Under the Neon: A Deep Dive into Music Box’s May Calendar
May at Music Box: A ListenSD Preview
San Diego’s favorite three-story sonic sanctuary is heating up this May. From viral lofi pioneers to dancehall royalty and indie icons, Music Box is the place to be. We’ve teamed up with the venue to bring you an exclusive look at the shows you absolutely cannot miss this month.
Grab your tickets, hit the floor, and let’s get into it.
Monday, May 4 | Powfu
The Lofi Library Tour Kick off the month with the king of melancholic lofi. Best known for his massive hit “Death Bed (Coffee for Your Head),” Powfu brings his bedroom-pop sensibilities to the big stage. Support: Joining him are Jomie and Ouse, making this a full night of hazy beats and raw, relatable lyrics.
Tuesday, May 5 | Jensen McRae
God Has A Hitman Tour Cinematic, vulnerable, and deeply soulful, Jensen McRae is a generational talent you need to see in an intimate setting like Music Box. Her storytelling is sharp and her voice is even sharper. Support: Marie Dresselhuis sets the mood, ensuring a night of powerful, folk-tinged pop.
Saturday, May 9 | Sister Nancy
Reggae & Dancehall Royalty The legendary Sister Nancy returns to San Diego! The woman behind “Bam Bam”—one of the most sampled reggae tracks in history—proves that some vibes are timeless. Expect high energy and classic riddims. Support: Local favorite Kat Hall brings her signature blend of reggae, jazz, and R&B to open the night.
Thursday, May 14 | St. Lucia
An Evening With St. Lucia (Two Sets, No Opener) Get ready for a synth-pop marathon. St. Lucia is bringing their Two Sets, No Opener format to Music Box, celebrating the double album Fata Morgana. Special Note: There is no opener for this show—the band will perform two full, high-octane sets of shimmering visuals and tropical indie-pop. Be there early.
Sunday, May 24 | Kevin Morby
This Is A Photograph Tour Kevin Morby has a knack for making a venue feel like a sacred space. His latest work is a lush exploration of Americana and memory, perfectly suited for the acoustics of Music Box. Support: Liam Kazar (frequent collaborator with Jeff Tweedy) brings his eccentric, folk-rock charm to the stage.
Wednesday, May 27 | Rostam
American Stories Tour Former Vampire Weekend multi-instrumentalist and Grammy-winning producer Rostam is a master of baroque-pop and intricate arrangements. Watching him work through his solo catalog is a masterclass in modern composition. Support: Saxophonist Henry Solomon will be joining Rostam, adding a jazz-inflected, experimental layer to the evening
Stay Connected: Follow @ListenSD and @MusicBoxSD on Instagram for live updates, photo galleries, and more ticket giveaways!