Upcoming Concerts

One of the worst feelings for us music-lovers is to realize that our favorite band or artist will be having a concert nearby, but we can’t go because the show is sold out. With the dozens of great artists coming to San Diego this year, it would be a shame to miss out. So before you spend all of your money on coffee and your Netflix account, check out these upcoming concerts that will be in San Diego this March and see which artists you would like to experience live.

April

Green Day

We’re taking it back to the ‘90s and early 2000s with this punk rock band concert that is sure to get you feeling nostalgic. With fun, passionate and somewhat cynical lyrics that may draw on your rebellious side, such as with songs like “American Idiot,” this is a concert that you’re going to want to get a little rowdy with.

Date: April 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Location: Valley View Casino Center

The Mowgli’s and The Maine

How do you listen to The Mowgli’s and feel sad? Trick question. You don’t. The Mowgli’s are fun and upbeat; they’re perfect if you want to party and feel the summer vibes a little earlier than the last day of school. Add in the pop rock sound of The Maine and you’ve got a concert you can’t turn down.

Date: April 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Location: House of Blues

The Head and the Heart

This coed duo creates the perfect indie-folk sound you want for a laidback night of music. The Head and the Heart are known for catchy tunes such as “Rivers and Roads” that will have you humming to yourself long after the concert is over. The addition of the melodic violin throughout their occasionally popish songs helps this band stand out against any top 40 hits on the radio.

Date: April 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Location: Soma

Cage the Elephant

Bluesy feels, traditional rock and indie rock vibes are all styles you will hear from this Kentucky-based group. If you’re into that timeless rock sound and you haven’t heard Cage the Elephant, you might just appreciate their funky twists to the classic genre. If you have heard Cage the Elephant, then you don’t need convincing that a concert with this band guarantees a fun evening.

Date: April 10 at 8 p.m.

Location: California Center for the Arts, Escondido

Vanessa Carlton

Remember how that guy from the Old Spice commercials was so into Vanessa Carlton’s music in the movie White Chicks? There’s good reason for that. Carlton’s unique vocals and use of beautiful piano instrumentation make her anything but “just another pop singer.” But please, don’t bother walking a thousand miles to see Vanessa Carlton; she’s about to be right here in San Diego (although I’m sure she would appreciate the effort).

Date: April 14 at 9:30 p.m.

Location: The Casbah

*21+ event

Cypress Hill and Snoop Dogg

Cypress Hill was your jam if you were into the rap scene in the ‘90s. In fact, they still might be. Sure, the lyrics might have some aggressive undertones and the marijuana references are laid on pretty thick, but odds are you’ll still find yourself bobbing your head along to their catchy hip hop beats. Snoop Dogg’s style may have changed a bit over the years, but his reggae and R&B style combined with his distinctive drawl make him and Cypress Hill a fun combination.

Date: April 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Location: Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

Lil Wayne

If you don’t think you know who Lil Wayne is, you’re probably wrong. You can hear his songs almost anywhere, even if you don’t know it’s him. Featured on songs with hip hop artists such as Drake, Future and Big Sean (and even the pop rock band Imagine Dragons in the song “Sucker for Pain”), Lil Wayne can be found almost anywhere in the music world. His high-pitched, nasally voice makes him distinguishable among other artists, and he’s not someone for the hip hop crowd to miss.

Date: April 20 at 8 p.m.

Location: Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

State Champs

This pop punk band is full of the angst and acoustic sounds that we love to listen to when we’re pondering our lives. Lead singer Derek Discanio’s vocals vary from gritty to smooth, and the band’s musical style ranges between the occasional soothing acoustics and their typically fast-paced alternative rock. Their music makes you either want to jump up and tell off someone from your past or write a love letter to a stranger. So if you’ve ever had the urge to do either of those things, give this concert a shot.

Date: April 23 at 7 p.m.

Location: The Observatory, North Park

Chance the Rapper

In case you’re thinking, “Hey! I feel like this guy was just in San Diego!” let me reassure you. He was. But he’s back for more upbeat, witty, rap-style fun in case you missed out on seeing him this past September. His gravelly tones and vocals that are simultaneously conversational and melodious are all part of what makes him an undeniably unique rap artist.

Date: April 24 at 7 p.m.

Location: Valley View Casino Center

The 1975

Speaking of artists’ swift reappearances in San Diego (see Chance the Rapper), if you didn’t get a chance to catch The 1975 back in October, now’s your opportunity. Get ready for that electropop, ‘80s-feel, indie rock thing that this group of Manchester blokes pulls off so perfectly.

Hawk Nelson and MercyMe

Arguably one of the most well-known Christian contemporary bands of today, MercyMe is upbeat, positive, catchy and downright fun to listen to. Hawk Nelson joins them in the “Christian rock” category, but maintains a sound entirely separate from MercyMe. Since the departure of former lead singer Jason Dunn from Hawk Nelson in 2012, the band’s style has shifted to a softer alternative rock, working well with MercyMe’s contemporary worship style.

Date: April 29 at 7 p.m.

Location: Balboa Theater