Familiar faces rockin’ and rollin’ on tours

By John Benson | May 21, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

Considering spring has sprung, that means the summer concert season is around the corner with a slew of familiar faces due to return over the next few months. The list includes co-headlining bills featuring rock ’n’ roll giants (Elton John and Billy Joel, Aerosmith and ZZ Top, Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd), popular veteran acts (Dave Matthews Band, O.A.R., No Doubt, Def Leppard) and even a couple of up-and-coming outfits (Jack’s Mannequin, 3OH!3, Paramore). While money may be tight in 2009, ticket prices appear to be more affordable than in recent years. Here’s a list of shows coming to our neck of the woods:

Amphitheatre at Station Square

125 W. Station Square Dr., Pittsburgh (all Ticketmaster locations or www.ticketmaster.com)

The Clarks, 7 p.m. June 13, $25

The Steel City’s own alternative act plays a special hometown show in celebration of their brand-new studio effort “Restless Days.”

The Black Crowes with special guest Levon Helm, 7 p.m. July 14, $25 to $49.50

After restarting the group a few years ago, the rocking blues band — led by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson — is still touring its latest effort “Warpaint.”

Yes with special guest Asia, 7 p.m. July 21, $35.50 to $49.50

Prog rock lovers beware, this line-up of Yes features Rick Wakeman’s son, Oliver, on keyboards and Canadian cover band singer Beno Æt David (not Jon Anderson) on vocals. Still, the idea of seeing both Yes and Asia in action — with guitarist Steve Howe performing double duty — may be too cool to pass up.

Billy Squier, 7 p.m. July 26, $25 to $40

Back in action this summer is “The Stroke” singer Billy Squier, whose other early ’80s hits include “My Kinda Lover” and “Everybody Wants You.”

Blossom Music Center

1145 W Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls (all Ticketmaster locations or www.ticketmaster.com)

Toby Keith with special guest Trace Adkins, 7:30 p.m. June 19, $24.25 to $74

Country music superstar Toby Keith returns to Northeast Ohio for his annual summer soiree at Blossom Music Center. However, this time he’s bringing along Nashville star Trace Adkins to join in on the fun.

New Kids on the Block, 7:30 p.m. June 23, $20 to $79

If anyone questioned interest in NKOTB, last year’s popular reunion tour combined with the newly announced 2009 outing proves Jordan Knight and company indeed have staying power.

Def Leppard with Poison and Cheap Trick, 7 p.m. June 25, $29.50 to $125

Now here’s a spandex-friendly package tour that could really make your summer. Just as Journey packed in audiences with its walk-down-memory set last year, look for this ‘80s show to pack in the fans.

No Doubt with Paramore and Bedouin Soundclash, 7:30 p.m. June 29, $10 to $80

Despite the fact Gwen Stefani enjoyed two successful solo efforts, Mrs. Gavin Rossdale has returned to No Doubt and its potent catalog of hits (“Just a Girl,” “Spiderwebs,” “Don’t Speak,” “Simple Kind of Life,” “Ex-Girlfriend” and “Hey Baby”).

“Rock and Rebels Tour” with Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd, 6 p.m. July 10, $26 to $151

For classic rock fans, you won’t find a better fist-in-the-air bill than the “Rock ‘N Roll Jesus” singer and “Sweet Home Alabama” band.

Cr ºe Fest 2: The White Trash featuring Motley Cr ºe, Godsmack, Theory of a Deadman, Drowning Pool and Charm City Devils, 5 p.m. July 21, $29.50 to $95

After last summer’s debut of Cr ºe Fest turned out to be highly successful, Motley Cr ºe — which plans on playing “Dr. Feelgood” in its entirety — is returning to the hard rock festival with a slew of rock radio favorite bands.

Dave Matthews Band with Old Crow Medicine Show, 7 p.m. July 29, $36 to $66

While a summer DMB show is far from out of the ordinary, what stands out this year is the popular jam-band act will have new album “Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King” (due out June 2) to support.

Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival Slayer featuring Marilyn Manson, Bullet For My Valentine, Killswitch Engage and more, 2 p.m. July 31, $25 to $49.50

With Ozzfest currently on indefinite hiatus, this loud outing has become the go-to event of the summer for metal fans.

