Summer is slowly approaching with only two weeks of class left. All we have to do is survive these weeks of papers and finals, and then our summer officially begins.
For some people, hanging at the beach and enjoying the warm weather is the best part of summer. Others look forward to the three months free of homework and school. I look forward to the many summer concerts and festivals.
But before the summer even comes, what better way to get away from studying for finals than to attend the annual Bamboozle Festival at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J. It is taking place on May 5-6, this year’s lineup brings some of the most popular names in the music world all on one jam-packed weekend. Linkin’ Park, My Chemical Romance, Muse, Taking Back Sunday, Weird Al’Yankovic, Jack’s Mannequin, Brand New, New Found Glory, HellogoodBye, State Radio and even hip-hop icon M.C. Hammer will be making appearances.
Not into the whole emo-rock scene? Don’t worry, there’s still something out there for you. The four day-long Bonnaroo Festival makes its return to Manchester, TN, this June, bringing one of its most powerful lineups yet.
Taking place from June 14-17, this year’s show brings acts such as The Police, Tool, the White Stripes, Widespread Panic, The Flaming Lips, Franz Ferdinand, Damien Rice, The Roots, Ben Harper and about a hundred more.
The Bonnaroo Festival is always a fun experience, spending four nice summer days with some of your favorite bands, camping out on the lawn with about 150,000 other fans. A road trip with a bunch of friends is one of the best parts of the festival.
For a show closer to the tri-state area, I recommend checking out this year’s Live Earth, presented by former Vice President Al Gore. In an effort to bring awareness to the global warming crisis, Gore and friends have planned seven explosive concerts to take place on July 7, very reminiscent of Live 8.
Live Earth’s North American show will take place at Giant’s Stadium in Jersey, bring over 20 of today’s biggest acts, including John Mayer, The Police, Akon, Fall Out Boy, Kelly Clarkson, Kayne West, Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews Band, Sheryl Crow, Roger Waters of Pink Floyd, and the long awaited return of the Smashing Pumpkins. Tickets range from $53- $350, but hurry, tickets are going fast.
Chicago’s Lollapalooza festival is back, taking over Grant Park from August 3rd-5th. The three-day weekend includes Pearl Jam, Ben Harper, Muse, Snow Patrol, Daft Punk, Modest Mouse, Interpol, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Pete Yorn, The Roots, and tons more, all for the reasonable price of $195. Yeah, I know you’re thinking that’s no too reasonable- but three days of concerts for that price sounds pretty reasonable to me.
The Van’s Warped Tour is back for it’s 13th year, once again bringing a punk rock roster that won’t disappoint. Traveling all over the United States and even some parts of Canada, the Warped Tour trek will run from June till August, bringing along bands such as Alkaline Trio, Coheed and Cambria, New Found Glory, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, The Starting Line, Straylight Run, Sum 41, Underoath, the Used, Bad Religion, Yellowcard, and more.
None of your favorite bands playing any of this year’s many festivals? Don’t worry; plenty of bands are going to be doing their own tours too. John Mayer is doing is own solo tour this summer with opening act Ben Folds, hitting up your nearest sports arena and amphitheatre. Fans of pop punk will enjoy this years Honda Civic Tour as well, which is bringing Fall Out Boy, +44, and the Academy Is to a city near you all on one stage.
If you enjoyed Sacred Heart’s spring concert, I recommend checking out The Goo Goo Dolls again this summer, as they hit up most of the major cities, bringing along Lifehouse as their opening act.
And how can I forget everyone’s favorite, Justin Timberlake. When does this guy ever take a vacation? After the release of his newest album, “FutureSex/LoveSounds,” Timberlake has been touring non-stop all over the world. JT will once again come to the tri state area this summer, performing at the Continental Airlines Arena, and Madison Square Garden. If you have any friends who have seen Timberlake live, you know that his shows always are a guaranteed fun time.
Will the massive selection of summer concerts to choose from it would be a shame if you decided not to go to any.. I know for me, every summer I look forward to driving out to Long Island, and watching my favorite bands at Jones Beach performing right on the water. Oh and don’t forget to check out the American Idol tour, Sanjaya will perform. And why would you want to miss out on an opportunity to see Sanjaya?
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