Live Music Recommendations for the Weekend

Asian-American super rap group 88Rising elevate ACL Live, Britney Spears and Bruno Mars headline Formula One, and Denzel Curry brings sophisticated soundcloud-isms to Emo's.

FRIDAY

88Rising

ACL Live
Fri., October 19

Asian-American rap crew 88rising stars Indonesian teen Rich Brian (formerly Rich Chigga) of Chengdu’s Migos, plus Joji, Keith Ape, Higher Brothers, Don Krez, and more. Sean Miyashiro’s A$AP Mob-like collective manages overseas talent with viral crossover hits like Brian’s trapped “Dat $tick” and Ape’s headbanger smash “It G Ma.” They vibed on last summer’s lo-fi pop debut Head in the Clouds. – Clara Wang

Guerilla Toss, Xetas, Veranda

Hotel Vegas
Fri., October 19

New York quintet Guerilla Toss shift surrealism. Dissonant chord slabs commingle with Krautrock rhythms as post-punk ennui meets Middle Eastern finesse and shifting electronics on latest Twisted Crystal. Meanwhile, local trio Xetas weaponize The Tower with fuzz riffs and shotgun percussion that asphyxiates with an unrelenting grip. – Alejandra Ramirez

SATURDAY

Clinton Fearon

Flamingo Cantina
Sat., October 20

Core member of the Gladiators and backer on countless Studio One and Black Ark sides, Clinton Fearon encores last year’s local appearance. The 67-year-old singer strips roots reggae to its essence in a solo acoustic set leaning on hits “Let Jah Be Praised” and “Richman Poorman.” Now based in Seattle, Fearon’s recent run of albums – 2012’s Heart and Soul in particular – cement his place as the standard-bearer for Jamaican roots music. – Thomas Fawcett

Exploded View

Flamingo Cantina
Sat., October 20

Not as esoteric as their eponymous debut, Exploded View’s Obey still exists on the fringes like an obscure dream. Berlin-based frontwoman Anika Henderson sings with a Nico-tinged panache, manifested with simplicity and slight detachment but still elegant. Modulated overdubs spellbind in the title track, jarring industrial meets Depeche Mode on “Dark Stains,” and cacophonous distortion ensues in “Come on Honey.” – Alejandra Ramirez

Bruno Mars, Britney Spears

Circuit of the Americas
Sat.-Sun., October 20-21

For the sixth time, COTA hosts Formula 1, featuring Super Bowl-style performances by mega pop stars Bruno Mars and Britney Spears. Fresh off her international Piece of Me Tour, the Las Vegas mother of “the next Bieber” has been nominated for this year’s People’s Choice Concert Tour award. Honolulu’s Michael Jackson, the former continues to rock out Grammy-winning 24K Magic and No. 1 Cardi B collab “Finesse.” – Clara Wang

SUNDAY

Denzel Curry

Emo's
Sun., October 21

Every so-called SoundCloud rap success story boasts great hair, boundless energy, and stupid hooks for days, but Denzel Curry remains the clear-headed one with a distinct and substantial flow. The 23-year-old Raider Klan affiliate, exploding out of South Florida ahead of Smokepurpp and XXXTentacion, is on fire lately. Last year’s EP 13 built upon the aggressive trap of sophomore LP Imperial, while July’s Ta13oo arrived as Curry’s emotional apex. – Kevin Curtin

Alex Skolnick Trio

North Door
Sun., October 21

Blazing legend in California thrashers Testament, guitarist Alex Skolnick relaxes with jazz fusion. Conundrum, his sixth LP with bassist Nathan Peck and drummer Matt Zebroski, falls within the John Scofield/Mike Stern spectrum. Expect new album originals and classic rock/metal covers given a swinging spin. – Michael Toland