“Unstoppable Tour 2009” featuring Rascal Flatts with Darius Rucker (Hootie and the Blowfish), 8 p.m. Aug. 7, $31 to $71

Armed with its aptly titled new album “Unstoppable,” the biggest band in country music appears ready to continue its Music City dominance in 2009. Add in Hootie’s singer and this evening will be, well, a hoot!

Nickelback with Saving Abel, Papa Roach and Hinder, 6 p.m. Aug. 14, $29 to $81

Love’em or hate’em, you have to admit Nickelback has a knack for creating radio-friendly anthems built around keen pop-rock songwriting. Supporting its new CD “Dark Horse,” this Canadian band shows no sign of slowing down.

Creed, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26, $29.50 to $85

Definitive post-grunge act Creed, which has sold over 35 million albums, has announced a reunion tour this summer in support of a new studio album.

Brad Paisley with special guests Dierks Bentley and Jimmy Wayne, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 28, $25 to $53

Reigning ACM and CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Brad Paisley brings his “American Saturday Night” tour through Northeast Ohio.

Aerosmith & ZZ Top, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10, $29 to $189

It’s a co-headlining tour featuring two Rock Hall inductee giants that promises a special night of classic rock, blues-based music.

Byham Theater

101 Sixth St., Pittsburgh (call 412-456-6666 or visit www.pgharts.org)

The Decemberists, 8 p.m. Aug. 14, $42.50

Singer-songwriter Colin Meloy has definitely upped the theatrical ante with The Decemberists’ latest effort “The Hazards of Love,” which finds the band straying into a British folk sound as well as power-chord anthems.

House of Blues

308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland (all Ticketmaster locations or www.ticketmaster.com)

Gomez, 7 p.m. May 26, $18

British act Gomez finds itself in a unique niche that varies from guitar-rock to jam-band blues sounds.

The Tragically Hip, 7 p.m. May 31, sold out

Huge in their homeland north of the border, The Tragically Hip, which recently released its new CD, “We Are The Same,” possesses largely a cult following stateside.

Collective Soul & Gavin DeGraw, 7:30 p.m. June 22, $35

Known for hit songs “Shine,” “December” and “The World I Know,” Collective Soul has a new album due out this summer. As for Gavin DeGraw, he’s touring his stripped-down nine-song affair “Free.”

Better Than Ezra, 7:30 p.m. June 23

For a moment there in the mid-‘90s, alternative act Better Than Ezra appeared to be a band on the rise. Unfortunately, fate had other ideas. Today, the outfit is still together with its newly released album “Paper Empire.”

Robert Randolph & the Family Band, 8 p.m., June 27, $22

After touring last year with Eric Clapton, as well as with a Christian rock festival, the gospel-influenced jam band returns to the club circuit in 2009.

Zappa Plays Zappa, 7:30 p.m. July 3, $29.50

Dweezil Zappa continues to keep his father’s music alive with another “Zappa Plays Zappa” tour scheduled for this summer.

The Black Crowes, 7 p.m. July 13, $42.50 ADV/$45 DOS

After restarting the group a few years ago, the rocking blues band — led by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson — is still touring its latest effort “Warpaint.”

Live, 8 p.m. July 18, $35

The York, Pa., alternative rock band, which sold over 20 million albums and scored hits such as “I Alone,” “Lightning Crashes” and “Selling the Drama,” brings its catalog back to the Rock Hall City.

Edwin McCain, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12, $19

With his career-defining hit “I’ll Be” voted the best wedding song by over a million “Dr. Phil Show” viewers, Edwin McCain brings his Southern soul and acoustic rock sound back to Cleveland.

Mellon Arena, 66 Mario Lemieux Place, Pittsburgh (all Ticketmaster locations or www.ticketmaster.com)

Green Day, 7:30 p.m. July 22, $23.75 to $47.25

The massively successful punk rock act recently released its new album “21st Century Breakdown,” which is the highly anticipated follow-up to 2004’s “American Idiot.”

Jonas Brothers with special guests Jordin Sparks and Honor Society, 7 p.m. July 25, sold out

After selling out its tour last summer, the Jonas Brothers are returning to the road in 2009 with what should amount to yet another sold-out scream-fest.

