New York City Concert Calender by NYC Go Lyrics
If you love live music, there's no better place than NYC—home to countless venerated concert halls that host both superstars and rising stars every night of the week. Below, find a sampling of upcoming shows.
November 25
David Byrne and the cast of Here Lies Love at Terminal 5
Former Talking Head (and Grammy- and Oscar-winning solo artist) David Byrne joins the cast of the Off-Broadway musical Here Lies Love for a benefit show whose proceeds will support Doctors Without Borders in its efforts to assist those affected by the typhoon that recently hit the Philippines. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
November 25–26
Van Morrison at The Theater at Madison Square Garden and The Beacon Theatre
"Brown Eyed Girl" is great and all, but check out "Ring Worm." For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
November 26
Cults at Webster Hall
Brian Oblivion and Madeline Follin tour behind their second collection of dark indie pop, Static. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
November 29–30
Television at Rough Trade NYC
Beloved British record store Rough Trade moves Stateside with this location in—where else?—Williamsburg. To celebrate, they've invited hometown heroes Television to play. Tom Verlaine and company have just returned from All Tomorrow's Parties, where they played Marquee Moon in full; expect an excited crowd. For more info, visit roughtrade.com.
November 30
NOFX at Irving Plaza
Fat Mike and company play a 20th anniversary show. In addition to fan favorites from throughout the punks' careers, they've promised appearances by special guests. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 2–3
John Grant at Music Hall of Williamsburg and Rough Trade Records
The former frontman of The Czars released his second solo album, Pale Green Ghosts, earlier this year. The dark LP received considerable critical acclaim. For tickets to the Music Hall of Williamsburg show, visit ticketmaster.com. For details about the show at Rough Trade Records, visit roughtrade.com.
December 4
King Krule at Webster Hall
Teenage electronic-rock phenomenon King Krule's voice sounds to many fans and critics like it belongs to someone much older. His debut album, 6 Feet Beneath the Moon, has received near-universal acclaim. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 6
French Horn Rebellion and Savoir Adore at Music Hall of Williamsburg
A pair of New York City–based, synth-y pop-rock outfits share top billing in what should be a good night for dancing. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 6
Ours at Bowery Ballroom
Ours' moody, epic songs combine Soundgarden's rough edges and the majestic sweep of Queen. Jersey-born frontman Jimmy Gnecco's dynamic vocals are a powerful blend of Jeff Buckley, Bono and Matthew Bellamy of Muse. The band's latest album is Ballet the Boxer. For more info, visit boweryballroom.com.
December 8
The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra's Holiday Pops at Kupferberg Center for the Arts, Queens College
The famous ensemble performs "Sleigh Ride" and other holiday favorites. Their most recent album is A Boston Pops Christmas – Live From Symphony Hall. For tickets, visit kupferbergpresents.org.
December 8–9
P!nk at Barclays Center
!n-your-face pop art!st P!nk (who makes no comprom!ses when !t comes to styl!ng her name) plays l!ve and !n person. For more !nfo, v!s!t barclayscenter.com.
December 10
The Other Ball at Highline Ballroom
This concert brings together musicians including the Black Keys, A$AP Rocky, Lykke Li and Miguel in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the charity Arms Around the Child. Tickets start at $2,000. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com.
December 11
Andrea Bocelli at Barclays Center
Andrea Bocelli is one of the most famous singers on the planet (if you're not a fan, chances are your mother is). The tenor's most recent album is entitled Passione. Several special guests will join Bocelli on stage, among them vocalist Heather Headley and the New York City Festival Orchestra. For more info, visit barclayscenter.com.
December 11
Mikal Cronin at Webster Hall
The messy-haired singer-songwriter takes a break from his gig with Ty Segall to play a solo set. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 13
Marshall Tucker Band at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
The influential southern rock band, which reached the height of its popularity in the '70s with albums like Searchin' for a Rainbow and Carolina Dreams, still tours, though only vocalist Doug Gray remains from the original lineup. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 13
MGMT at Barclays Center
Psychedelic synth-pop buzz band MGMT are now full-fledged stars, as evidenced by this date at Brooklyn's NBA arena. Dinosaur Jr. opens. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 14
Queens of the Stone Age at Barclays Center
Josh Homme and crew play—to paraphrase Peaches—a big, gigantic rock show. Expect to hear plenty of material off their sixth full-length, ...Like Clockwork. If you're only going to see one trashy, proggy, sci-fi-influenced, loud guitar performance this year, this ought to be it. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 14
Valerie Simpson at Kupferberg Center for the Arts, Queens College
Valerie Simpson, half of the Ashford and Simpson duo that penned such hits as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing"—and performed their own songs, including "Solid (As a Rock)"—puts on a show in Queens. For tickets, visit kupferbergpresents.org.
