The best of the season

Pop music/

World music

Air The French electronica duo mixes its lush, down-tempo soundscapes with a full orchestra. With Stereolab and Sondre Lerche. Hollywood Bowl, Sept. 26.

Willie Nelson The singing-songwriting “Red-Headed Stranger” from Texas returns. Los Angeles County Fair, Sept. 26.

Story of the Year The exuberant St. Louis quintet made a strong showing for themselves opening for Linkin Park on that band’s recent tour. The Grove of Anaheim, Sept. 28. Also, The Wiltern LG, Oct. 3.

Sting, Annie Lennox A pair of adult-contemporary favorites, led by the former Police-man, who in 2003 released the album “Sacred Love.” Lennox’s most recent CD, “Bare,” was her first in eight years. Hollywood Bowl, Sept. 28-29. Also, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Oct. 1.

The Deftones Dense, heavy rock mixed with the expressive vocals of Chino Moreno. House of Blues, Sept. 28-29. Also, House of Blues Anaheim, Sept. 30.

Antibalas The 14-piece Brooklyn collective specializes in re-creating the Afrobeat sounds of the late Fela Kuti. Conga Room, Sept. 30-Oct. 1.

New York Dolls The pioneering glam-punk band led by David Johansen and Sylvain Sylvain performs in L.A. for the first time in 20 years. Avalon Hollywood, Sept. 30. Also, House of Blues Anaheim, Oct. 1

Earlimart The band celebrates the release of its new CD, “Treble & Tremble.” El Cid, Sept. 30.

Santana Long a Southland concert favorite, the veteran guitarist’s 2002 release “Shaman” featured guest spots from P.O.D. and Seal. Greek Theatre, Sept. 30-Oct. 2.

OCTOBER

Juan Gabriel The Mexican vocalist has been recording since 1978. Arrowhead Pond, Oct. 1. Also, Staples Center, Oct. 2.

Gillian Welch One of the leaders of the post-”O Brother, Where Art Thou?” roots-music renaissance, the singer-guitarist’s laid-back 2003 release “Soul Journey” introduced drums and organ to her mix. Avalon Hollywood, Oct. 1.

Brooks & Dunn The long-running country duo performed at the Republican National Convention. Hyundai Pavilion, Oct. 1.

Jolie Holland The Texas singer-songwriter’s “official” studio debut, “Escondida,” mixes vintage folk, jazz and country melodies with contemporary lyrics. La Luz de Jesus Gallery, Oct. 1.

The Libertines The British band was at the forefront of the garage-rock revival in 2002. Henry Fonda Theatre, Oct. 2.

Snow Patrol Lush, anthemic indie-pop from the Scottish trio. Avalon Hollywood, Oct. 5.

The Tragically Hip The long-running Canadian band performs from its new album “In Between Evolution.” Avalon Hollywood, Oct. 6.

Richard Thompson The veteran singer-songwriter performs from “1,000 Years of Popular Music,” touching on Gilbert & Sullivan, Stephen Foster, Prince and many others. Irvine Barclay Theatre, Oct. 6.

Norah Jones Success “Feels Like Home” for the young vocalist, whose mix of jazz, blues, and country on her debut album made her a chart sensation in 2002. Santa Barbara Bowl, Oct. 6. Also, Hollywood Bowl, Oct. 9.

Supergrass The British rock band celebrates the release of its greatest-hits retrospective “Supergrass Is 10.” Avalon Hollywood, Oct. 7.

Incredible String Band The experimental folk outfit that earned a cult following for its work in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s tours the U.S. for the first time in nearly 30 years. McCabe’s, Oct. 8.

Los Amigos Invisibles The raucous sextet mixes salsa, disco and funk on its latest CD, “Venezuelan Zinga Son Vol. 1.” Avalon Hollywood, Oct. 8. Also, House of Blues Anaheim, Oct. 9.

Genius: A Night for Ray Charles The music of “Brother Ray” is celebrated and performed by Mary J. Blige, Kenny Chesney, Al Green, Elton John, Norah Jones, B.B. King, Reba McEntire, Usher, Stevie Wonder and more. Hosted by Jamie Foxx. Staples Center, Oct. 8.

Trashcan Sinatras The Scottish indie pop band recently released their first album in eight years. Troubadour, Oct. 8-9.

Lila Downs The eclectic Mexican folk artist deftly mixes styles from global musical traditions on her latest CD “One Blood/Una Sangre.” Royce Hall, UCLA, Oct. 9.

