San Diego concert scene

Setting the stage for September’s upcoming concert schedule 

Lizzy Jennings / A&C Editor / The USD Vista

9/18 – Chance the Rapper

Grammy award-winning artist Chance the Rapper will be performing in San Diego this September as a part of his current world tour, named for and celebrating his debut album “The Big Day.” Chicago born and raised, the artist still resides in his original hometown. His debut mixtape, “10 Day,” was released in 2012 and immediately stirred interest in the music community. Chance has been active and releasing new music ever since. The rapper is most well-known for his mixtape trio, comprising of “10 Day,” as well as “Acid Rap” and “Coloring Book.” Chance the Rapper has been nominated for and received a variety of awards for his innovative music style, including Grammys in the categories of Best New Artist and Best Rap Album, and his voice has become instantly recognizable to any rap fan. His other major accomplishments include his work on Kanye West’s “Life of Pablo” album as a co-writer and featured artist. Though he has released mixtapes in the past, this year, Chance released his first full-length studio album, “The Big Day,” which features artists like John Legend, Death Cab for Cutie, and Gucci Mane. Outside of his music career, Chance is also well-known for his activism and support of Chicago’s underprivileged youth. 

 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18. Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. $50-$200, all ages.

9/19 – Zac Brown Band

Another Grammy award-winning country favorite will be making a tour stop performance this September in San Diego. Zac Brown Band, led by Zac Brown himself, is an Atlanta-based country music group made up of eight members. The band has released six studio albums and will be embarking on their seventh national tour, titled The Owl Tour. This tour is named after their newest album, which will be released on Sept. 20. The album includes collaborations with artists like Skrillex and Max Martin, and will carry on the band’s tradition of sampling various music styles in their songs. In the past they have experimented with reggae, rock and other music styles especially on their “Jekyll+Hyde” album.  Zac Brown Band has experienced great commercial success, with hit singles like “Chicken Fried” and “Toes” topping charts and have developed an extensive and loving fan base. Another one of their most popular songs, “Knee Deep,” features the legendary Jimmy Buffet. The band has been nominated for and won Grammys and awards from the Country Music Association. Over time, they have become a household name. Zac Brown Band’s music can be streamed on services like Spotify and Apple Music, including their most recent album. 

7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19. North Island Credit Union Amphitheater, 2050 Entertainment Circle. $40-$130, all ages.

9/28 & 9/29 – CRSSD

Popular San Diego Electronic Dance Music festival, CRSSD, will be held again this September at Waterfront Park downtown. The festival, featuring artists like Fisher and Portugal. the Man, draws crowds from the San Diego area and beyond in both the fall and spring. The festival focuses on the music of an electronic variety, hosting more than 36 artists on three stages set up across the festival grounds. The venue for the CRSSD festival is particularly unique in that it looks over   beautiful bay and downtown area. Though the festival has a strict  21+ age requirement, many of CRSSD’s biggest fans enjoy this limit, as it makes the festival feel more intimate. Festival-goers return to CRSSD year after year for both the welcoming environment and atmosphere of music and camaraderie between other EDM and house music fans. In fact, the CRSSD festival is known for attracting crowds of house fans who consider themselves experts on the genre. With that being said, CRSSD is open to all lovers of music, regardless of the genre you enjoy most. The festival  has something for everyone, from the food to the natural beauty of the waterfront venue. Tickets for the CRSSD festival are available on their website, www.crssdfest.com, and range in price from $120 for single day passes to $215 for weekend passes, all of which have since sold out. 

All day Saturday and Sunday Sept. 28 and 29. Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway. $120-$215, 21+.

9/29 – Of Mice and Men 

Popular metalcore rock band Of Mice and Men, named after the John Steinbeck novel of the same title, will be back performing in San Diego again after a yearlong absence. Originally from Costa Mesa, Calif, the band comprises of four to five members, though the core members of the band have changed over the years. The current lineup is Aaron Pauley on lead vocals and bass, Alan Ashby and Phil Manansala on guitar, and Valentino Arteaga on drums. The group has released six studio albums and is known for hits like “Would You Still Be There” and “SECOND & SEBRING.” Their music is characterized by the intensity of their rock sound, and fans rave about the energy of their live performances. Despite the changes in members over the years, the band stays loyal to their original sound and still plays older songs live, though some of the originals have come and gone. Though their new album “Earth & Sky” won’t be released until Sept. 27, the San Diego concert is a part of the Earth Tour, and there is a good chance the band will be playing songs from their newest album, including the recently released “Earth & Sky” single. Of Mice and Men’s music can be found on streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, and their newest album is available for preorder on their website. Tickets are $20 for general admission for all ages.

7 p.m. Tuesday Sept, 24. Soma San Diego 3350 Sports Arena Blvd. $20, all ages. 

9/20 – Florida 

Georgia Line

Country music duo Florida Georgia Line will be performing in Chula Vista as a part of their Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour. Artists like Dan + Shay, Morgan Wallen, Canaan Smith, and Dylan Schneider will also be rotating as openers for the pair on their tour. The duo, made up of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, was formed in Nashville, Tenn. back in 2010 and started originally as a country music cover band. Florida Georgia Line’s music is considered “bro-country,” a term that describes a particular style of country music that adds elements of rock and hip hop to the classic country style. The pair released their debut single, “Cruise,” in 2012, which became an instant hit and has remained their most popular song. They have released four studio albums in their career, their newest being released this past February, titled “Can’t Say I Ain’t Country,” which their current tour is named after. The band is known for their previously mentioned hit “Cruise,” as well as songs like “Simple” and “H.O.L.Y.” They were also featured on Bebe Rexha’s hit “Meant to Be” and have supported artists like Luke Bryan and Taylor Swift on their respective tours. All of Florida Georgia Line’s music, including their newest album, can be streamed on services like Spotify and Apple Music. 

7 p.m. Friday Sept. 20. North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre 2050 Entertainment Circle. $50-$125, all ages.