From country to punk rock, visit historic L.A. venues like The Whisky A Go Go, The Roxy Theatre and the Troubadour this summer to hear from up-and-coming artists

Los Angeles’ Troubadour and the Whisky a Go Go have seen performances from world-renowned musicians and rock ‘n rollers. If you’ve ever wondered what it would have been like to see AC/DC or Led Zeppelin at the Whisky a Go Go or Elton John and Metallica at the Troubadour, look no further than today’s lineup of artists, because you never know who might make it big.

While many larger artists are coming to L.A. on tour this summer, Angelenos also have the unique opportunity to enjoy live music from smaller artists at some of the most historic venues in music history. Here are some of the up-and-coming artists and bands not to miss this summer.

Josh Conway — June 27

Josh Conway, drummer of the well-known indie-pop band, The Marías, put out his debut solo album “plum” on June 12, and on June 27, he will be playing a free, intimate performance of the album that he says “won’t happen again.” He’ll be joined by Jesse Perlman, lead guitarist of The Marías as well as Cole Preston of Wallows. The show is sold out and its location won’t be revealed to ticket holders until the day of the show.

Fake Dad — June 27, July 23

The L.A.-based indie pop rock duo Fake Dad, consisting of Andrea de Varona and Josh Ford, will perform at the Santa Monica Pier 360 Fest on June 27. Next month they’ll return to L.A. to perform at The Echo on July 23, alongside bands Fime and Forest. The show is presented by rocknite, the free national concert series born in L.A., and Big Loud Rock. Fake Dad released their latest single “Third Degree” on May 21, following their 2025 EP, “Holly Wholesome and the Slut Machine.”

Girlactic Music Fest — Aug. 6

The Whisky A Go Go will bring women-led bands Pinktastic Plastixx, Flailing Idiot, Tomorrow’s Anthem, The Maraschinos, Plum, The Deffades, SpaceBunz and The Iron Orchids to the stage for a one-night girlactic extravaganza on Aug. 6. The show is hosted by Pinktastic Plastixx frontwoman Kitten Kay Sera, known as the “pinkest person in the world.” These L.A.-based bands will come together to promote women empowerment through music.

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Wunderhorse — Aug. 6

British rock band Wunderhorse will be joined by L.A.-based openers Fat Evil Children at The Fonda Theatre on Aug. 6. Wunderhorse is made up of frontman Jacob Slater, guitarist Harry Fowler, drummer Jamie Staples and bassist Pete Woodin. The band released its sophomore album Midas in 2024 and has been compared to Radiohead and Nirvana according to a Rolling Stone profile. 

Willow Avalon — Aug. 8

Willow Avalon released her sophomore album Pink Pocket Pistol, on Friday, following her 2025 debut, Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell. Avalon will embark on a tour starting in June with a stop at the Fonda Theater on Aug. 8. The country singer-songwriter has performed at Stagecoach and has opened for Marcus King and duo Brooks & Dunn.

Kevin Atwater  — Sept. 8

Kevin Atwater’s sophomore album “Blush Red” comes out July 10, before he kicks off his tour with a first stop at the Roxy Theatre on Sept. 8. The singer-songwriter blew up on TikTok in 2022 and he has since opened for artists Jeremy Zucker and Leith Ross. Opener alternative folk-pop artist Ruby Plume released her debut EP “Spinstress” in January, and before her stint with Atwater she’ll be supporting St. Vincent at the Hollywood Bowl on Aug. 2.

Florence Road — Sept. 23

The Irish all-women alternative rock band Florence Road made waves online with “Hanging Out to Dry” off of their latest EP, and have opened for more well known artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Sombr and Wolf Alice. They’ll be stopping by the Troubadour to make their L.A. debut on their first ever headlining North American tour on Sept. 23. Tickets for the show went on sale Friday morning and are already sold out, though additional or resale tickets may become available closer to the show.