As has become a tradition along with every Coachella, a formidable docket of “Localchella” shows in local clubs and theaters presents itself starting this week. And this year in particular, the concerts are so numerous that a guide is in order, so you can decide which ones are most deserving of your time and ticket dollars. Below you will find our suggestions for the best chances to see Coachella artists in our own backyard — or at least in Pomona.

Wednesday, April 8

Ride
THE ROXY
The shoegaze legends were originally thought to be playing their first American comeback gig at Coachella (after having just played their first reunion show in their hometown of Oxford), but they added this intimate warm-up as a chance to shake off the cobwebs that 23 years of inactivity have built. If you are a fan, this show is a must-see. (Also at the Fox Theater Pomona, Tuesday, April 14.)

Tame Impala
FOX THEATER POMONA
Is there a hotter band at this exact moment in time? We don't know when Tame Impala's third LP will be released, but the first tastes have pushed their sound beyond their usual psych-rock trappings. Next time they come to town, chances are it is outdoors at the Greek or the Bowl.

Drive Like Jehu
THE GLASS HOUSE
These San Diego post-punks already did their hometown reunion last August, but still are offering up a small venue show before they reunite on the polo fields. Main dude Rick Froberg announced the end of his most recent band, Obits, last week. Maybe a sign of things to come?

Thursday, April 9

Jenny Lewis
THE ECHOPLEX
This must be Jenny Lewis' billionth Coachella, whether as a solo artist or member of Rilo Kiley or The Postal Service. Her latest album, The Voyager, is a strong addition to a strong catalog, and at this show she'll be able to touch on her lengthy career more extensively than in the desert. 

ODESZA
THE GLASS HOUSE
Electronic duo Odesza's ascent has been rapid and undeniable, and they'll no doubt have the opportunity to play in front of a huge crowd at Coachella. This might be one of the last chances to see the Seattle duo in front of a more intimate audience before they officially explode.

Monday, April 13

Desaparecidos with Touche Amore & Joyce Manor
THE ROXY
This year's Coachella isn't shy on the emo, and this is just one of a couple emo-packed bills that will be descending on L.A. Here, we'll get a chance to see a couple rising acts support Conor Oberst, hot on the heels of his (other) band's announcement of its first album in more than a decade, Payola. 

Royal Blood; Credit: Courtesy of BB Gun Press

Royal Blood; Credit: Courtesy of BB Gun Press

Royal Blood
THE FONDA THEATRE
Since playing as the first band at last year's KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas, Royal Blood has booked the opening duties as this summer's Foo Fighters arena tour. This Fonda slot will be a chance for fans to see the Arctic Monkeys-approved British duo before they hit the big time. 

Squarepusher
THE REGENT THEATER
Electronic producer Tom Jenkinson will bring his more than 20 years of recording experience to a rare local appearance at the downtown Regent and an even rarer chance for long-time fans to see one of the masters up close and personal.

Father John Misty
THE GLASS HOUSE
Since leaving Fleet Foxes shortly before that band's extended hiatus, Josh Tillman has released a pair of critically adored albums as his smooth-talking, sharp-witted alter ego Father John Misty. By no accident, this will be his second Coachella as FJM, but he'll also be playing the small Glass House despite his draw being easily double that size.

Chet Faker with XXYYXX
CLUB NOKIA
Chet Faker's appeal has grown vast; he's similar to James Blake in his ability to attract the EDM crowd and fans of singer-songwriter material. It's a draw big enough that he was able to sell out multiple nights at the Roxy last year, as well as play a beyond-capacity set at FYF. Now he's graduated to the larger Club Nokia, with the very good XXYYXX supporting. 

Tuesday, April 14

Swans with Angel Olsen
EL REY THEATRE
On paper, the bone-crushing, sometimes frightening and experimental noise of Swans doesn't mesh with the country-influenced, sad-as-all-hell songwriting of Angel Olsen. And, well, in reality they might not mesh either, but both artists have created two of the best albums in recent memory: Swans' To Be Kind and Olsen's Burn Your Fire for No Witness. Whether it works or not, it will still be worth seeing.

Stromae with Yelle
CLUB NOKIA
While Swans and Angel Olsen might seem a odd pairing, the booking of Belgian singer-songwriter Stromae and French duo Yelle makes complete sense once you realize both record in French. The two acts are among the best-known artists in America to perform in the language, and a chance to see them share the same stage will be a rare treat. 

FKA Twigs
THE BELASCO THEATER
Of the new artists to appear in the last couple years, none may have made such a sudden and captivating impact as FKA Twigs. From her visual presentation to her blunt, intoxicating lyrics to her smooth, seductive melodies, she is among the most highly anticipated artists on this year's Coachella lineup. And with her beat-making buddy Arca also in town, there is a good chance this show could inspire something special. 

Wednesday, April 15

Florence + The Machine
THE THEATRE AT ACE HOTEL
Florence Welch and her band may not technically be headlining Coachella, but they are on the top line for Lollapalooza, and played the Hollywood Bowl for their last album. With a new album, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, due in June, all signs point to this show being a rare occasion for die-hard Florence fans to see their heroine up close.

Brand New with Built To Spill & Desaparecidos
SHRINE EXPO HALL
While Desaparecidos will headline a different sort of emo night earlier in the week, this bill with Brand New might deserve to be dubbed Taking Back Wednesday. As a bonus, indie rock legends Built to Spill will get to test out some new material from their soon-to-be-released new effort, Untethered Moon.

Sylvan Esso
THE REGENT THEATER
Last year, Sylvan Esso was impressing as the opening act of tUnE-yArDs, and this year they have become headliners in their own right. The duo of Amelia Meath and producer Nick Sanborn have the capability to be one of Coachella's big standouts with their easy-to-access melodies and exuberant live presentation. At the Regent, they'll have the bonus of a dedicated audience.

Madeon
EL REY THEATRE
French producer Madeon has already built a reputation for an electronic music live show that goes beyond the simple laptop or flashing light show. Now with his debut album, Adventure, getting strong reviews and an expected plush time slot in the desert, this El Rey show might be one of the best Localchella dance parties around. 

Action Bronson
THE BELASCO THEATER
With rapper Action Bronson's major label debut less than a month old, this Belasco show will be the biggest headlining date of his career. Whether this is the beginning of Bronson's rise remains to be seen, but he is undoubtedly one of the more entertaining young rappers around, and this show is sure to be a wild ride. 

Thursday, April 16
Azealia Banks
CLUB NOKIA
Azealia Banks' young career may be more notable for controversy than for music, but this is already her second appearance at Coachella. The recent Playboy cover model doesn't tour much, and this Club Nokia show may be the only chance for some time to see the talented rapper in person for non-Coachella attendees. 

Belle & Sebastian with Mac DeMarco
FOX THEATER POMONA
This will be Belle and Sebastian's first theater gig in the L.A. area since headlining a pair of shows at the Ace in October and releasing their latest album, Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance, in January. The Scottish institution will be assisted by rising slack-rocker Mac DeMarco, making this an event that could appeal to multiple generations of indie rock fans. 

Interpol with Perfume Genius
SHRINE EXPO HALL
Since providing one of the key sets at last year's FYF, Interpol have been a little quiet. But they finally return to Los Angeles, where they are simply adored. Opening will be the incredible Perfume Genius, who is just coming into his own as an entertainer of multitudes, making this a double bill of dark, often beautiful and emotionally gripping tunes.

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