Keith Urban with special guest Sugarland, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13, $20 to $62.50

The rockin’ country artist from Down Under is hoping his “Escape Together World Tour” draws plenty of fans this summer. Also, affordable ticket prices and the promise of plenty of sing-along hits doesn’t hurt.

“American Idols Live,” 7 p.m. Aug. 22, $38.50 to $66.25

The evening features top 10 contestants Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud, Megan Joy, Michael Sarver and Scott MacIntyre.

Mr. Small’s Theatre

400 Lincoln Ave., Pittsburgh (Millvale) (Call 800-594-8499 or visit www.mrsmalls.com)

Mae with special guests Person L, Barcelona and My Cardboard Spaceship Adventure, 7 p.m. May 28, $12

With two albums due out later this year, rock trio Mae is hoping to expand its alt-rock sound.

Gomez with special guest Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, 8 p.m. June 3, $20

British act Gomez finds itself in a unique niche that varies from guitar rock to jam band blues sounds.

Meat Puppets with special guests Retribution Gospel Choir and Dirty Faces, 8 p.m. June 5, $13

The legendary hardcore punk act the Meat Puppets has a new album, “Sewn Together,” and tour in 2009.

Plain White T’s, 7 p.m. June 13, $15

After scoring an unlikely hit with its quiet song “Hey There Delilah,” pop rock act Plain White T’s is hoping to keep the magic alive with its new effort, “Big Bad World.”

Jenny Lewis with The Heartless Bastards, 8 p.m. July 5, $19.50

With her 2008 solo album “Acid Tongue,” Jenny Lewis takes time away from her main band, Rilo Kiley, for a summer tour.

mewithoutYou with special guests The Dear Hunter and Kay Kay & His Weathered Underground, 7 p.m. July 7, $13

Experimental rock band mewithoutYou combines a punk rock aesthetic with an acoustic folk mindset on its new album “It’s All Crazy! It’s All False! It’s All A Dream! It’s Alright.”

Nautica Pavilion

2014 Sycamore St., Cleveland (www.livenation.com)

O.A.R. with The Wailers, 7 p.m. June 12, $32.50

Formed a decade ago on the Ohio State University campus, roots rock act O.A.R. is still supporting its 2008 effort “All Sides.”

The Moody Blues, 8 p.m. August 11, $29.50 to $79.50

Viewed as one of the first bands to approach rock ’n’ roll with a classical-music slant, The Moody Blues are known for such hits as “Nights in White Satin,” “Tuesday Afternoon” and “I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band).”

Heaven & Hell with special guest Coheed & Cambria, 7 p.m. Aug. 22, $35 to $79.50

While Ozzy Osbourne fans patiently wait for the metal elder statesman to record a new Black Sabbath album, his former bandmates are busy with their Ronnie James Dio-led band Heaven & Hell and its new album “The Devil You Know.”

Post-Gazette Pavilion

Route 18 at Route 22, Pittsburgh (all Ticketmaster locations or www.ticketmaster.com)

Coldplay with special guest Pete Yorn and Howling Bells, 7:30 p.m. May 30, $35 to $97.50

After touring America last year, Chris Martin and company are coming back in support of their fourth studio effort, “Viva la Vida.”

Nine Inch Nails with Jane’s Addiction, 7 p.m. June 10, $19.91 to $51.50

Having last shared the concert tour stage in 1991 at the inaugural Lollapalooza festival, Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) and Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction) take Gen Xers on a wild trip down memory lane.

New Kids on the Block with special guest Jabbawockeez and Jesse McCartney, 7:30 p.m. June 11, $20 to $79

Long before The Jonas Brothers ruled the tweener world, New Kids on the Block had “The Right Stuff” and more. The reunion of Jordan Knight and more surprisingly continues this summer.

No Doubt with very special guest Paramore and The Sounds, 7:30 p.m. June 13, $10 to $80

Phish, 7:30 p.m. June 18, sold out

Deadheads rejoice in 2009 with modern jam band Phish restarting its massive touring machine with a new studio album due out in June.

Dave Matthews Band with special guest The Hold Steady, 7 p.m. June 19 and 20, $34 to $64

While a summer DMB show is far from out of the ordinary, what stands out this year is the popular jam-band act will have new album “Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King” (due out June 2) to support.

Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band, 8 p.m. June 23, $36 to $136

The “Booze in the Blender” singer-songwriter continues his Parrothead party celebration with yet another summer tour. Flip-flops are optional.

Aerosmith with special guest ZZ Top, 7:30 p.m. June 24, $29 to $189

It’s a co-headlining tour featuring two Rock Hall inductee giants that promises a special night of classic rock, blues-based music.

“Rock and Rebels Tour” with Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd and special guest Cross Canadian Ragweed, 6:30 p.m. July 7, $26 to $76

For classic rock fans, you won’t find a better fist-in-the-air bill than the “Rock ‘N Roll Jesus” singer and “Sweet Home Alabama” band.

Vans Warped Tour featuring NOFX, 3OH!3, Less Than Jake, Underoath and more, noon, July 8, $24

Once again the Vans Warped Tour appears to be the best bang-for-your-buck tour with the 2009 bill boasting dozens of performances (including Underoath, The Devil Wears Prada, Anti-Flag, Thrice, The Ataris, Bad Religion, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Sing It Loud, A Day To Remember, The Maine, Alexisonfire, Gallows, Bayside and Saosin), along with plenty of extracurricular fun.

Def Leppard with Poison and Cheap Trick, 7 p.m. July 10, $29.50 to $125

Nickelback with Saving Abel, Papa Roach and Hinder, 6 p.m. July 18, $29 to $83.50

Love’em or hate’em, you have to admit Nickelback has a knack for creating radio friendly anthems built around keen pop rock songwriting. Supporting its new CD “Dark Horse,” this Canadian band shows no sign of slowing down.

George Strait with special guests Blake Shelton and Julianne Hough, 7:30 p.m. July 25, $30.25 to $70.25

Country and superstar George Strait brings his vast catalog of hit songs back to the Steel City for a star-studded summer show.

Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival featuring Marilyn Manson, Slayer, Bullet For My Valentine, Killswitch Engage and more, 2 p.m. Aug. 1, $39.50 to $49.50

With Ozzfest currently on indefinite hiatus, this loud outing has become the go-to event of the summer for metal fans.

Creed, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 6, $29.50 to $85

Definitive post-grunge act Creed, which has sold over 35 million albums, has announced a reunion tour this summer in support of a new studio album.

Cr ºe Fest 2: The White Trash featuring Motley Cr ºe, Godsmack, Theory of a Deadman, Drowning Pool and Charm City Devils, 5 p.m. Aug. 16, $29.50 to $95

“Unstoppable Tour 2009” featuring Rascal Flatts with Darius Rucker (Hootie and the Blowfish), 8 p.m. Aug. 28, $31 to $71.75

Toby Keith with special guest Trace Adkins, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11, (On sale soon)

Country music superstar Toby Keith is bringing along Nashville star Trace Adkins for this year’s summer tour.

Quicken Loans Arena

One Center Court, Cleveland (all Ticketmaster locations or www.ticketmaster.com)

Billy Joel and Elton John, 7:30 p.m. May 23, sold out

The “Two Pianos” tour returns in 2009 with baby boomers selling out this show featuring two of the largest, ivory tickling rock giants.

Yanni, 7:30 p.m. June 3, $25 to $95

The king of instrumental new-age music, Yanni has announced his first stateside outing (“The Voices Tour”) in four years.

Keith Urban with Sugarland, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21, $20 to $78

Jonas Brothers with special guests Jordin Sparks and Honor Society, 7 p.m. Aug. 27, $29.50 to $89

After selling out Blossom Music Center last summer, the Jonas Brothers are returning to the road in 2009 with what should amount to yet another scream-fest.

Riverplex Amphitheatre at Sandcastle

100 Sandcastle Drive, Pittsburgh (all Ticketmaster locations or www.ticketmaster.com)

All Time Low, 7 p.m. July 17, $20

Pop punk act All Time Low is hoping to be at an all time high with its new studio effort “Nothing Personal,” which is due out in July.

Neko Case, 7:30 p.m. July 31, $25 to $30

Alt country singer Neko Case is taking time away from The New Pornographers to tour new album “Middle Cyclone,” which was released earlier this year.

