Celebrate the Return of Live Music With These Upcoming Detroit Concerts

Sada Baby, Alan Jackson, St. Vincent, and more are performing in the city
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sada baby - live music - upcoming detroit concerts
Sada Baby comes to El Club in August. // Photograph by Sam Leviton

It’s been a long pandemic for music lovers. Canceled tours and shuttered venues gave way to more than a year without concerts, forcing fans to subsist solely on livestreams and Spotify playlists. But we’ve got great news: live music is back in a big way. Celebrate with these upcoming Detroit concerts.

2021 Wednesday Jazzy Nights

The Aretha is hosting jazz performances each Wednesday night. This summer and fall, locals can catch acts like Kirk Whalum and Keiko Matsui, Gerald Albright and Kim Waters + Kayla Waters, and PJ Morton. $16-$50. Through Sept. 22. The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, 2600 Atwater St., Detroit; 313-393-0292; thearetha.com

Opening Week at El Club 

To celebrate its grand re-opening, this Mexicantown indie music hotspot is showcasing some of Detroit’s best musical talent during the first week of August. The week kicks off with a free re-opening party featuring a performance by Detroit rapper Danny Brown. Hip hop artist Sada Baby, alt-pop performer Jax Anderson, hardcore band Negative Approach, and noise-rock act the Gories are also slated to perform. Aug. 1-6. No cost-$50. El Club, 4114 Vernor Highway, Detroit; 313-279-7382; elclubdetroit.com 

Japanese Breakfast

Korean-American musician and author Michelle Zauner (known for her New York Times bestseller Crying in H Mart) leads this stylish indie rock outfit, which released its third studio album earlier this year. During the group’s Detroit stop, Japanese Breakfast will be joined by punk rock band Mannequin Pussy. $25 +. Aug. 4. Saint Andrew’s Hall, 431 E. Congress St., Detroit; 313-961-8961; saintandrewsdetroit.com

Zoé 

Grammy Award-winning Mexican rock band Zoé rose to the top of the Spanish-language rock charts in the early 2000s. Next month, the group will give Detroiters a chance to enjoy its psychedelic-inspired sounds during the Sonidos de Karmática Resonancia tour. $42.50 +. Aug. 21. Saint Andrew’s Hall, 431 E. Congress Street, Detroit; 313-961-8961; saintandrewsdetroit.com

Il Divo - live music - upcoming detroit concerts
Il Divo performs at the Fox Theatre on Sept. 9. // Photograph courtesy of 313 Presents

CMG Family Takeover

Rapper Yo Gotti takes his CMG Records family along for the ride on this rescheduled March Badness tour. Gotti, Moneybagg Yo, 42 Dugg, EST Gee, Coi Leray, and others will perform. $64 +. Aug. 28. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-7000; 313presents.com

Il Divo

In support of its 10th studio album, For Once in My Life, vocal supergroup Il Divo will bring its dynamic, classical-crossover sound to Detroit for a career-spanning live show. $35 +. Sept. 9. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-7000; 313presents.com

Dinosaur Jr.

Massachusetts-based alt-rock legends Dinosaur Jr. will support its new album, Sweep it Into Space, with a stop at Detroit’s Majestic Theatre this fall. The album is the band’s fifth since its reunification in 2005, which followed an eight-year hiatus. $30 +. Sept. 11. The Majestic Theatre, 4140 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-9700; majesticdetroit.com

Alan Jackson 

Grammy-award-winning country artist Alan Jackson will bring his 30 years of hits to Detroit in September. He’ll be supported by Canadian country singer Tenille Townes as well as other special guests. $40+. Sept. 17. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-7000; 313presents.com

alan jackson - live music - upcoming detroit concerts
Alan Jackson is playing Little Caesars Arena on Sept. 17. // Photograph courtesy of 313 Presents

Osees

The latest incarnation of California-based psych-rocker John Dwyer’s experimental garage rock act will stop at El Club later this year. The band’s known for frenetic, high-energy live sets that span its prolific and diverse back catalog. $32.50. Sept. 20. El Club, 4114 Vernor Highway, Detroit; 313-279-7382; elclubdetroit.com

Rod Wave

After going viral on YouTube and TikTok, 22-year-old Rod Wave is taking his R&B sounds on tour in support of his newly released studio album, SoulFly. $39.50 +. Sept. 23. The Fillmore Detroit, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-961-5451; thefillmoredetroit.com 

Jungle 

British production duo Jungle will bring its soulful, sun-drenched funk sounds to Detroit this fall in support of its forthcoming album Loving in Stereo. The show promises a full live band, immersive visual effects, and electrifying choreography. $29.50 +. Oct. 15. The Majestic Theatre, 4140 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-9700; majesticdetroit.com

Pokey LaFarge 

Los Angeles-based blues artist Pokey LaFarge penned his forthcoming album, In the Blossom of Their Shade, while stuck in Austin during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. This fall, he’ll stop at the Magic Stick to promote the new songs, along with country singer-songwriter Esther Rose. $20+. Oct. 7. The Magic Stick, 4120-4140 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-9700; majesticdetroit.com

St. Vincent

Grammy-award-winning art rocker Annie Clark, better known as St. Vincent, will stop in the Motor City this fall in support of her seventh studio album, Daddy’s Home. $29.50 +. Oct. 20. The Fillmore Detroit, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-961-5451; thefillmoredetroit.com