Concerts Under $40 to Catch this Quarter

Kristina Stahl / The Triton

The Triton presents our Winter Quarter 2020 roundup of affordable shows in and around San Diego in chronological order. Have a good time without making your wallet cry. Click the images to buy tickets!

Listen to our playlist while you scroll to get a taste of these artists.

Theo Katzman
January 22 ⭐ 7:30 p.m. ⭐ 21+ ⭐ $20–$35

Photo courtesy of Belly Up Tavern

Known for his involvement with Vulfpeck, Katzman’s solo works reflect the same intricate composition with a fun, irreverent indie-pop twist.

Raphael Saadiq
January 23 ⭐ 7:00 p.m. ⭐ 18+ ⭐ $35

Photo courtesy of House of Blues San Diego

Raphael Saadiq is a seasoned musician and performer who has solidified his own addictively cool niche in R&B. You may not recognize his name, but you know his style from collaborations with Stevie Wonder, Solange, and Snoop Dogg, to name a few.

Fog Lake
January 24 ⭐ 8:30 p.m. ⭐ 21+ ⭐ $12

Photo courtesy of Soda Bar

Fog Lake is a tapeindie rocker. If you’re interested in authentic, low-to-the-ground lo-fi, Fog Lake is a name to know. Blissed-out production and emotionally unflinching songwriting define this act.

Pinegrove
February 4 ⭐ 7:00 p.m. ⭐ All Ages ⭐ $24–$29

Photo courtesy of The Music Box

Pinegrove have carved out a flannel-clad fanbase in the alt-folk/country/indie genre. Known for their intricate guitar parts and dramatic lyricism, their music is both polished and catchy.

Xavier Omar
February 7 ⭐ 7:00 p.m. ⭐ All Ages ⭐ $30

Photo courtesy of The Observatory North Park

Xavier Omar is a quintessential R&B artist—serving both earworm ballads and baby-making jams.

Amber Liu
February 22 ⭐ 7:00 p.m. ⭐All Ages ⭐ $35

Photo Courtesy of The Music Box

Amber Liu’s music is first and foremost catchy and danceable, but her solo work is also, at times, reflective. Her live performances feature dance and glossy K-pop production value.

Electric Guest
February 25 ⭐ 7:00 p.m. ⭐ All Ages ⭐ $20–$23

Photo courtesy of The Music Box

Characterized by danceable indie pop with a hip-hop/soul influence, Electric Guest’s music sounds like a good time, so I have no reason to think their live show wouldn’t be.

The Struts
February 28 ⭐ 7:00 p.m. ⭐ All Ages ⭐ $29.50

Photo Courtesy of SOMA

The Struts borrow from Freddie Mercury among other glam rock icons in both their performance aesthetic and musical style. You’re the problem if you’re having a bad time at The Struts’ show.

Sudan Archives
February 29 ⭐ 8:30 p.m. ⭐ 21+ ⭐ $14–$16

Photo courtesy of the Casbah

Sudan Archives has impeccable vibes, an immaculate voice, and a calm but confrontational musical styling. Be sure to not miss out on this great show.

SOB X RBE
February 29 ⭐ 7:00 p.m. ⭐ All Ages ⭐ $25

Photo courtesy of SOMA

Originally from Vallejo, California, SOB X RBE represent a fusion of traditional elements from California rap with R&B and trap sounds. Their music is as intense as it is fun—an ideal stress relief.

Olivia O’Brien
February 29 ⭐ 7:00 p.m. ⭐ All Ages ⭐ $25

Photo Courtesy of The Observatory North Park

Alternative pop music in the vein of Melanie Martinez and Lana del Rey characterizes Olivia O’Brien, with dancey and catchy tunes that are still sad enough to be relatable.

NGTMRE
March 5 ⭐ 9:00 p.m. ⭐ 18+ ⭐ $30

Photo courtesy of SOMA

NGHTMRE has played at EDC and Coachella, so a small venue ticket is an actual steal. If you’re into EDM, this is for you.

The Stone Foxes
March 6 ⭐ 8:30 p.m. ⭐ 21+ ⭐ $15

Photo Courtesy of Soda Bar

The Stone Foxes are a hi-fi indie rock band with a strong country influence. Their kicked-back vibe is perfect for a bar show.

Grace Potter
March 18 ⭐ 7:00 p.m. ⭐ All Ages ⭐ $40

Photo Courtesy of The Observatory North Park

Grace Potter was part of the original wave of alt-country from the early 2000s. She hosts her own festival annually, so it’s safe to say she knows how to put on a show.

Kate Zegans is the Opinion Editor of The Triton.