8 must-see concerts Fall 2018

Courtesy of https://store.taylorswift.com.

Courtesy of https://store.taylorswift.com.

Mark your calendars. Pull up Ticketmaster. Take out your – or your parents’ – credit card. It’s time to dive into this fall’s biggest concerts in New Orleans. From old school classics like Paul Simon and Elton John to punk-pop legends like Portugal. The Man and Fall Out Boy, this concert season has a little something for everyone.

Paul Simon: Sept. 5

What better way to start off the semester than a night with Paul Simon? His trademark wooden guitar and exquisitely crafted lyrics are nothing short of prophetic. His own words in the classic “Song of Silence” say it best: “The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenements halls and whispered in the sounds of silence.”

Beyonce and Jay-Z: Sept. 13

R&B icon Beyonce and world-class rapper Jay-Z will make an appearance at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome this September. As a celebrity couple, the two are endearing, but as a performing duo, they are a must-see hit. With more than 43 Grammy Awards between the two of them, their performance is sure to make a stir.

Portugal. The Man: Sept. 14

“Who said we were a real band anyway?” This stereotypically punk response to criticism that the band was “selling out” by writing hit pop songs captures the essence of the group. Though some fans may show up at The Sugar Mill on Friday for “Feel It Still,” they will stay for the psych and alt rock masterpieces reminiscent of middle school days in the early ’10s.

Taylor Swift: Sept. 22

Pop icon Taylor Swift will take the stage at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome to an inevitably packed stadium. Her mix of pop and country popularized country music, as well as her lyrics – many based on her own life experiences – have struck a chord with many fans.

Fall Out Boy: Oct. 10

Rolling Stone Magazine described Fall Out Boy’s music as “heavy riffs and a screamo aesthetic mingled with old-fashioned teen heartbreak” when it named “Take This to Your Grave” the fifth best pop-punk album of all time in 2003. Few emo bands can live up to their frenzied rhythm and soul-crushing lyrics. Fall Out Boy will have you reliving your early teen angst and saying “thanks for the memories” at the Smoothie King Center this October.

Chvrches: Oct. 11

The clean, electric style of this Scottish synth-pop band was described by Neon Gold as “a godless hurricane of kinetic pop energy.” The band formed in 2011 and has yet to reach its creative peak. Each song features a rhythmic mix of hard grooves, synthesizer melodies and tantalizingly optimistic lyrics. The band’s performance at The Joy Theater is sure to bring a night of neon joy and giddy veneration.

Bruno Mars: Oct. 21

This Honolulu-born-and-raised star has sold more than 130 million records worldwide. His style is impossible to pin down, but it lies in a realm between R&B, funk and soul. Mars “walks the old-school walk and talks the sexy talk” Rolling Stone magazine said, referring to his Michael Jackson-like showmanship and commercially successful lyrics. Have no doubt, Bruno will put on a show that will put the Crescent City in a frenzy.

Elton John 12/6

Elton John has sold more than 300 million records over five decades. And this December, the English singer-songwriter will bring his incredible talent and legacy to the Smoothie King Center. Fans should be sure to get tickets, as this could be his last stop in New Orleans. He announced he would retire from touring in January, and he is just now beginning his three-year farewell tour.

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