Experience the authentic energy of Grateful Dead music with Wall of Sound, while Sanford Street delivers a fresh fusion of funk, rock, and soul inspired by legendary jam bands.
Los Angeles,CA90035United States
Get ready for our Santa Barbara return! Join us with Jackson Gillies and JAX PLAYS DEAD at Lodo Studios on November 8th. Secure your no-fee tickets for this exciting Great[…]
Santa Barbara,CA93101United States
Presented by The Granada and Earl Minnis Featuring The Doublewide Kings With The Santa Barbara Symphony | Nir Kabaretti, Music and Artistic Director Picture yourself in a beanbag chair, on[…]
Santa Barbara,CA93101United States
Immerse yourself in the hypnotic sounds of After Hours, LA’s premier Velvet Underground tribute band, performing live on the Exotic Desert Hideaway Bar Patio. Free entry, no tickets required.
Jacumba Hot Springs,CA91934United States
Every Sunday at Aquarius catch Fish and the Seaweeds for two sets of Grateful Dead tunes, with another band TBA bringing on sunset. Five Dollars after 4:20…
San Diego,CA92109United States
Every Sunday at StillWater, right next to Dana Point Music
Dana Point,CA92629United States
Celebrate community and culture at our fall festival, Night of Dead, featuring headliners Skeleton Crewe. Enjoy live music, farm-fresh food, and family-friendly fun in this magical gathering.
San Juan Capistrano,CA92675United States
Join Live from Laurel Canyon as they celebrate the musical friendship and collaborative “Lost Weekend” of John Lennon and Harry Nilsson, exploring iconic songs and stories from these legendary songwriters.
Long Beach,CA90840United States
Electric Waste Band is now in year 33 of their weekly Monday night residency at Winston’s OB. Long gone are the glory days of piling into a van and following[…]
San Diego,CA92107United States
Weekly LA Dead Night in Sherman Oaks with a rotating cast of musicians every week. 2 sets of Grateful Dead music with snacks and shakedown on the back patio.
Sherman Oaks,CA91403United States
Experience the return of Santa Barbara’s Grateful Dead Night on 11/11, featuring two sets of Ladyfinger, a Shakedown scene, raffles, and prizes. Join the Carpinteria Dead Family for this free,[…]
Santa Barbara,CA93101United States
Lookout Mountain honors the iconic Laurel Canyon music scene of the late 1960s, bringing to life the timeless sounds of Joni Mitchell, CSN, and other legendary artists through world-class musicians[…]
Santa Barbara,CA93101United States
Wall of Sound is a high energy, powerful, classic take on the Grateful Dead. It recreates the Grateful Dead experience as it was with extreme attention to detail, authentic tones, and even authentic[…]
Laguna Beach,CA92651United States
Diego Dead returns to Mr. Peabody’s for a couple of sets of Grateful Dead music on Friday, November 14th. Goes til 12:30.
Encinitas,CA92024United States
Experience the ultimate Joe Cocker tribute with Mad Dogs & The Englishman, featuring vocalist Jason Feddy. This All-Star ensemble captures Cocker’s raw emotion and iconic hits in an unforgettable performance.
Newport Beach,CA92660United States
Every Sunday at Aquarius catch Fish and the Seaweeds for two sets of Grateful Dead tunes, with another band TBA bringing on sunset. Five Dollars after 4:20…
San Diego,CA92109United States
Every Sunday at StillWater, right next to Dana Point Music
Dana Point,CA92629United States
Experience the intimate magic of CSN&Y classics with Deja Vu’s acoustic tribute concert. Journey back to Laurel Canyon’s living rooms where iconic harmonies and acoustic guitar brilliance first came to[…]
Los Angeles,CA90732United States
Electric Waste Band is now in year 33 of their weekly Monday night residency at Winston’s OB. Long gone are the glory days of piling into a van and following[…]
San Diego,CA92107United States
Weekly LA Dead Night in Sherman Oaks with a rotating cast of musicians every week. 2 sets of Grateful Dead music with snacks and shakedown on the back patio.
Sherman Oaks,CA91403United States
It’s a fine line separating the two, but nevertheless important to differentiate between tribute bands and cover bands. Whether or not you appreciate the format, the Southern California music scene is host to probably the greatest variety of tribute and cover acts in the world.
In general, tribute bands dedicate themselves to recreating the stage experience of a specific artist or group. These musicians meticulously study everything from vocal inflections and mannerisms to costume changes and instrumental techniques and gear. A true tribute show aims to transport audiences back in time, offering an immersive experience that captures the essence of the original artist in their prime.
