Greek Theater

David Byrne’s latest project, Who Is The Sky?, lands at the Greek with the kind of ambition that makes you rethink what a live show can be. Byrne’s knack for turning big ideas into something you can actually dance to is on full display, but this time he’s working with the Ghost Train Orchestra and Kid Harpoon, so the arrangements are lush, unpredictable and sometimes downright cinematic. The Greek’s open-air acoustics are a perfect match for the album’s sweeping sound, and Byrne’s storytelling feels even sharper when it’s backed by a full orchestra. If you’ve caught his previous tours, you know he doesn’t repeat himself. This isn’t nostalgia or a greatest hits parade—it’s a restless, inventive artist still pushing at the edges. If you want to see what happens when pop music gets truly curious, this is the night to do it.

Foster the People’s knack for crafting earworms is no secret, but catching them live is a different story. Their shows have a way of flipping familiar tracks on their head, sneaking in unexpected arrangements and stretching out the hooks you thought you knew by heart. “Pumped Up Kicks” might have been the song that got stuck in your head for a summer, but it’s the deeper cuts and new material that tend to steal the spotlight in person. The band’s sound has grown up without losing its restless energy, and their setlists reflect that—equal parts nostalgia and surprise. If you haven’t seen them since the Torches days, you’ll find a group that’s more confident and playful with their catalog. It’s a rare chance to hear those shimmering synths and sly lyrics in a room full of people who know every word.

Erykah Badu’s shows are never just concerts—they’re communal rituals, unpredictable and deeply personal. If you’ve caught her here before, you know she doesn’t repeat herself. One night might lean into cosmic jazz, the next into stripped-back soul, and she’s never shy about letting the crowd steer the vibe. Her setlists are famously fluid, so don’t expect a greatest hits parade. Instead, you’ll get the kind of musical detours and spontaneous moments that only happen when an artist is genuinely present. Badu’s sense of humor and candor between songs are as much a draw as her voice, and she’s got a knack for making even a cavernous venue feel intimate. If you’re after a night that feels alive and unfiltered, this is the one to circle on your calendar. Just don’t plan on leaving early.

Jack Johnson’s mellow, sun-soaked sound feels tailor-made for a summer night at the Greek. If you’ve ever found yourself wishing the city’s fog would part just long enough for a proper outdoor show, this is the one to catch. The SURFILMUSIC Tour isn’t just a greatest hits run; Johnson’s setlists have been peppered with deep cuts and unexpected covers, and the Greek’s hillside lawn is the rare spot where you can actually stretch out and hear every note. Arrive early if you want a prime patch of grass—Berkeley regulars know the best views go fast. The crowd skews multigenerational, but the vibe stays relaxed, with plenty of families and longtime fans. Bring a blanket, maybe a picnic, and settle in for a night that feels like a backyard hangout, only with a world-class songwriter on stage.