15 can’t miss concerts in Boston this June
From Brian Wilson to Beyonce.
From two of of America’s greatest living rock ‘n’ roll songwriters to a figure of pop royalty to numerous locals releasing new music, here are some shows to keep on your radar this month:
Rockin’ vets
Mudcrutch
In 1970, Mudcrutch introduced a little-known songwriter named Tom Petty to the world. In recent years, the artist reconnected with his original group, put out a couple albums including this year’s Mudcrutch 2, and will swing through the House of Blues as part of the band’s summer tour.
(Wednesday, June 15 at 7 p.m.; House of Blues; $79.50-$103.50; all ages; tickets available here)
The Cure
Goth pioneers The Cure come to Boston as part of their first major North American tour since 2008, and will stop at Agganis Arena to play songs that span over four decades.
(Thursday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m.; Agganis Arena; $17.50-$77.50; all ages; with The Twilight Sad; tickets available here)
Brian Wilson
The man behind the Beach Boys delivers the band’s most iconic album, in its entirety, on its 50th anniversary—with the help of the Boston Pops. Opportunities like this only come around once every, well, fifty years.
(Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18 at 7 p.m.; Symphony Hall; all ages; tickets available here)
Locals releasing records
Ruby Rose Fox
Jamaica Plain soulstress Ruby Rose Fox has a knack for dazzling live audiences, and her Middle East show will also launch her new studio work, Domestic, which released on May 24. Help her celebrate along with locals Jeremy and the Harlequins, Julie Rhodes, and Weakened Friends.
(Friday, June 3 at 8 p.m.; Middle East Downstairs; $15; 18+; with Jeremy and the Harlequins, Julie Rhodes, Weakened Friends; tickets available here)
Bearstronaut
Boston’s synth pop quartet Bearstronaut not only have a terrific band name, but they have the perfect dancey sound to match it. Catch them as they release their new new record Telecoast unto the world.
(Friday, June 10 at 8 p.m.; The Sinclair; $12; 18+; with Dirty Bangs, Superhuman Happiness, Party Bois; tickets available here)
Free Pizza
Former locals Free Pizza (another great band name) have moved onto the more musical pastures of Nashville, but can’t possibly forget about their roots. The trio of punks will celebrate the release of their new EP in high fashion at the Middle East.
(Tuesday, June 21 at 8 p.m.; Middle East Upstairs; $10; 18+; with Nice Guys and The Monsieurs; tickets available here)
Hip-hop kings
GZA
The Wu-Tang Clan founding member has appeared in Boston both as a performer and as a lecturer at Harvard. This time, “The Genius” brings his solo material to Brighton Music Hall along with Das Racist rhymer Heems.
(Tuesday, June 14 at 8 p.m.; Brighton Music Hall; $20; 18+; with Heems; tickets available here)
Aesop Rock
The New York-bred lyricist got his hip-hop start while attending Boston University. Now, following the release of this spring’s The Impossible Kid, Aesop Rock returns to town to deliver a set with Rob Sonic and DJ Zone.
(Friday, June 17 at 8 p.m.; Paradise Rock Club; $20; 18+; with Rob Sonic, DJ Zone, Homeboy Sandman; tickets available here)
DIY heroes
Chastity Belt
Seattle’s Chastity Belt leads an enormous bill at Middle East that also features former local rocker Colleen Green, ethereal Allston pop duo Mini Dresses, and local trio IAN, who are anticipating the release of their first full-length this summer.
(Tuesday, June 14 at 7 p.m.; Middle East Downstairs; $13; all ages; tickets available here)
Mitski
The New York-based songwriter has put out four albums in four years, most recently Puberty 2, which she’s currently touring behind. That tour will bring her to Brighton Music Hall for a huge bill that also features Brooklyn musician Japanese Breakfast and west coast rocker Jay Som.
(Wednesday, June 22 at 7 p.m.; Brighton Music Hall; $13; 18+; with Japanese Breakfast and Jay Som; tickets available here)
Guerilla Toss
Spaced-out funk-punk collective Guerilla Toss no longer calls Boston home, but they continue to visit quite often. This multi-day event, dubbed Skull Pop Fest 2016, delivers two straight nights of G-Toss along with sets by Pile, Palberta, and many more.
(Thursday, June 23 and Friday June 24 at 8 p.m.; Middle East Upstairs; $20 both nights/$12 one night; Thursday all ages/Friday 18+; with Zebu!, Jaw Gems, more; tickets available here)
Deerhoof
San Francisco-based veteran noise rockers Deerhoof always bring a live performance packed with high volume and crazy percussion. The band is preparing to release its sixteenth studio album, The Magic, the same night as this show. Expect some extra craziness.
(Friday, June 24 at 8 p.m.; Brighton Music Hall; $16; 18+; tickets available here)
The things in between
Beyonce
Queen Bey is on top of the music world right now, which means that her Formation World Tour is one of the biggest of the summer. Her Gillette Stadium show sold out quickly, but the venue recently released some last-minute tickets.
(Friday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m.; Gillette Stadium; $50-$310; all ages; tickets available here)
Motion City Soundtrack
Emo heroes Motion City Soundtrack have amassed an enormous cult following over almost two decades. Now in their last tour, the band is hitting the Paradise for two nights. The first is already sold out, so don’t miss your chance to catch night two.
(Monday, June 13 at 7 p.m.; The Paradise; $30; all ages; tickets available here)
Quilt
Jamaica Plain-bred quartet Quilt have been getting plenty of steam off of their latest, Plaza, and will hit The Sinclair with local pal Doug Tuttle and Brooklyn buddies Widowspeak. It’s a homecoming you won’t want to miss.
(Friday, June 24 at 8 p.m.; The Sinclair; $15; 18+; with Wisdowspeak, Doug Tuttle; tickets available here)
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