Cover bands, on the other hand, tend to perform songs from multiple artists and genres, focusing more on entertainment value than precise recreation. While they may play faithful renditions of popular songs, they rarely adopt the appearance or personas of the original performers. These versatile bands are staples at venues ranging from wedding receptions to local bars, and might never find their way onto a ticketing platform, so they can be difficult for a casual fan to track down.
What sets Southern California’s premier tribute acts apart is their extraordinary attention to detail and unwavering commitment to authenticity. For fans who never got to see iconic bands during their heyday or who wish to relive memorable concert experiences, these tribute shows offer the next best thing to time travel.
Past Tribute & Cover Band Shows:
Apple Valley,CA92308United States
Natural Science delivers the spirit, precision, and passion of RUSH as a premier three-piece tribute band, featuring Greg Russell’s unique connection to Neil Peart himself. Experience every era of RUSH[…]
Ojai,CA93023United States
Explore the authentic Grateful Dead experience with Grateful To The Core, a dedicated tribute band led by seasoned Jerryologist Joel Martin, who’s performed over 300 shows across the West Coast[…]
Carpinteria,CA93013United States
Skeleton Crewe unites five jam band virtuosos—Rob Barraco, Barry Sless, Stephen Inglis, Pete Sears, and Jay Lane—blending Hawaiian slack key guitar, psychedelic pedal steel, and masterful rhythm into an extraordinary[…]
San Luis Obispo,CA93401United States
Experience the magic of First Fridays with Brass Mash! Students enjoy half-price entry with ID while everyone can groove to our all-horn band’s unique rock and pop renditions at Liquid[…]
Temecula,CA92590United States
Celebrate the legacy of Stevie Ray Vaughan with Soul to Soul, the tribute band honoring Texas’s greatest blues guitarist and vocalist. This popular show consistently sells out, so secure your[…]
Sherman Oaks,CA91403United States
Weekly LA Dead Night in Sherman Oaks with a rotating cast of musicians every week. 2 sets of Grateful Dead music with snacks and shakedown on the back patio.
San Diego,CA92107United States
Electric Waste Band is now in year 33 of their weekly Monday night residency at Winston’s OB. Long gone are the glory days of piling into a van and following[…]
Dana Point,CA92629United States
Every Sunday at StillWater, right next to Dana Point Music
Temecula,CA92590United States
Experience Deja Vu, the most authentic tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, as they recreate the legendary music that has moved generations for over five decades.
San Diego,CA92109United States
Every Sunday at Aquarius catch Fish and the Seaweeds for two sets of Grateful Dead tunes, with another band TBA bringing on sunset. Five Dollars after 4:20…
San Diego,CA92110United States
Experience an epic musical fusion that combines the grandeur of Galactic Empire with the iconic compositions of John Williams. This spectacular tribute show brings cinematic magic to life on stage.
San Luis Obispo,CA93401United States
Experience the iconic Rocky Horror Picture Show at SLO Brew Rock with live performances at 6 and 9pm. Don your fishnets and corsets for an interactive evening of musical mayhem[…]
Reseda,CA91335United States
I am so excited to announce the addition of Julie Sax (Saxophone), Karina Dawn Line (vocals) and Scott Fox (percussion) who will be joining Ashton Slater (guitar, vocals), Joni Finkle[…]
Ventura,CA93001United States
Join the Dead Marley Matthews Band at Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach for a free Dia De Los Muertos celebration on November 1st. Honor ancestors with music and dancing at this[…]
Los Angeles,CA90291United States
Let’s do this again! Token Rhyme will be playing 2 full sets of Grateful Dead and other Jammin’ tunes on Saturday afternoon Nov 1st from 12-3pm. Doors at 10:30am. No[…]
Santa Barbara,CA93101United States
Halloween transforms SOhO into a Grateful Dead paradise with the Heads All Happy Halloween Ball, featuring the special collaboration No Simple Spoonful and JAX PLAYS DEAD for an unforgettable Deadhead[…]
Los Angeles,CA90035United States
The Great Divide consists of four California musicians performing the music of Phish. The band creates original setlists that embody the spirit of live Phish shows while leaving room for[…]
Anaheim,CA92802United States
Galactic Empire, the premier instrumental Star Wars cosplay metal band, brings their cinematic tributes to life with over 24 million YouTube views and global tours. Their new album CINEMETAL expands[…]
San Luis Obispo,CA93401United States
Experience the iconic Rocky Horror Picture Show at SLO Brew Rock with live performances at 6 and 9pm. Don your fishnets and corsets for an interactive evening of musical mayhem[…]
San Diego,CA92109United States
Halloween Party @ Aquarius! Pick out your favorite costume and come get weird with us on the Jetty.
