The Vaccines bring a dose of UK rock ‘n roll to Los Angeles

The Vaccines closed out their North American leg of the tour at The Belasco Theater in Los Angeles and the vibe couldn’t have been higher. The show was sold out and, even with last minute venue change and the unexpected (and quite rare) LA rainstorm, The Belasco was packed. It gave some special energy to […]

Showers over San Diego’s Spring edition of CRSSD Fest 2025

This past weekend, CRSSD Festival returned to San Diego’s Waterfront Park to celebrate its 10th anniversary, kicking off another run of house and techno under the SoCal skies. The two-day CRSSD Spring edition yet again solidified itself as a must-attend event for house and techno heads, delivering two days of nonstop beats, epic views, pure […]

Cali Vibes 2025 is switching things up with jaw-dropping lineup

Long Beach’s beloved Cali Vibes Music Festival is making big moves in 2025 — both literally and figuratively. Goldenvoice’s premier reggae and beach culture festival is shifting from its traditional February weekend to a brand-new summer schedule on June 7th through the 8th at Marina Green Park. Not only that, but the festival has downsized […]

Comedians band together for LA Wildfires Benefit Concert

It was a beautiful night to remember at the Lodge Room in Highland Park, California, where Middle Aged Dad Jam Band — comprised of actors and superstar comedians — came together to show their support to the wildfires in southern California. It was an evening of music, comedy and community, with 100% of the ticket […]

L’Impératrice brings neon & nu disco to Los Angeles

Los Angeles got a taste of French nu-disco magic on Friday night, as L’Impératrice brought their US Pulsar Tour to The Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall. With a mix of funk and synth-pop, the Paris collective delivered an exciting performance that proved why they are one of the most stimulating live acts globally. Before their […]

Clint Black brings 35 years of ‘Killin’ Time’ to Visalia, California

Well, Top Shelf Music country fans, it was a pleaser to see another country music icon from the good ol’ days still having what it takes to put on a satisfying show. Hitting the road to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Killin’ Time, Clint Black sold out the Fox Theatre in Visalia, California. Before I […]

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2025 the Lucky Punks! way

I hope you’re ready for an amazing St. Patrick’s Day weekend fun! Brew Ha Ha Productions and Punk In The Park takes over Oak Canyon Park in Silverado, California once again for Lucky Punks! — a Celtic punk edition of the usual festivities. The one-day beer and music festival on March 15th, 2025 (just a wee shy […]

South by South Bay ignites next era of punk rock in Hermosa Beach

Hermosa Beach isn’t just another sleepy surf town — it’s hallowed ground for punk rock. Long before punk became a global movement, bands like Black Flag, Descendents, and Circle Jerks were blasting through the walls of garages and DIY venues, redefining what it meant to be loud, fast, and unapologetically raw. Now, decades later, the […]

CRSSD Fest comes back to San Diego for Spring 2025

Mark your calendars and get ready to flow with the beat: CRSSD Festival is taking over Waterfront Park in San Diego once again on March 1st and 2nd! This iconic SoCal fest — an essential for fans of house and techno — vows to deliver another two amazing days filled with upbeat vibes, stunning visuals, […]

A sitdown with Mick Attardo of South Swell Syndicate

Mick Attardo took the time to sit down with Top Shelf Music and talk about his new reggae rock project, South Swell Syndicate, via Long Beach, California. Mick, no stranger to the music scene, has recently come back to bring reggae rock — on his terms. And, let me tell ya, his music speaks for […]

Phantogram fills SOMA in San Diego

January has its moments in San Diego… nights where seemingly the entire town comes out at once after months of holiday hibernation. Friday, January 17th, 2025 turned out to be one of these rare instances… causing major traffic around the Point Loma area as a sold-out Phantogram show at SOMA collided with a weekend of […]

LA’s music community engulfed in flames

The sprawling fires currently raging across Los Angeles have left a trail of destruction, disrupting lives, livelihoods, and the creative heartbeat of the city. Among the hardest hit is the music industry, a community deeply intertwined with LA’s multicultural fabric. From historic venues to home studios, the flames have scorched sacred spaces, threatening the careers […]

BeachLife is ready for 2025 & you should be, too

BeachLife Festival returns for its sixth year, taking over the stunning Redondo Beach waterfront from May 2nd to the 4th, 2025. As southern California’s premier live music, art, and culinary event, BeachLife 2025 is a musical fest that promises an unforgettable experience, with an eclectic lineup of legendary artists, local emerging talent, and immersive cultural […]

Social Distortion’s 5-show run in San Diego rounds out the year

On December 22nd, Social Distortion played their third night of five at The Observatory North Park in San Diego. They were supported by The Hangmen, a really fun band from Los Angeles. Built in 1929, The Observatory theater in North Park is a great venue to catch a show; I’ve always loved all the older decor […]

Social Distortion’s holiday tour hits Anaheim — HARD

On December 18th, Orange County natives Social Distortion headlined a sold out show at House of Blues Anaheim. They were supported by The Hangmen from Los Angeles. Walking up to the venue, there was a big line of people waiting to get in and you could feel the anticipation in the air.  This was the fifth Anaheim […]