KZLA Country Bash The country radio powerhouse’s charity concert features performances by Kid Rock, Uncle Kracker, Rascal Flatts, SHeDAISY and more. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Oct. 9.

Badly Drawn Boy The acclaimed British singer-songwriter also known as Damon Gough performs from his new CD, “One Plus One Is One.” Avalon Hollywood, Oct. 12.

R.E.M. The Athens, Ga.-based band helped forge the sound of alternative rock in the ‘80s. The group releases its 13th album, “Around the Sun,” this year. Greek Theatre, Oct. 13. Also, Santa Barbara Bowl, Oct. 14. and Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Oct. 16.

Angie Stone The neo-soul singer performs from her new album, “Stone Love.” House of Blues, Oct. 13.

Caetano Veloso A legend in his native Brazil, the singer-guitarist’s most recent release “A Foreign Sound” presents his take on work by American artists as varied as David Byrne, Cole Porter and Nirvana. Royce Hall, UCLA, Oct. 13-14.

Bright Eyes, M. Ward, Jim James Conor Oberst teams with alt-folk guitarist Ward and My Morning Jacket’s James for a show that will close with a collaborative set involving all three artists. Orpheum Theatre, Oct. 14.

Old 97’s The band, which is led by the smart and engaging alt-country hooks of singer-songwriter Rhett Miller, is back after a brief hiatus. Wilshire Theatre, Oct. 14.

The Used The emo band performs from its third CD, “In Love and Death.” Ventura Theatre, Oct. 13. Also, the Wiltern LG, Oct. 14.

Grand Ole Opry American Road Show Featuring performances by Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, Del McCoury Band and Rebecca Lynn Howard. Greek Theatre, Oct. 15.

Taking Back Sunday The Long Island band delivers hard-core pop-punk. Hollywood Palladium, Oct. 15.

Lenny Kravitz The retro-rocker’s latest release is “Baptism.” With Robert Randolph & the Family Band. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Oct. 15.

Los Lonely Boys San Antonio’s Garza brothers play Tex-Mex rock that earned the approval of Willie Nelson, who appears on their eponymous debut album. The Wiltern LG, Oct. 15.

Ween The perpetually goofy pop duo released its eighth studio album, “Quebec,” last year. The Wiltern LG, Oct. 16.

Drive-By Truckers The Southern rockers spin vivid tales of their Alabama home on the recently released CD “The Dirty South.” Troubadour, Oct. 20.

Ben Folds & William Shatner The alt-rock pianist teams with self-effacing (yet straight-faced) singer William Shatner, who on Oct. 5 will release his first album in 35 years, “Has Been.” El Rey Theatre, Oct. 21-23.

Alice Cooper Welcome, once again, to his nightmare. The Grove of Anaheim, Oct. 21. Also, Greek Theatre, Oct. 22.

Los Lobos The long-running L.A. band recently followed-up its album “The Ride” with “Ride This,” an EP of covers of songs by Tom Waits, Elvis Costello and others. With Nortec Collective. Universal Amphitheatre, Oct. 22.

The Pixies The influential alt-rock band’s reunion shows are a hot ticket. With the Thrills and the Mars Volta. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Oct. 23.

Joan Sebastian, Marco Antonio Solis A double bill of Mexican singer-songwriters. Through his more than 30-year career, Sebastian has added his own country flair to styles from brassy banda to ballads. Solis, formerly of the group Los Bukis, is known for his hook-laden love songs. Arrowhead Pond, Oct. 24.

P.J. Harvey The chameleonic singer-songwriter performs material from her acclaimed new release, “Uh Huh Her,” which finds her returning to the jagged, cathartic rock of her roots. The Wiltern LG, Oct. 25.

Interpol The New York-based indie band mines the sound of ‘80s favorites Echo & the Bunnymen and Joy Division for its dark, atmospheric sound. The Wiltern LG, Oct. 27-28.

Colonel Claypool’s Bucket of Bernie Brains The Primus bassist teams with guitar eccentric Buckethead, drummer Brain and Parliament/Funkadelic keyboardist Bernie Worrell for an evening of experimental funk. Avalon Hollywood, Oct. 29.

Giant Sand Howe Gelb’s experimental alt-country band’s latest CD is the aptly named “Is All Over the Map.” Getty Center, Oct. 29.

The Cramps Decadent psychobilly. Hollywood Athletic Club, Oct. 30. Also, House of Blues Anaheim, Nov. 3.

