Sounds of Summer

By John Benson | entertainment@vindy.com

With the snow and ice now a distant memory, we can turn our focus to the summer concert season in Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. Invariably, there are lots of familiar names vying for your entertainment dollar. Here’s a list of shows coming to our neck of the woods.

Akron Civic Theater

182 S. Main St., Akron (all Ticketmaster locations or www.ticketmaster.com)

David Gray with Lisa O’Neill, 8 p.m. July 5, $39.50 to $65

David Gray first emerged on the singer-songwriter scene with his smash 2000 hit single “Babylon.” A decade later, the U.K. artist has carved out a decent audience – sans any radio success – that enjoys his folk-ish tendencies.

Blossom Music Center

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

Phish, 7:30 p.m. June 4, $45 to $60

Remember when Phish was on hiatus? Those days are gone my friend, with the definitive jam band planning a massive summer tour.

Kenny Chesney with Billy Currington and Uncle Kracker, 7 p.m. June 23, $39.50 to $79.50

Even though Kenny Chesney is playing a few stadiums this summer, he plans on getting intimate – you know, 20,000 or so friends – at Blossom Music Center. The “Goin’ Coastal Tour” finds superstar Chesney touring his 2010 album “Hemingway”s Whiskey,” which was his sixth album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Rascal Flatts with Sara Evans, Easton Corbin and Justin Moore, 7 p.m., July 8, $35.50 to $75.50

Rascal Flatts is preparing for another successful summer with its “Flatts Fest” tour.

Toby Keith with Eric Church, TBD, July 15, $34 to $89

Toby Keith has announced his “Locked & Loaded Tour” is coming through Northeast Ohio this summer. Keith is currently supporting his 2010 No. 1 album “Bullets in the Gun.”

Jimmy Buffett, 8 p.m. July 19, sold out

Considering it’s been nearly seven years since Jimmy Buffett and his Parrotheads last invaded Northeast Ohio, it’s about time the “Margaritaville” singer returns to the area for yet another sold out gig.

Vans Warped Tour 2011, TBD, July 20, $35

This year the Vans Warped Tour moves from the now closed Tower City Amphitheater to Blossom Music Center. The punk festival features Paramore, All Time Low, Asking Alexandria, The Devil Wears Prada, Attack, Attack!, 3OH3!, Pepper and more.

Journey with Foreigner and Night Ranger, 7 p.m. Aug. 2, $25 to $135

Having seemingly lived off its “Don’t Stop Believin’” past for the last few years, Journey, with singer Arnel Pineda, is testing the new-music waters this spring with the release of its latest album “Eclipse.”

Tim McGraw with Luke Bryan and The Band Perry, 7 p.m. Aug. 12, $29 to $72.50

In the past, country music artist Tim McGraw has spent the summers touring with his superstar wife Faith Hill. This year he’s hitting the road solo style for his “Emotional Traffic Tour.”

Kid Rock with Sheryl Crow, TBD, Aug. 16, $25.50 to $75.50

A decade after teaming up with Sheryl Crow for their 2001 hit song “Picture,” Kid Rock has pegged the “All I Wanna Do” singer as opener for his “Born Free Tour.”

Def Leppard with Heart and Evan Watson, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24, $29 to $39

Due out in early June, Def Leppard’s live album “Mirrorball: Live and More” features the rock act’s concert material, as well as three new studio tracks (including current single “Undefeated”) and a DVD with concert and backstage footage. Heart is touring its latest album “Red Velvet Car.”

CONSOL Energy Center

1001 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh (all Ticketmaster locations or www.ticketmaster.com)

Michael Bubl , 8 p.m. June 10, $49.50 to $89.50

Hipster personified, Michael Bubl continues to parlay his Frank Sinatra sound and demeanor into platinum success, as evident with his most recent effort, the 2009 Grammy Award-nominated “Crazy Love.”

The New Kids on the Block and The Backstreet Boys, 7:30 p.m. June 15, $29 to $89.50

It’s the tour most people feared would ever come to fruition. That’s right, The New Kids on the Block and The Backstreet Boys are teaming up for a co-headlining run. What’s next, Tiffany and Debbie Gibson hitting a mall near you?

Sade with John Legend, 8 p.m. June 18, $54.50 to $154.50

It seems like every few years platinum-selling, mainstream artist Sade returns to the spotlight with her jazz-minded sound. Whether it’s 1984’s “Smooth Operator,” 1992’s “No Ordinary Love” or 2000’s “By Your Side,” the British singer enjoys pockets of success. Sade recently returned with her latest effort “Soldier of Love.”

Josh Groban, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3, $81.50 to $99.75

Known for hits “To Where You Are” and “You Raise Me Up,” superstar Groban, who earlier this spring filled in for Regis Philbin on “Live with Regis and Kelly,” has fans excited about his latest album “Illuminations.”

COVELLI CENTRE

Front Street, Youngstown (all Ticketmaster locations or Ticketmaster.com)

Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top, 7 p.m. May 22 ($49.30 to $90.80)

Classic rock legends on their Rebels and Bandoleros tour.

