The Best of Los Angeles 2014: Concerts
Updated on November 18, 2014
Los Angeles welcomes world-famous acts and rising stars for another stellar year of concerts, and a legendary venue makes its triumphant return. From spectacular arenas like STAPLES Center to historic Sunset Strip venues and intimate spaces like The Echo & Echoplex, there's amazing music being performed in L.A. every night. Following is just a sample of the concerts you can enjoy in L.A. in 2014. For a complete bucket list of this year's must-see events and attractions, check out our guide to the Best of Los Angeles in 2014.
The Forum
The Forum was once one of L.A.'s greatest sports and events venues, the home of "Showtime," the Great One, the "Miracle on Manchester," and countless music concerts. On Jan. 15, 2014, The Forum makes its triumphant return, when The Eagles play the venue's Grand Opening, part of a six-night stand. Fellow music icons, Paul Simon and Sting, will be “On Stage Together” at The Forum on Feb. 15. Younger superstars are scheduled to play The Forum as well, such as Justin Timberlake (Jan. 20) and Imagine Dragons (Feb. 14). Dutch producer and DJ Armin Van Buuren brings his signature trance grooves to The Forum on May 9.
3900 W. Manchester Blvd. Inglewood, CA 90305//} ?>
Walt Disney Concert Hall at The Music Center
Walt Disney Concert Hall is an architectural and acoustic marvel, celebrating its 10th anniversary throughout the 2013-14 season. On Feb. 9, all three of the L.A. Phil’s Creative Chairs for Jazz - Herbie Hancock, Christian McBride, and Dianne Reeves - come together for a singular night that promises improvisational sparks and sublime music making. Jazz fans can also look forward to 60+60: Newport & Massey Hall (March 15); and Joshua Redman and Brad Mehldau (April 2). Electronic music pioneers, Kraftwerk will perform their entire album catalogue live at Walt Disney Concert Hall, during eight performances from March 18-21.
111 S. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012//} ?>
Staples Center
Located at the spectacular L.A. LIVE entertainment complex in Downtown LA, STAPLES Center is the home of the NBA's Lakers and Clippers, the NHL's Kings, and hosts world-class performances throughout the year. Living legend George Strait embarks on the second leg of his final two-year tour – The Cowboy Rides Away Tour - and performs at STAPLES Center on Feb. 8. A legend in her own right, Cher brings her Dressed to Kill Tour to STAPLES Center on July 7. Pop-star-of-the-moment Miley Cyrus will be at STAPLES Center on Feb. 22, and the always-provocative Lady Gaga unleashes her artRave: The ARTPOP Ball at STAPLES Center on July 21.
1111 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015//} ?>
Hollywood Bowl
The annual Playboy Jazz Festival returns to the Hollywood Bowl for its 36th edition on June 14-15, hosted by George Lopez. Another Los Angeles summer tradition is the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, a three-day concert mini-series with Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, featuring Edie Brickell and the LA Phil. The ever-popular sing-alongs are back this year, including Grease (July 13) and the classic Sound of Music (Sept. 20).
2301 N. Highland Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90068//} ?>
The Wiltern
Originally built in 1931, The Wiltern is located near Koreatown at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue. The Wiltern and the adjacent 12-story Pellissier Building are considered among the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the country, and have been named to the National Register of Historic Places and declared a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. The Wiltern is known for booking alternative and indie acts such as Jake Bugg (Jan. 24), Panic! At the Disco (Feb. 16), Franz Ferdinand (April 29), and Christina Perri (May 17).
3790 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90010//} ?>
El Rey Theatre
First opened as a movie house in 1936, the El Rey Theatre was designed by Clifford A. Balch, known for designing over twenty Art Deco movie houses around Southern California. After nearly 50 years as a first run movie theater, the Art Deco gem was converted to a live music venue in 1994. Five decades later, the El Rey was converted to a live music venue, and was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1991. The El Rey continues to feature an exciting mix of acclaimed musicians and rising stars, including Dave Stewart (Jan. 30), Cibo Matto (Feb. 24), Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. (Feb. 28), Tosca (March 3), and Mike Gordon (March 17).
5515 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036//} ?>
Royce Hall
Built in 1929 as one of UCLA’s first campus structures, the landmark Royce Hall presents a wide-ranging, eclectic lineup for its 2013-14 season. The legendary Kronos Quartet celebrates its 40th anniversary with special guest Wu Man on March 14, and the multimedia tour de force Landfall, a first-time collaboration with Laurie Anderson (March 15). The Philip Glass Ensemble performs La Belle et la Bête (May 2), Music in Twelve Parts (May 3), and The Etudes (May 4). Jazz highlights include: an all-star quartet featuring Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano, Esperanza Spalding and Leo Genovese (Feb. 22); innovative pianist Fred Hersch and virtuoso guitarist Julian Lage (March 9), and master musicians Chick Corea and Béla Fleck (April 24).
330 DeNeve Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90095//} ?>