It's Super Bowl weekend, so chances are you're gonna spend the next two days stockpiling supplies for the inevitable beer and gluttony festival on Sunday. But there's more to life than football, son! It's time to turn off the TV and go see some live music. This weekend there's some great shows, from Hot Chip's back-to-back nights in NYC, to an all-star hip-hop and R&B arena show down in Miami. Check out our picks for weekend concerts in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Miami and St. Louis below...
YEASAYER in LOS ANGELES
WHEN? Friday, 2/5
WHERE? The Natural History Museum
WHY? Everyone knows after-hours museum parties are an ideal place to meet smart women, so the Natural History Museum's "First Fridays" events are a must if you live in L.A. This week they're hosting 2010's breakout indie band Yeasayer, who will be kicking off a tour in support of their excellent new album Odd Blood (which we named the #15 most anticipated album of 2010).
BET'S ALL-STAR HAITI BENEFIT in MIAMI
WHEN? Friday, 2/5
WHERE? The American Airlines Arena
WHY? BET will be broadcasting the concert tonight, but if you're in the M.I.A. for Super Bowl weekend, it's not too late to cop tickets. The event is hosted by Diddy, Pharrell and Queen Latifah, and performances include Nas, Wyclef, Robin Thicke, Keri Hilson, Chris Brown, Jazmine Sullivan, Pitbull, Akon, Justin Bieber, Ludacris, Mary J Blige, Ne-Yo, Monica, Damian Marley, Busta Rhymes, and more. Whew!
UTADA HIKARU in BOSTON
WHEN? Friday, 2/5
WHERE? The Paradise Rock Club
WHY? The Japanese pop icon is bringing her hit parade to the States on her current tour "In The Flesh." Even if you aren't a J-pop fan, you might wanna hit this one up—ladies definitely love Utada. Plus, Complex co-signed the super-cool diva last year, so you know it's official.
THE FRESH FEST in ST. LOUIS
WHEN? Saturday, 2/6
WHERE? The Chaifetz Arena
WHY? The retro rap tour descends on the Midwest with their legendary lineup: Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Salt-N-Pepa, Biz Markie, Whodini, and Big Daddy Kane. Whether you're looking to entertain your parents or just do the Roger Rabbit with your friends, this tour is a must.
HOT CHIP in NYC
WHEN? Friday, 2/5 and Saturday 2/6
WHERE? The Highline Ballroom and The Music Hall of Williamsburg
WHY? Our favorite British electro-pop band definitely knows how to throw a party, and NYC is getting two chances to check it out this weekend. Friday's show at the Highline is free (and being simulcast on MySpace), while Saturday's show in Billyburg should bring out plenty of awkward hipsters ready to get funky.
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