December 17
John Mayer at Barclays Center
The current Mr. Katy Perry, whose dating rap sheet is almost as long as his hit-singles list, entertains Brooklyn audiences with his catalog of sensitive music. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 19–20
The Breeders at Webster Hall
Kim Deal's non-Pixies band continues celebrating the 20th anniversary of Last Splash—the album with "Cannonball" on it. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 19 and 22
Beyoncé at Barclays Center
The pop-culture icon makes another stop in Brooklyn on "The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour." The arena show is sure to be full of glitzy costumes and loyal fans belting out the lyrics to "Single Ladies" (and maybe, just maybe, trying to imitate that famous dance). For more info, visit barclayscenter.com.
December 27–28
The Front Bottoms at Bowery Ballroom and Shea Stadium
New Jersey's The Front Bottoms play folk-punk tracks packed with verbose lyrics that are just the right combination of off-kilter and relatable ("I can't get past you/you are the cops/you are my student loans") to get rooms full of teenagers screaming every word. For tickets to the Bowery Ballroom show, visit ticketmaster.com. For more information on the Shea Stadium show (at the small Brooklyn club, not the late Queens baseball stadium), visit brooklynvegan.com.
December 28–31
Phish at Madison Square Garden
The undisputed king of American jam bands returns to MSG for a series of shows, culminating in Phish's 30th appearance at the Garden—timed to celebrate the band's 30th anniversary. Unsurprisingly, the entire run is sold out, so check StubHub if you want to ring in the New Year with songs from the band's forthcoming album, Wingsuit.
December 29–31
Punch Brothers at Bowery Ballroom
"Progressive bluegrass" group Punch Brothers can be downright mesmerizing when performing live. For a particularly enjoyable example, see their cover of The Cars' "Just What I Needed." This three-night run ends with a New Year's Eve show. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 30–31
Gogol Bordello at Terminal 5
If your New Year's resolution is to start wearing purple, you might want to count down to 2014 with this raucous group of immigrant punks. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 31
Andrew W.K. at Irving Plaza
This is Andrew W.K. in New York City on New Year's Eve. Take stock and ask yourself if you're truly ready to party. If not, stay home. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 31
Billy Joel and Ben Folds Five at Barclays Center
Go downtown [Brooklyn] ridin' in your limousine and your fine Flatbush Avenue clothes to the New Year's Eve event for anyone who's enjoyed piano-based rock music in the past four decades. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
2014:
January 12–13
Jay Z at Barclays Center
He may no longer be a part-owner of the Nets or their arena, but we get the feeling Brooklyn's own Jay Z is going to feel right at home on the Barclays Center stage all the same. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
January 23–25, 27–28
Neutral Milk Hotel at BAM Howard Gilman Opera House and Webster Hall
Jeff Mangum's massively influential indie rock band (if you haven't heard of them, your favorite musicians probably have) has reunited. For tickets to the shows at BAM, visit bam.org. For tickets to the shows at Webster Hall, visit ticketmaster.com. Really, though, your best bet is probably StubHub.
January 25 and September 12
Luke Bryan at Madison Square Garden
Luke Bryan brings his "That’s My Kind of Night Tour" (named for his recent single, which hit number one on the Billboard country chart) to New York City. Expect selections from his newest album, Crash My Party, plus other fan favorites. Lee Brice and Cole Swindell are also on the bill. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
January 29
Keith Urban at Madison Square Garden
Keith Urban is set to “Light the Fuse” in NYC in January, visiting with Little Big Town and Dustin Lynch. In addition to songs from his latest album, he promises the set will include some new songs that he’s never performed live. For more info, visit thegarden.com.
March 4 and 6
Sting and Paul Simon at Madison Square Garden
Two of the most acclaimed and influential singer-songwriters in the history of popular music perform together and with their own bands. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
May 21
Celtic Woman at Radio City Music Hall
You may have stumbled across this all-female ensemble, which performs Celtic folk songs and pop standards, on PBS. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
Ongoing
Historic Richmond Town Tavern Concerts at Historic Richmond Town
Cozy up at Staten Island's Historic Richmond Town for this Saturday-evening series featuring folk and acoustic acts. For more info, visit historicrichmondtown.org.
