A breakdown of the most highly anticipated concerts taking place in Tampa Bay this spring, from January through April.
DON’T MISS…
Arctic Monkeys The UK’s indie psych- garage quartet has done rather well internationally but only recently gained a firmer foothold in the U.S. with fifth and latest full-length, AM. The crunchy guitar-riffing swagger of “Do I Wanna Know?” can be heard on 97X; the single is Arctic Monkeys’ first to chart on the Billboard 100. It was also tapped for that a series of Bacardi Gold “Untameable Since 1862” commercials, which could very well mean you’ll be hearing it everywhere pretty soon. Sat., Feb. 1, Jannus Live, St. Petersburg.
Queens of the Stone Age The Josh Homme-helmed sextet brews up a grungy grinding style of alt rock seethe n' heavy psychedelic roil, though California’s dark sons deliver a slinkier, more finely-hewn and restrained sound in their excellent self-produced sixth studio album, 2013’s …Like Clockwork, among the best of 2013. QOTSA’s stop in St. Pete is their first headlining gig in town since who knows when, and there’s a very good chance it’ll sell out. Tues., Feb. 4, Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg.
Miley Cyrus Sure, her twerking and tongue wiggling at the VMAs made MTV history the same way the staged kiss between Britney Spears and Madonna did — cast Miley Cyrus in a new light, catapulted her into the next stage of her career, from former teen heartthrob and Disney alum to shocking pop temptress ready to bare it all in her music videos (see: “Wrecking Ball”), and proved a savvy way to drum up hype for her 2013 fourth album, Bangerz. The Jingle Ball this past December offered a small confetti-strewn taste of what Miley has to offer; this date is the full she-bang. Thurs., March 20, Tampa Bay Times Forum, Tampa.
ALSO ON THE RADAR…
Amon Amarth The well-regarded Viking-minded, Lord of the Rings-named melodic death metal band from Sweden makes a much anticipated stop in town backing ninth studio LP, Deceiver of the Gods, which broke the band’s previous world sales records. Jan. 25, The Ritz Ybor, Ybor City.
Talib Kweli with Dynasty and Jinx Socially conscious rapper Kwali joins the Bay area’s own fine rhyme-slinging talents, Dynasty and Jinx, who’ve already had the honor of collabing with Kweli on a track. Yet another show that’ll help put the Tampa Bay area’s ever-evolving hip hop scene on the national radar. Jan. 25, Crowbar, Ybor City.
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings (pictured left) Though she was diagnosed with cancer three months before the original release date of Give the People What They Want, funk/soul singer Sharon Jones — who’s been likened to James Brown for her explosive stage presence — triumphed, recovered, dropped the album last year, and is on the road supporting it with the full brass and rhythms attack of her band, the Dap Kings, in tow. Feb. 20, State Theatre Saint Petersburg.
The Black Angels w/Roky Erickson A rather intriguing indie garage/psych rock bill featuring two acts out of Austin — ominous fuzzed-out five-piece The Black Angels plus underground legend and 13th Floor Elevators founder Roky Erickson. Feb. 26, State Theatre St. Petersburg.
Iron & Wine It’s been a while since singer-songwriter Sam Beam (pictured right) has brought his poignant alt folk odes to town, and he’s upgraded from clubs to halls for his tour supporting Ghost on Ghost, his fifth release as Iron & Wine. Feb. 26, Ferguson Hall at Straz Center for Performing Arts, Tampa.
Third Annual Gasparilla Music Festival The lineup for 2014’s edition of GMF is even more badass than last. Headlining the Saturday festivities is Oklahoma-bred psych rock heavyweights Flaming Lips. Also of note: funk n’ groove producer RJD2, Brooklyn-based soulful roots rock outfit Delta Spirit, and former Drive-By Truckers alt country rocker Jason Isbell. March 8-9, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa.
2 Chainz with Pusha T A potent night of hip hop that finds two fast-rising rappers — 2 Chainz (pictured left) and Pusha T, both featured in that chart-topping Cruel Summer track, “Mercy” (with Kanye West and Big Sean ) — together on one bill. March 17, Jannus Live, St. Petersburg.
Avett Brothers After a tour that brought North Carolina's beloved brothers-led Americana/folk rock outfit howling and crooning close to the Bay area (Orlando's UCF Arena), but not quite to our sandy shores, Avett Brothers hits Florida again and treats us to a concert in support of latest full-length Magpie and the Dandelion. March 26, USF Sun Dome, Tampa.
Mobb Deep If you missed their 20th anniversary throwdown at Jannus in August, vet hardcore hip hop duo Mobb Deep (featuring rappers Havoc and Prodigy, pictured right) returns for another round in Tampa. April 4, Crowbar, Ybor City.
Local Natives Bay area folks are finally treated to a performance from this adored indie rock band from LA, and only five years after releasing the LP that put them on our radar, Gorilla Manor; this tour supports its sophomore follow-up, 2013’s Hummingbird. April 16, State Theatre, St. Petersburg.
Mogwai The Scottish post rock quintet released eighth studio album Rave Tapes via Sub Pop in January and caused quite a stir when they announced an extensive tour of North America that included this local date. April 20, The Ritz Ybor, Ybor City.