By Brian Jurilla
By Brian Jurilla
The hot sun and live music just seem to make the summer much better. Summer concerts and tours are on the way and will bring the biggest and hottest acts in music together. Arenas are replaced with outdoor venues like stadiums and amphitheaters. New material is released and the artists are out to promote.
The Van’s Warped Tour comes this year June 30, July 1, 3 and 6 in Long Beach, Ventura and Pomona. Fresh off last year’s 10 anniversary celebration, the Warped Tour brings the future of punk rock and it is here on display along with some of the past greats. This year The Offspring, My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, The Starting Line and many more headline along with ’80s rocker Billy Idol who will only be performing at the Pomona show. You can expect a great show and a day filled with great music along with the chance to meet some of your favorite bands.
The long running rock metal show, Ozzfest makes its usual stop at the Glenn Helen Hyundai Pavilion with Main Stage acts Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Mudvayne playing the Main stage. Rob Zombie, Killswitch Engage and As I Lay Dying perform on the Hot Topic Second Stage.If you’re into more melodic and laid back music, then you should check out surfer/musician Jack Johnson August 7 at the Verizon Amphitheater in Irvine. Dave Matthews Band also stops by on August 27 and 28 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA with Jason Mraz opening. Las Vegas is planning its centennial celebration and on July 2, tickets are free but you have to sign up for them at vegasrocks100.com on a first come first serve basis. You can be there to celebrate as the Red Hot Chili Peppers perform with Weezer.
For those who prefer hip-hop to rock The Anger Management Tour 3 with Eminem and 50 Cent stop at the Hyundai Pavilion on July 23. The Black Eyed Peas play at the Santa Barbara Bowl on June 5. Country music star Kenny Chesney performs at the Staples Center on June 19. Leann Rimes performs at the Pacific Amphitheater in Costa Mesa and the Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella on July 29 and 30. On July 3 UCR is having a Festival of World Music. Small venue shows give you the intimate feeling that fans want with their favorite artist. Rockers Queens of the Stone Age play May 30 at the Ventura Theater. Bright Eyes and The Faint play The Grove in Anaheim and Grand Olympic Auditorium on June 12 and 14. June 19 at the Wiltern LG, Rilo Kiley performs and British rockers Bloc Party play the El Rey Theater June 3 and 4. Nine Inch Nails has two shows at Soma San Diego May 30 and 31. If you plan on heading out this summer for any show be prepared. At festival shows like Ozzfest and the Warped Tour, bring money to buy your small $5 water to stay hydrated. Be sure to always check to see if anything with the show has changed; shows can be canceled or rescheduled. To find out more about upcoming shows and ticket prices check out ticketmaster.com.