November 25
David Byrne and the cast of Here Lies Love at Terminal 5
Former Talking Head (and Grammy- and Oscar-winning solo artist) David Byrne joins the cast of the Off-Broadway musical Here Lies Love for a benefit show whose proceeds will support Doctors Without Borders in its efforts to assist those affected by the typhoon that recently hit the Philippines. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
November 25–26
Van Morrison at The Theater at Madison Square Garden and The Beacon Theatre
"Brown Eyed Girl" is great and all, but check out "Ring Worm." For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
November 26
Cults at Webster Hall
Brian Oblivion and Madeline Follin tour behind their second collection of dark indie pop, Static. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
November 29–30
Television at Rough Trade NYC
Beloved British record store Rough Trade moves Stateside with this location in—where else?—Williamsburg. To celebrate, they've invited hometown heroes Television to play. Tom Verlaine and company have just returned from All Tomorrow's Parties, where they played Marquee Moon in full; expect an excited crowd. For more info, visit roughtrade.com.
November 30
NOFX at Irving Plaza
Fat Mike and company play a 20th anniversary show. In addition to fan favorites from throughout the punks' careers, they've promised appearances by special guests. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 2–3
John Grant at Music Hall of Williamsburg and Rough Trade Records
The former frontman of The Czars released his second solo album, Pale Green Ghosts, earlier this year. The dark LP received considerable critical acclaim. For tickets to the Music Hall of Williamsburg show, visit ticketmaster.com. For details about the show at Rough Trade Records, visit roughtrade.com.
December 4
King Krule at Webster Hall
Teenage electronic-rock phenomenon King Krule's voice sounds to many fans and critics like it belongs to someone much older. His debut album, 6 Feet Beneath the Moon, has received near-universal acclaim. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 6
French Horn Rebellion and Savoir Adore at Music Hall of Williamsburg
A pair of New York City–based, synth-y pop-rock outfits share top billing in what should be a good night for dancing. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 6
Ours at Bowery Ballroom
Ours' moody, epic songs combine Soundgarden's rough edges and the majestic sweep of Queen. Jersey-born frontman Jimmy Gnecco's dynamic vocals are a powerful blend of Jeff Buckley, Bono and Matthew Bellamy of Muse. The band's latest album is Ballet the Boxer. For more info, visit boweryballroom.com.
December 8
The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra's Holiday Pops at Kupferberg Center for the Arts, Queens College
The famous ensemble performs "Sleigh Ride" and other holiday favorites. Their most recent album is A Boston Pops Christmas – Live From Symphony Hall. For tickets, visit kupferbergpresents.org.
December 8–9
P!nk at Barclays Center
!n-your-face pop art!st P!nk (who makes no comprom!ses when !t comes to styl!ng her name) plays l!ve and !n person. For more !nfo, v!s!t barclayscenter.com.
December 10
The Other Ball at Highline Ballroom
This concert brings together musicians including the Black Keys, A$AP Rocky, Lykke Li and Miguel in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the charity Arms Around the Child. Tickets start at $2,000. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com.
December 11
Andrea Bocelli at Barclays Center
Andrea Bocelli is one of the most famous singers on the planet (if you're not a fan, chances are your mother is). The tenor's most recent album is entitled Passione. Several special guests will join Bocelli on stage, among them vocalist Heather Headley and the New York City Festival Orchestra. For more info, visit barclayscenter.com.
December 11
Mikal Cronin at Webster Hall
The messy-haired singer-songwriter takes a break from his gig with Ty Segall to play a solo set. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 13
Marshall Tucker Band at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
The influential southern rock band, which reached the height of its popularity in the '70s with albums like Searchin' for a Rainbow and Carolina Dreams, still tours, though only vocalist Doug Gray remains from the original lineup. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 13
MGMT at Barclays Center
Psychedelic synth-pop buzz band MGMT are now full-fledged stars, as evidenced by this date at Brooklyn's NBA arena. Dinosaur Jr. opens. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 14
Queens of the Stone Age at Barclays Center
Josh Homme and crew play—to paraphrase Peaches—a big, gigantic rock show. Expect to hear plenty of material off their sixth full-length, ...Like Clockwork. If you're only going to see one trashy, proggy, sci-fi-influenced, loud guitar performance this year, this ought to be it. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 14
Valerie Simpson at Kupferberg Center for the Arts, Queens College
Valerie Simpson, half of the Ashford and Simpson duo that penned such hits as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing"—and performed their own songs, including "Solid (As a Rock)"—puts on a show in Queens. For tickets, visit kupferbergpresents.org.
