Live Music Q2 2019

The Yuma tent, Coachella 2019

That brings us to 23 shows so far this year (counting each day of festivals as one). On pace to obliterate my 26 show annual target.

Sofi Tukker at Coachella 2019

This quarter marked my return to Coachella after skipping last year. I'm still annoyed by the added crowds and sprawl after the 2015 expansion. And this year marked fewer older acts, but a big uptick in Euro contemporary techno (which can be hard to take seriously at 2p in the afternoon). Nevertheless, there were lots of very memorable moments, including Janelle Monae, Lizzo, Tierra Whack, Billie Eilish, Sofi Tukker, and Jon Hopkins (way better than the SF set I saw).

Other highlights this quarter included The Tallis Scholars, a remarkable 3 hour Amanda Palmer show, and seeing Courtney Barnett from the front row (thanks to a friendly usher that didn't want to leave those VIP seats empty). And also a spirited set from Chicago's Ohmme on the tiny stage at Amnesia.

Some additional special music-related events also happened, including (1) seeing David Byrne give a lecture for the Long Now Foundation; (2) Hamilton (second time, different cast); and (3) Hadestown (before it won the Tony for Best Musical!).

• Cecile McLorin Salvant & Monterey Jazz Festival Band
• The Tallis Scholars
• SF Symphony "Great Performers" series: Midori & Thibidault
• Coachella Day One (King Princess, JPEGMAFIA, Kero Kero Bonito, Kacey Musgraves, Tierra Whack, BLACKPINK, Rüfüs du Soul, Khruangbin, Janelle Monae, Childish Gambino, Yves Tumor)
• Coachella Day Two (Agoria, Jambinai, The Messthetics, serpentwithfeet, Adriatique, The Interrupters, Hop Along, Bob Moses, Christine & the Queens, Billie Eilish, Stephan Bodzin)
• Coachella Day Three (Jan Blomqvist, Razorbumps, Burna Boy, boy pablo, Pusha T, Alice Merton, Lizzo, 070 Shake, SOFI TUKKER, Khalid, Jon Hopkins, Ariana Grande)
• Soccer Mommy
• Amanda Palmer
• Ohmme
• Carsie Blanton
• Girl Talk (at Clusterfest)
• Courtney Barnett (at Clusterfest)

Billie Eilish at Coachella 2019

Courtney Barnett at Clusterfest 2019