Marceline Lee | Illustration Editor

August:

Friday, Aug. 21: Jesse Welles with Ratboys at The Pageant (20-minute walk / 10-minute shuttle)

Before classes start on Monday, walk or take the shuttle to the Delmar Loop to see Instagram-famous folk singer Jesse Welles perform at The Pageant. His song “War Isn’t Murder” became popular for its poignant lyrics and political subjects, which will make for an impassioned performance that is sure to be moving.

Sunday, Aug. 23: Alabama Shakes and Tedeschi Trucks Band at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater (30-minute drive)

Aug. 29 and 30: Esperanza Spalding at City Winery (15-minute drive)

The 2010 GRAMMY’s Best New Artist winner Esperanza Spalding is a contemporary-jazz singer and bassist with one of the smoothest voices you’ll ever hear. Even if you can’t drink alcohol, go to the City Winery to sit down, relax, and listen to the beautiful sound of Spalding’s voice.

September:

Wednesday, Sept. 2: Ray LaMontagne with The Weather Station at Stifel Theatre (15-minute drive)

Friday, Sept. 11: Zac Brown Band with Brothers Osborne at Enterprise Center (15-minute drive)

Saturday, Sept. 12: Kacey Musgraves with Midland at Enterprise Center (15-minute drive)

Singer Kacey Musgraves has been all over the country scene, with a hit song with Zach Bryan, a detour into pop-country with her fourth album, and two songs with the iconic Willie Nelson. Her often mellow songs might lead people to be surprised that she is playing at one of the biggest venues in St. Louis, but her energy will undoubtedly fill the arena.

Wednesday, Sept. 16: Shaboozey with Brittney Spencer at The Factory (20-minute drive)

Wednesday, Sept. 16: St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s Forest Park Concert at Art Hill (20-minute walk)

This Wednesday in September has two distinct concert opportunities for WashU students to choose between. You can opt to drive 30 minutes to The Factory to hear Shaboozey sing “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” live and dance all night. Or, you can walk to good ol’ Forest Park and watch our city’s orchestra perform their season preview for free on the lovely Art Hill.

Thursday, Sept. 17: Tim McGraw with 49 Winchester at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater (30-minute drive)

Friday, Sept. 18: Pitbull with Lil Jon at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater (30-minute drive)

Two years ago, Pitbull performed at the same venue that he will be returning to and played his numerous 2000s and 2010s bangers. Many WashU students attended (some in Pitbull-esque bald caps) and had a blast, and now he is coming back — so don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the bald legend.

Monday, Sept. 21: BABYMETAL with Halestorm and Violent Vira at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater (30-minute drive)

Wednesday, Sept. 30: Foster The People with Goth Babe at Saint Louis Music Park (30-minute drive)

October:

Wednesday, Oct. 7: Chance the Rapper at The Pageant (20-minute walk / 10-minute shuttle)

If, somehow, his concert is not sold out by the time you read this article, buy a ticket to see Chance the Rapper for the first day back from fall break. Along with his numerous popular collaborations such as “Holy” with Justin Bieber and “All My Friends” with Snakehips and Tinashe, his 2016 mixtape “Coloring Book” is widely regarded as a great rap project and is the reason for this 10th anniversary tour. 

Friday, Oct. 9: JPEGMAFIA at The Sovereign (15-minute drive)

Monday, Oct. 12: Suki Waterhouse with Rochelle Jordan at The Pageant (20-minute walk / 10-minute shuttle)

After her song “Good Looking” blew up for its devastating chorus, Suki Waterhouse released her sophomore album “Memoir of a Sparklemuffin.” If you move beyond the cringe title, you will hear a dynamic blend of pop, indie rock, and singer-songwriter elements that are guaranteed to translate wonderfully into a live setting. 

Tuesday, Oct. 13: Interpol with DIIV at The Factory (20-minute drive)

Thursday, Oct. 15: Black Country, New Road at Delmar Hall (20-minute walk / 10-minute shuttle)

Friday, Oct. 16: Slow Pulp at Delmar Hall (20-minute walk / 10-minute shuttle)
Slow Pulp opened for Lucy Dacus last year at Stifel Theatre and captured the audience’s attention with soft indie rock bangers like “Falling Apart” and “Idaho.” Luckily, they are returning to St. Louis for a headline show and are going to be performing only a short walk away from campus.

Sunday, Oct. 25: Tank and The Bangas with Ariel J. at Off Broadway (20-minute drive)

Monday, Oct. 26: Sammy Rae & The Friends with Melt at The Pageant (20-minute walk / 10-minute shuttle)

Friday, Oct. 30: Sombr with The Last Dinner Party & Hannah Jadagu at Enterprise Center (15-minute drive)

The world seems very divided on whether to like Sombr or not (even though “Homewrecker” is an outright amazing song), but this concert will be worth it just for the openers alone. Singular pop-rock band The Last Dinner Party will make you move with emotion, and rising indie-pop artist Hannah Jadagu will play beautiful songs that you will be happy to say you heard before she inevitably gets more popular. Just listen to “My Love.”

November:

Thursday, Nov. 5: West 22nd at Blueberry Hill Duck Room (15-minute walk / 10-minute shuttle)

Indie rockers West 22nd are coming to play at one of WashU students’ favorite venues, which is only a quick shuttle ride away for the South 40. Walk through this classic Delmar Loop restaurant and head to the back into an intimate music venue where West 22nd is sure to deliver.

Saturday, Nov. 7: Kurt Vile and The Violators with Twisted Teens at The Sovereign (15-minute drive)

Monday, Nov. 16: Journey at Enterprise Center (15-minute drive)

December:

Thursday, Dec. 3: Sam Barber at Chaifetz Arena (15-minute drive)

Dec. 12 and 13: The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert at Powell Hall (15-minute drive)

If you are still on campus for finals, take a study break during the weekend to watch the incomparable muppets on film, while the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra plays the score under the screen. This winter special will be an ideal way to escape from reading week and into the holiday spirit.