Rocktober started early this year!

Thursday, September 28

Scottish band CHVRCHΞS is a band that has a huge and loyal following here in The Bay. Headed by Lauren Mayberry, her debut solo album “Are You Awake?” is coming out soon – the first shared track is a piano-heavy single that shows a departure from the CHVRCHΞS electronic poppy-ness. Go see her at the beautiful August Hall. – Jon

Photo by Luka Mcghie via Grandstand Media.

Friday, September 29

San Francisco’s own Afrolicious funks up the Boom Boom Room this Friday the 29th, coinciding with the start of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival beginning earlier that day in Golden Gate Park. Spending Friday night dancing to Afrolicious’ vibrant, positive sound is a really fun way to head into a magical weekend of music in SF. – Sarah

Friday, September 29 – Sunday, October 1

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is coming and there are a bunch of musicians to talk about so I’ll just mention that I caught Lucero pre-pandemic and even though I probably should have known, was completely blown away by their live show at Sweetwater Music Hall and became an instant fan. – William

So many great acts are playing this year! I recommend Orchestra Gold, Vetiver, Margo Cilker, Skyway Man, Sunny War, The Teskey Brothers, The Third Mind, The Church, Chuck Prophet & The Mission Express, Beth Orton, Never Come Down, and Kurt Vile & The Violators. Check the schedule here. – Daniel

Saturday, September 30 – Sunday, October 1

Thousands of EDM fans are prepped to take over Pier 80 as the Portola Music Festival returns to the San Francisco waterfront. Anchored by some of electronic music’s heaviest hitters (Skrillex, Eric Prydz, Chris Lake, and many more) Year Two, of the Goldenvoice event, is poised to be the premier Bay Area dance party of the weekend. Be sure to bring good vibes and your best dance moves, but note this one is 21+ only. Tickets are still available here – Norm

Saturday, September 30

RED EX Vol. 666, the all-day, DIY music fest, returns to The Red Museum this weekend to showcase up-and-coming Sacramento-based artists. Tré Burt, DEFEM, and The Snares top the bill but there’s a little something for everyone throughout this eclectic lineup. Tickets are available here for the all-ages event. – Norm

Tuesday, Oct 3 & Wednesday, Oct 4

You may not recognize her name now, but you’ll no doubt recognize the hits that Victoria Monét has penned in collaboration with some of today’s biggest pop stars like Ariana Grande and Blackpink. The Sacramento-raised, R&B songstress, is set to bust through the background and make a big splash on her own with her recently released debut record, Jaguar II. She comes to San Francisco next week with two shows at the Regency Ballroom. – Norm