NOVEMBER

Psychic TV Challenging, experimental music from the long-running band led by industrial-rock pioneer Genesis P-Orridge. Knitting Factory, Nov. 2.

Brian Wilson’s “SMiLE” The innovative pop songwriter from the Beach Boys performs from his soon-to-be-released “lost masterpiece.” Walt Disney Concert Hall, Nov. 2-3.

Kasey Chambers The Australian-born country-rocker peforms from her new album “Wayward Angel.” El Rey Theatre, Nov. 4.

Coheed & Cambria Epic emo that mixes elements of punk, metal and prog. Hollywood Palladium, Nov. 4.

Vicente Fernandez The veteran artist has been hailed as “king of the rancheros.” Universal Amphitheatre, Nov. 4-7.

Ted Leo & the Pharmacists Catchy, energetic indie rock that mixes the sounds of punk, pop and mod. El Rey Theatre, Nov. 5.

North Mississippi Allstars The fiery blues-rock band led by brothers Luther and Cody Dickenson moved into more polished pop with 2003’s “Polaris.” The new CD “Hill Country Revue” is due in October. House of Blues, Nov. 5.

Mark Kozelek Moody pop from the former singer-songwriter from the Red House Painters.Troubadour, Nov. 5.

All Tomorrows Parties The indie music festival returns with performances by Modest Mouse, the Flaming Lips, the Shins, the Walkmen, Lou Reed and more. El Rey Theatre, Nov. 6-7.

Bela Fleck & the Flecktones The banjo virtuoso leads his eclectic group through bluegrass, jazz and world music. The Wiltern LG, Nov. 6.

Medeski Martin & Wood The adventurous jazz trio’s recently released “End of the World Party (Just in Case)” gains added focus with production by the Dust Brothers’ John King. Avalon Hollywood, Nov. 7.

Mindy Smith The singer-songwriter delivers tracks from her debut CD, “One Moment More.”House of Blues, Nov. 7.

The Faint The Omaha-based gothic synth-pop revivalists perform from their new CD, “Wet From Birth.” With TV on the Radio. Glass House, Nov. 12. Also, Mayan Theatre, Nov. 14-15.

Guided by Voices The prolific indie band led by Robert Pollard will call it quits after this tour. Henry Fonda Theatre, Nov. 12.

Le Tigre Low-fi electronics and catchy, anthemic rock from the new project of onetime Bikini Kill leader Kathleen Hanna. Glass House, Nov. 13. Also, El Rey Theatre Nov. 16-17.

Wynonna The country diva’s rendition of Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is” climbed the adult contemporary charts this spring. The Wiltern LG, Nov. 14.

The Donnas The Bay Area rock ‘n’ roll girl group earned its biggest hit with 2002’s “Spend the Night.” House of Blues, Nov. 14.

Wilco The experimental pop outfit led by onetime alt-country hero Jeff Tweedy takes its acclaimed new CD “A Ghost Is Born” on the road. The Wiltern LG, Nov. 18-19.

Blonde Redhead The New York indie band, who’ve often been compared to early Sonic Youth, released its darkest album to date in the new “Misery Is a Butterfly” CD. Henry Fonda Theatre, Nov. 19-20.

Devendra Banhart The psychedelic folk singer’s stream-of-consciousness lyrics and distinctive tenor have made him an underground favorite. The Echo, Nov. 20.

Sounds Eclectic 2004 KCRW’s annual holiday concert features a special performance from Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland as well as “Morning Becomes Eclectic” favorites Rilo Kiley, Nellie McKay and more. Universal Amphitheatre, Nov. 20.

Sarah Brightman The vocalist mixes elements of classical, world and New Age with romantic pop. Staples Center, Nov. 22.

Social Distortion The resilient L.A. punk band led by Mike Ness performs from its new CD, “Sex, Love and Rock & Roll,” its first album of new material in six years. The Wiltern LG, Nov. 24, Nov. 26-27.

Bette Midler The multitalented “Divine Miss M” returns to perform hits such as “The Rose” and “From a Distance.” Arrowhead Pond, Nov. 30.

DECEMBER

H.I.M. Goth rock from Finland. Avalon Hollywood, Dec. 2.

Iron & Wine Gentle, acoustic folk-pop from Florida native Sam Beam. Avalon Hollywood, Dec. 7.

Slayer It’s a Slay-tanic holiday season. Universal Amphitheatre, Dec. 17.