Marcia Mello; tickets available here)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TRF2q-zrj0
Squeeze
British pop legend Squeeze is coming to Boston as a full band for the first time since the release of the band’s 2015 album, Cradle to the Grave. Head to The Wilbur to hear “Tempted,” “Black Coffee in Bed,” “Cool For Cats,” and countless other hits. (Monday, October 17 at 7 p.m.; The Wilbur Theatre; $52-$70; all ages; with English Beat; tickets available here)
Delbert McClinton
Texas guitar man Delbert McClinton has had continuous success since the ‘70s, blending elements of rock, soul, and blues for a signature sound. The veteran rocker will be joined by New York youngster Brian Dunne. (Saturday, October 19 at 8 p.m.; The Wilbur; $35-$65; all ages; with Brian Dunne; tickets available here)
Elvis Costello
The influential British songwriter brings a mesh of styles to his live performances, which span almost 40 years and 30 studio albums. Sing along to his endless catalog of hits as he tours through the Orpheum. (Tuesday, October 26 at 8 p.m.; The Orpheum Theatre; $48-$124; all ages; tickets available here)
A little bit country
Sturgill Simpson
If you’re looking for stars-and-stripes pop country, look elsewhere. But if you’re seeking a fresh take on southern music, Sturgill Simpson is your man. The cosmic-country rocker and Grammy nominee has had a prolific few years and has quickly worked his way up to the large Orpheum stage. (Sunday, October 9 at 8 p.m.; The Orpheum Theatre; $34; all ages; with Valerie June; tickets available here)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz7cBnlhhG4
Shovels and Rope
Country music’s newest husband-wife duo takes the big stage for their latest visit to Boston. If you’re a fan of vocal harmonies and southern stomp, head to House of Blues to see the band play tunes from their upcoming record, Little Seeds. (Friday, October 14 at 7 p.m.; House of Blues; $25; all ages; with Matthew Logan Vasquez; tickets available here)
Hip-hop heavy hitters
YG
The latest lyrical talent to come out of Compton is hitting the road in support of his sophomore album, June’s Still Brazy. This tour will have some not-so-subtle political undertones, and will also feature RJ, Kamaiyah, and more. (Wednesday, October 19 at 7 p.m.; House of Blues; $26-$40.50; all ages; with RJ, Kamaiyah, Sadboys, Vintage Lee; tickets available here) Die Antwoord
South African Zef-rapper group Die Antwoord is unlike any other international hip-hop group that has found popularity in the U.S. Their blend of turn-up music and unique phrasing has found a cult following all over the world, and they’ll take to the House of Blues to perform it. (Monday, October 20 at 7 p.m.; House of Blues; $39-$55; all ages; tickets available here) Rae Sremmurd
Mississippi-bred hip-hop group Rae Sremmurd has provided a fresh look at their genre with the release of their first two albums. The two young brothers, whose hits include “No Flex Zone” and “Look Alive,” will take the stage at House of Blues. (Monday, October 27 at 7 p.m.; House of Blues; $35-$229; all ages; with Lil Yachty, Earz, Bobo Swae; tickets available here)
Correction 10/14/16 12:45 p.m.: This article has been updated to note that the members of Lake Street Dive are graduates of New England Conservatory, not Boston Conservatory.
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