December 17
John Mayer at Barclays Center
The current Mr. Katy Perry, whose dating rap sheet is almost as long as his hit-singles list, entertains Brooklyn audiences with his catalog of sensitive music. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 19–20
The Breeders at Webster Hall
Kim Deal's non-Pixies band continues celebrating the 20th anniversary of Last Splash—the album with "Cannonball" on it. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 19 and 22
Beyoncé at Barclays Center
The pop-culture icon makes another stop in Brooklyn on "The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour." The arena show is sure to be full of glitzy costumes and loyal fans belting out the lyrics to "Single Ladies" (and maybe, just maybe, trying to imitate that famous dance). For more info, visit barclayscenter.com.
December 27–28
The Front Bottoms at Bowery Ballroom and Shea Stadium
New Jersey's The Front Bottoms play folk-punk tracks packed with verbose lyrics that are just the right combination of off-kilter and relatable ("I can't get past you/you are the cops/you are my student loans") to get rooms full of teenagers screaming every word. For tickets to the Bowery Ballroom show, visit ticketmaster.com. For more information on the Shea Stadium show (at the small Brooklyn club, not the late Queens baseball stadium), visit brooklynvegan.com.
December 28–31
Phish at Madison Square Garden
The undisputed king of American jam bands returns to MSG for a series of shows, culminating in Phish's 30th appearance at the Garden—timed to celebrate the band's 30th anniversary. Unsurprisingly, the entire run is sold out, so check StubHub if you want to ring in the New Year with songs from the band's forthcoming album, Wingsuit.
December 29–31
Punch Brothers at Bowery Ballroom
"Progressive bluegrass" group Punch Brothers can be downright mesmerizing when performing live. For a particularly enjoyable example, see their cover of The Cars' "Just What I Needed." This three-night run ends with a New Year's Eve show. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 30–31
Gogol Bordello at Terminal 5
If your New Year's resolution is to start wearing purple, you might want to count down to 2014 with this raucous group of immigrant punks. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 31
Andrew W.K. at Irving Plaza
This is Andrew W.K. in New York City on New Year's Eve. Take stock and ask yourself if you're truly ready to party. If not, stay home. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
December 31
Billy Joel and Ben Folds Five at Barclays Center
Go downtown [Brooklyn] ridin' in your limousine and your fine Flatbush Avenue clothes to the New Year's Eve event for anyone who's enjoyed piano-based rock music in the past four decades. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
2014:
January 12–13
Jay Z at Barclays Center
He may no longer be a part-owner of the Nets or their arena, but we get the feeling Brooklyn's own Jay Z is going to feel right at home on the Barclays Center stage all the same. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
January 23–25, 27–28
Neutral Milk Hotel at BAM Howard Gilman Opera House and Webster Hall
Jeff Mangum's massively influential indie rock band (if you haven't heard of them, your favorite musicians probably have) has reunited. For tickets to the shows at BAM, visit bam.org. For tickets to the shows at Webster Hall, visit ticketmaster.com. Really, though, your best bet is probably StubHub.
January 25 and September 12
Luke Bryan at Madison Square Garden
Luke Bryan brings his "That’s My Kind of Night Tour" (named for his recent single, which hit number one on the Billboard country chart) to New York City. Expect selections from his newest album, Crash My Party, plus other fan favorites. Lee Brice and Cole Swindell are also on the bill. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
January 29
Keith Urban at Madison Square Garden
Keith Urban is set to “Light the Fuse” in NYC in January, visiting with Little Big Town and Dustin Lynch. In addition to songs from his latest album, he promises the set will include some new songs that he’s never performed live. For more info, visit thegarden.com.
March 4 and 6
Sting and Paul Simon at Madison Square Garden
Two of the most acclaimed and influential singer-songwriters in the history of popular music perform together and with their own bands. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
May 21
Celtic Woman at Radio City Music Hall
You may have stumbled across this all-female ensemble, which performs Celtic folk songs and pop standards, on PBS. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
Ongoing
Historic Richmond Town Tavern Concerts at Historic Richmond Town
Cozy up at Staten Island's Historic Richmond Town for this Saturday-evening series featuring folk and acoustic acts. For more info, visit historicrichmondtown.org.