🎸 my favorite concerts this year 🎤

One thing I missed most during the pandemic was the ability to go see live music. One of my favorite things about Los Angeles is the amount of great venues to see music, both outdoor and in. And 2025 was a good one for me in terms of concertgoing. The way it usually works with me and Lynn is that if it's a show that has seats, she'll be in, and if it's standing only then I'll go alone or with a friend. That system worked out well this year, and these were the most transcendent shows I got to see:

Rilo Kiley at the Greek (Oct 18)

Lynn and I first started listening to them over 20 years ago, when we lived in New York. To me Jenny Lewis IS California and no one sings about the state, or the state of relationships better than she does. I'm so glad they got back together and are playing shows, and the crowd stood the entire time (sorry Lynn).

Noah Cyrus at The Ford Amphitheater (July 11)

Lynn LOVES Noah Cyrus and I LOVE the Ford Amphitheater so this was a match made in heaven. She also won me over with her yearning Americana sound, and the incredible musicianship of her band. And Mama Cyrus was sitting one row over from us, so it was fun to peek over to see her watching her daughter. Papa Cyrus was mentioned, but was not in attendance. I recently sent my dad one of her songs and now he's a Noah Stan too!

Saya Gray at The Roxy (May 6)

This show was so good! Her album SAYA which came out this year was probably my most listened to album this year. I think she's a great songwriter, detailed producer, AND she performs with her brother. And the young crowd at this show was appropriately enthusiastic! Not to energy-shame anybody, but there are some shows I've been to where Gen Z audiences are silent and stand still. This was not one of them.

Cymande at the Bellwether (Feb 28)

Photo by Derrick K. Lee. I was so absorbed in the show I didn't even take one pic.

This was a show I never thought I'd see in my life. My friend Jon Forstein introduced me to them in high school, and they had already disbanded decades before. Words can't do justice to this band, and how much they mean to their fans. The fact that they reunited so many decades later and I got to be right up front watching and listening, I don't think I've ever been so grateful to be at a show. If you're so inclined, watch the documentary Getting It Back: The Story of Cymande. Their journey is totally unique, I guarantee no other bassist from a 70's band became the attorney general of Anguilla after their band broke up.

Jay Som at The Roxy (Nov 25)

Jay Som played their pretty, melodic, 90's influenced pop for a small crowd at the Roxy last week. I guess lots of people were out of town for the holiday, which was my gain because I got to get up pretty close and it was totally comfortable. A super talented indie producer for tons of bands, I enjoyed seeing her front a live band with her dry wit and understated vocals. And she wanted to make sure everyone got home by bedtime, which is not the kind of rockstar behavior us Gen-Xers are used to...albeit very appreciated.

And last but not least, my goddaugther Harriet fronted a band of adorable junior rock stars at a kid performance group called Kid Row. I think it was technically in 2024, but I've seen all her shows and she really shines on stage.