John Legend, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3, $45 to $60

Armed with his latest CD, 2008’s “Evolver,” this popular R&B singer spreads his love this summer.

Gov’t Mule, 7 p.m. Aug. 4, $30 to $35

Heavy grooves and heavier improvisation are what to expect when Gov’t Mule comes back through the area in support of its new disc “High & Mighty.”

Time Warner Cable Amphitheater at Tower City

351 Canal Road, Cleveland (www.livenation.com)

Shinedown with Halestorm and The Sharp Edges, 7:30 p.m., May 22, $7 to $25 (Great American Rib Cook-Off)

Rock radio fans will be happy to learn Shinedown, which played Cleveland in March, has booked a return date to perform its Led Zeppelin-meets-modern-rock tunes.

Third Eye Blind, 7:30 p.m. May 23, $7 to $22 (Great American Rib Cook-Off)

For those of us with working frontal lobes in the ‘90s, Third Eye Blind appeared to be yet another throwaway alternative rock band that had fully achieved its 15 minutes of fame. However, teenagers today have seemingly rediscovered the songwriting magic of Stephan Jenkins and company.

Keane with Mat Kearney and The Helio Sequence, 7 p.m. May 24, $25 (Great American Rib Cook-Off)

Piano rock appears to be back en vogue. Case in point is multi-platinum act Keane, which is now touring in support of its new CD “Perfect Symmetry.”

Bret Michaels, 6 p.m. May 25, $7 to $32 (Great American Rib Cook-Off)

While the singer will be returning to Northeast Ohio exactly a month later with his band Poison, the “Rock of Love” star has a solo affair planned for diehard fans.

Rise Against with special guest Rancid and opener Riverboat Gamblers, 7:30 p.m. June 15, $32.50

Granted, Rise Against has become popular on the hardcore-punk scene, but it’s ska-punk legend opener Rancid that could end up stealing the show.

311 with special guest Ziggy Marley, 6:30 p.m. June 16, $39.50

Even though 311 has toured the past few summers, 2009 marks the first new album (“Uplifter”) for the rock’n’rap act in three years.

The Offspring with special guests Dropkick Murphys and Time Again, 7 p.m. June 21, $34.50 ADV/$37 DOS

For their latest album “Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace,” The Offspring worked with popular rock producer Bob Rock (Metallica, Motley Crue and Bon Jovi). The results find a more polished and radio-friendly punk act with hit singles including “Hammerhead” and “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid.”

The Fray with special guests Jack’s Mannequin and Richard Swift, 7 p.m. July 1, $45.50

Proving they weren’t a one-album wonder, adult-contemporary alternative act The Fray has found success with its highly anticipated self-titled sophomore effort, which yielded hit single “You Found Me.”

Vans Warped Tour featuring NOFX, 3OH!3, Less Than Jake, Underoath and more, noon, July 9, $37.25

Judas Priest with special guest Whitesnake, 7:30 p.m. July 14, $25 to $75

Get out the leather chaps and your snakeskin boots for an evening of loud guitars and wailing vocals. And don’t forget your earplugs.

Incubus with special guests The Duke Spirit, 8 p.m. July 29, $42.50

After taking some time off, the “Wish You Were Here” band is back at work in 2009 with its new greatest hits album “Monuments and Melodies” and summer tour.

Jason Mraz with special guest G. Love & Special Sauce, 7 p.m. Aug 17, $35 to $45

Known for his ubiquitous 2003 radio hit “Remedy [I Won’t Worry],” Jason Mraz is now touring his latest effort, ”We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things.”

Wolstein Center at C.S.U.

2000 Prospect Ave., Cleveland (all Ticketmaster locations or www.ticketmaster.com)

Il Divo, 7:30 p.m. July 6, $53.75 to $128.75

Since forming five years ago, Il Divo — David Miller, Carlos Mar n, Urs Buhler & S bastien Izambard — has further bridged the gap between the opera and pop worlds by selling over 22 million albums.

“American Idols Live,” 7 p.m. Aug. 23, $40.50 to $69.50

The evening features top 10 contestants Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud, Megan Joy, Michael Sarver and Scott MacIntyre.