Monday, April 15
The Postal Service
Fox Theater
Back in 2003, the Postal Service, the electro-pop group comprised of Ben Gibbard and Jimmy Tamborello (with occasional guest vocals from Jenny Lewis), lead the world in one big collective sigh with their debut and massive hit single “Such Great Heights.” And then, right after everyone became obsessed, they disbanded. When stars shine too bright, they burn out–and with both artists focusing on their main musical projects (Death Cab for Cutie and Dntel, respectively), that's pretty much what happened. But now, ten years later, the Postal Service finally releases some new material and hits the road with a string of shows and a crux at–where else?–Coachella. But like many of the festival's bands performing this week, Postal Service gives fans a chance to see them without all the hassle. (Erin DeWitt)
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Tuesday, April 16
Polica
The Observatory
It's hard to believe that this will be Poliça's first performance in OC. The sometimes hazy, sometimes harrowing electro-R&B act have already played sold-out shows on the East Coast opening for Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, garnered positive accolades at CMJ. This fast track to success isn't necessarily surprising given the popularity of the band members' previous projects (singer Channy Casselle was in Roma di Luna and bassist Chris Bierden is from Vampire Hands, while producer Ryan Olson created Gayngs), but what's most remarkable is how quickly they've gelled into a powerful live act, with dual drummers Drew Christopherson and Ben Ivascu propelling the band forward with pace-quickening, industrious beats. The balance the band achieves live is astounding, too, with Beirden's agile bass lines sharing the spotlight with Casselle's clarion voice. If the band's packed show at the Kitty Cat Klub last month is any indication, you may want to arrive early to reserve your spot in front of the stage. (Andrew Swensson)
Wednesday, April 17
The xx
Fox Theater Pomona
The xx know how to make a statement with sound. The English trio generated serious buzz with their debut and sophomore albums, and continue to attract attention with the give-and-take vocals of guitarist Romy Madley-Croft and bassist Oliver Sim. The group offers a refreshing sound that's simultaneously soothing and danceable, thanks largely in part to the electronic artistry of Jamie Smith. After playing Coachella in 2010, the indie dream-popsters earned a second invitation to this year's sold-out festival. Didn't drop the $350 for a ticket this time around? Avoid the dust and massive crowds by catching the hypnotic rockers this week at the Fox Theater. With a penchant for unexpected cover tunes and a reputation for mesmerizing live shows, the xx are definitely worth checking out. (Heidi Darby)
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King Khan & BBQ Show
The Constellation Room
Former Spaceshits bandmates and all around amazing punk rock freaks Blacksnake and Mark Sultan are King Khan and BBQ–and this night is their Show. Playing raw, gritty garage punk laced with sparkling doo-wop, this twosome wrecked Montreal back in the '90s as the Spaceshits, getting blacklisted from venues for violent outbursts and food fights–basically, for playing a great show. Now, older and wiser, they might not smash venue equipment, but still get just as wild and audacious. If you love Nobunny and the Black Lips, then you probably already know King Khan and BBQ. Don't miss this show at the Constellation Room–it's going to be a riot in all the right ways. (Erin DeWitt)
Friday, April 18
Gladys Knight
Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
The long- reigning “Empress of Soul” gained her royal moniker after fifty years of performing and producing albums. Most famous for her hit “Midnight Train To Georgia” and “If I Was Your Woman” with backing group The Pips, Knight has exemplified a talent that goes beyond vocal range, but acting and dancing as well; most recently in the Tyler Perry film I Can Do Bad All By Myself and on ABC's “Dancing With The Stars.” While most performers her age are retiring or slowing down, Knight still performs regularly in Las Vegas where she was the first African American performer to have a venue named after her. Tonight the legend will be performing at Orange County's own Segerstrom Hall. (Aimee Murillo)
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