Fresno,CA93728United States
Galactic Empire is the galaxy’s foremost instrumental Star Wars cosplay heavy metal John Williams tribute band. Their first two music videos were viral hits, gaining over 24 million Youtube views[…]
Los Angeles,CA90042United States
In Sonic Dreams presents a tribute to music legends, featuring local bands honoring The Replacements, Beach Boys, Dylan, Bowie, and Velvet Underground while supporting community therapy.
Sherman Oaks,CA91403United States
Weekly LA Dead Night in Sherman Oaks with a rotating cast of musicians every week. 2 sets of Grateful Dead music with snacks and shakedown on the back patio.
San Diego,CA92107United States
Electric Waste Band is now in year 33 of their weekly Monday night residency at Winston’s OB. Long gone are the glory days of piling into a van and following[…]
San Luis Obispo,CA93401United States
Pink Talking Fish is a Hybrid Tribute Fusion Act that takes the music from three of the world’s most beloved bands and creates a special treat for fans of the[…]
Dana Point,CA92629United States
Every Sunday at StillWater, right next to Dana Point Music
San Diego,CA92109United States
Every Sunday at Aquarius catch Fish and the Seaweeds for two sets of Grateful Dead tunes, with another band TBA bringing on sunset. Five Dollars after 4:20…
San Juan Capistrano,CA92675United States
Cubensis, renowned for their authentic tribute to the Grateful Dead experience, welcomes talented vocalist Emerson Rose as a special guest during their performance at The Coach House. The collaboration brings[…]
Yucca Valley,CA92284United States
GayC/DC Founded in 2013 by Chris Freeman (bass player from iconic queer punk band Pansy Division), the idea for GayC/DC came from bouncing around names for more tribute bands with[…]
San Luis Obispo,CA93401United States
Get ready, San Luis Obispo! Brass Mash is bringing their signature all-horn sound to Libertine in the heart of downtown. Dive into an unforgettable evening of high-energy music as they[…]
Los Angeles,CA90035United States
Experience the ultimate Steely Dan tribute this ROCKTOBER as The Mighty Wu brings their 11-piece ensemble to Mid City. For 24 years, Doctor Wu has masterfully recreated The Dan’s iconic[…]
Los Angeles,CA90042United States
Pink Talking Fish delivers a unique hybrid tribute experience, blending the epic emotion of Pink Floyd, funky layers of Talking Heads, and diverse styles of Phish into an innovative musical[…]
Los Angeles,CA90291United States
VW’s weekly Grateful Dead Brunch is a great time for all ages! Our venue, located in the heart of Venice Beach, is the ultimate destination for Deadheads and music enthusiasts.[…]
Solana Beach,CA92075United States
PINK TALKING FISH: WISH YOU WERE HERE 50th ANNIVERSARY TOUR This Spring, Pink Talking Fish will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the incredible Pink Floyd album, WISH YOU WERE[…]
Yucca Valley,CA92284United States
Enter the world of After Hours, LA’s spectral tribute to the Velvet Underground. Through hypnotic feedback, droney guitars and raw poetry, this five-piece collective transforms performances into mesmerizing sonic rituals.
Apple Valley,CA92308United States
Get ready to groove and pay tribute to the Grateful Dead in your spookiest Halloween costumes at our epic costume party!
Hermosa Beach,CA90254United States
Pink Talking Fish is a Hybrid Tribute Fusion Act that takes the music from three of the world’s most beloved bands and creates a special treat for fans of the[…]
Sherman Oaks,CA91403United States
Weekly LA Dead Night in Sherman Oaks with a rotating cast of musicians every week. 2 sets of Grateful Dead music with snacks and shakedown on the back patio.
San Diego,CA92107United States
Electric Waste Band is now in year 33 of their weekly Monday night residency at Winston’s OB. Long gone are the glory days of piling into a van and following[…]
Ventura,CA93001United States
Ventura Music Hall Presents: STEELY DEAD – A Sonic Fusion of The Grateful Dead and Steely Dan Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Denver, Colorado, Steely Dead is a[…]
Westlake Village,CA91361United States
Experience the electrifying sounds of Doctor Wu Band as they bring Steely Dan’s jazz-rock fusion to life with horn sections, vocal harmonies, and searing guitar leads that capture the essence[…]
San Diego,CA92119United States
Diego Dead plays McGuffie’s Live for a couple of sets of Grateful Dead music on Sunday, October 19th.
Dana Point,CA92629United States
Every Sunday at StillWater, right next to Dana Point Music
San Diego,CA92109United States
Every Sunday at Aquarius catch Fish and the Seaweeds for two sets of Grateful Dead tunes, with another band TBA bringing on sunset. Five Dollars after 4:20…
Ventura,CA93001United States
You won’t want to miss this one folks! 8:30 pm, full band
Los Angeles,CA90291United States
Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Denver, Colorado, Steely Dead is a national touring band that has satisfied the curiosity of music lovers with their unique blend of Grateful[…]