15 can’t-miss concerts in Boston this April
From Erykah Badu to John Mayer, Rock & Roll Rumble to Ladyfest.
A month-long tournament of local rockers and a rare appearance from a silky-voiced neo-soul royal are just two great music events hitting Boston in April.
Listen local
Pile
Constantly-touring local favorite Pile has amassed a cult-like following all over the country, but the band calls Boston home. In celebration of the release of its eagerly-awaited new album, A Hairshirt of Purpose, the group will pack up The Sinclair with some neighborhood friends. (Sunday, April 7 at 8 p.m.; The Sinclair; $15; 18+; with Gnarwhal, The Kominas, Kal Marks; tickets available here)Bat House
Local psychedelic math-rock quartet Bat House is releasing its debut self-titled album, and is celebrating with a headlining show at Great Scott along with Boston pals Black Beach and Nashville punks Twen. (Sunday, April 23 at 9:30 p.m.; Great Scott; $12; 18+; with Black Beach, Twen; tickets available here)
Jamming out
Dopapod
The members of Boston-bred jam collective Dopapod are creatures of the road, but they make a habit to stop through for hometown shows, which get bigger every visit. The group will do a two-night run at The Paradise, and in the true spirit of jam bands, you can expect two completely different sets each night. (Friday, April 7 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, April 8 at 8 p.m.; Paradise Rock Club; $18; 18+; with The Jauntee (4/7) and Aqueous (4/8); tickets available here) Tauk
The next level of funk can be found in New York quartet Tauk. This April, the band will play its biggest gig in Boston to date, headlining Brighton Music Hall. The dance-friendly night will also come thanks to a set from local progressive funkateers Strange Machines. (Friday, April 21 at 8 p.m.; Brighton Music Hall; $15; 18+; with Strange Machines; tickets available here)
A slice of soul
Anna Wise
Berklee’s own Anna Wise has worn many soulful hats in her young, but prolific, performing career. Starting out in Boston electronic duo Sonnymoon and collaborating closely with Kendrick Lamar on his award-winning albums, Wise is now returning to Boston in support of her new EP, The Feminine: Act II. (Thursday, April 13 at 8 p.m.; Middle East Upstairs; $10; 18+; with Madison McFerrin, Leon Waldo; tickets available here) Bridget Kearney
Lake Street Dive has come a long way from the band’s days studying at New England Conservatory. Now, bassist Bridget Kearney is putting out her debut solo album, Won’t Let You Down, and will stop by Lizard Lounge on tour with her own band. (Tuesday, April 18 at 8 p.m.; Lizard Lounge; $15; 21+; tickets available here) Erykah Badu
Neo-soul queen Erykah Badu brings legendary levels of funk to every place she performs. Lucky for Boston, House of Blues is on her spring schedule. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness one of R&B’s unique voices. (Friday, April 28 at 7 p.m.; House of Blues; $65-$79.50; all ages; tickets available here)
Spring festivals
Rock & Roll Rumble
Boston’s annual rock tradition carries on, this year at up-and-coming Somerville hot spot ONCE Ballroom. Almost 40 years after its first event, the Rumble will see 24 bands squaring off for a place in Boston music history. (Sunday, April 2 at 8 p.m. through Friday, April 21 at 8 p.m.; ONCE Ballroom; $10 per night; 18+; with Barns, Tom Barker and the Snakes, Cruel Miracle, more; tickets available here) Ladyfest
Ladyfest returns to the Cambridge YMCA this month, highlighting artists that are underrepresented and active in Boston’s arts community. This year’s event will take place over three days and feature 25 bands, workshops and skillshares, flea markets and potlucks, and raise money for Girls Rock Campaign Boston and Rosie’s Place. (Friday, April 14 at 5 p.m. through Sunday, April 16 at 8 p.m.; Cambridge YMCA; $15 per day/$35 for the whole festival; with Sad13, Palberta, Colleen Green, Ursula, Fleabite, more; tickets available here)
Wonderful wordsmiths
Big Sean
Detroit rapper and Kanye-favorite Big Sean recently wrapped up supporting Rihanna on her Anti World Tour and will find his way to House of Blues for a headlining show of his own. (Tuesday, April 4 at 7 p.m.; House of Blues; $49.50; all ages; with Madeintyo; tickets available here) Kate Tempest
British poet and performer Kate Tempest rarely makes a club tour appearance in the States, but will do so in support of her latest album, October’s Let Them Eat Chaos. The lyricist will stop at Brighton Music Hall, along with Brockton duo Notoriety. (Monday, April 10 at 7 p.m.; Brighton Music Hall; $15; 18+; with Notoriety; tickets available here)
Acoustic pickers
Stolen Jars
New Jersey collective Stolen Jars is a folk band at heart, but creates complex sounds that incorporate electronic elements and orchestrated horn and woodwind parts. The band will find its way to Plough and Stars with Sidney Gish and Du Vide. (Saturday, April 8 at 7 p.m.; Plough and Stars; $5 at the door; 21+; with Sidney Gish, Du Vide)Hurray for the Riff Raff
New Orleans Americana trio Hurray for the Riff Raff is no stranger to the northeast, having played gigs like Newport Folk Festival more than once. The band will perform for two nights at The Sinclair joined by Philly bluesman Ron Gallo and locals These Wild Plains. (Tuesday, April 18 at 8:30 p.m. and Wednesday, April 19 at 8:30 p.m.; The Sinclair; $20; 18+; with Ron Gallo, These Wild Plains; tickets available here)
Guitar heroes
John Mayer
Blues pop guitar phenom John Mayer still makes music of his own when he’s not touring with members of the Grateful Dead or sitting in with various other guitar talents. Hitting Boston on his own for the first time in a while, Mayer will headline TD Garden. (Sunday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m.; TD Garden; $59.50; all ages; with The Record Company; tickets available here)Tobin Sprout
Tobin Sprout has achieved legend status from his many years with Guided by Voices. He’s also released six albums on his own, and he’ll be supporting the latest, The Universe & Me, with a gig at Brighton Music Hall. (Sunday, April 23 at 7 p.m.; Brighton Music Hall; $15; 18+; with DTCV; tickets available here)