Robert Cray and Buddy Guy, 6:30 p.m., June 25 ($33.45 to $60.05)

The city of Youngstown’s Bluesfest

Motley Crue with Poison, 7 p.m. ($45 to $106.95)

Hair metal maniacs, joined by the New York Dolls.

First Niagara Pavilion

Route 18 At Route 22, Pittsburgh (Burgettstown, Pa.) (all Ticketmaster locations or www.ticketmaster.com)

Jimmy Buffett, 8 p.m. June 21, $36 to $136

With booze in his blender, Jimmy Buffett returns to his Steel City Parrotheads to celebrate the summer solstice in fine fashion. Expect this show to sell out sooner than later.

Kid Rock with Sheryl Crow, TBD July 6, $25.50 to $250.50

Vans Warped Tour 2011, 11:30 a.m. July 20, $34.10 ADV/$38 DOS

Still going strong in its 16th year, the Vans Warped Tour offers the best bang for your concert buck. This year’s punk bill includes 3OH3!, The Ready Set, A Day to Remember and more.

Godsmack, Disturbed, Megadeth and more, 2 p.m. July 29, $25 to $69.50

This year’s Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival finds hard rock’s Godsmack back in action, with Disturbed and Megadeth to boot.

Tim McGraw with Luke Bryan and The Band Perry, 7 p.m. July 30, $27.50 to $71.50

Def Leppard with Heart and Evan Watson, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20, $29 to $125

Jason Aldean with Chris Young and Thompson Square, Aug. 26, TBA

Country music’s Jason Aldean brings the party to Pittsburgh in support of his latest platinum-effort “My Kinda Party,” which includes hit single “Dirt Road Anthem.”

Journey with Foreigner and Night Ranger, 7 p.m. Aug. 27, $25 to $135

Toby Keith with Eric Church, Sept. 3,

Heinz Field

100 Art Rooney Avenue Pittsburgh

U2 with Interpol, $30 to $250, 7 p.m. July 26

In somewhat of a surprising move, superstar act U2, easily the biggest band in the world, announced this additional show on its “U2 360 Tour,” which was originally planned for last summer but delayed due to singer Bono’s back injury. This will be the last concert date of the tour.

Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica

2014 Sycamore St., Cleveland (all Ticketmaster locations or www.ticketmaster.com)

Great American Rib Cook Off & Music Festival, $5 with coupon (general admission) or $25 to $30 (reserved)

Memorial Day Weekend’s annual Great American Rib Cook Off & Music Festival features a musical lineup of Seether (May 27), Collective Soul (May 28) and Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers (May 30).

Jefferson Starship, 8 p.m. June 5, $30 to $55

Post-Jefferson Airplane outfit Jefferson Starship is flying high this summer.

Ray LaMontagne & the Pariah Dog with Brandi Carlile, 7 p.m. June 8, $29.50 to $49.50

Fresh off its Grammy Award-win for Best Contemporary Folk Album, Ray LaMontagne & the Pariah Dogs have announced a 2011 summer tour in support of new highly-acclaimed album “God Willin’ & the Creek Don’t Rise.”

Lucinda Williams & Amos Lee, 8 p.m. July 16, $25 to $49.50

Williams is touring in support of her latest “Blessed,” while Lee just released his fourth album “Mission Bell.”

The Decemberists, 8 p.m. July 26, $28.50 to $35.

Over the past decade, The Decemberists have risen from obscure indie underground act into a critically acclaimed rock band.

Poison with Warrant, p.m. 8 p.m. July 27, $37.50 to $85

Exactly 20 years ago, ‘80s hair metal act Poison was touring its “Flesh & Blood” album with Warrant as its opener.

Flogging Molly with Clutch, 6:30 p.m. July 28, $27.50

Armed with hints of punk and Celtic rock, Flogging Molly returns to the Rock Hall City with its new CD “Speed of Darkness.”

O.A.R. with Soja and Kelley James, 7 p.m. Aug. 5, $33.50

The history of O.A.R. is well known. The band began over a decade ago when all of its members were attending Ohio State University. Today the popular jam band is touring before it finishes up its new album.

Janet Jackson, 8:45 p.m. Aug. 12, $49.50 to $250

It seems not too long ago the idea of Janet Jackson performing some of her 35 No. 1 hits in intimate sheds was a pipedream. Well, one wardrobe malfunction later and the former arena-packing star is now getting intimate with her fans on the “Number Ones, Up Close and Personal Tour.”

Selena Gomez & The Scene with Allstar Weekend, 7 p.m. Aug. 14, $39 to $100,

You can expect a scream-fest when Selena Gomez & The Scene tours this summer. The young actress and singer, who is also dating you know who (the Bieber), stars in feature film “Monte Carlo,” which will be in theaters July 1.

McMenamy’s Amphitheatre

325 Youngstown-Warren Rd. (Rt. 422), Niles (Call 330-544-1732 or visit www.pannuttiproductions.com)

The Outlaws with The Gary Markasky Experience, The Jimi Ray Stevens Experience (tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan) and Leanne Binder, 2 p.m. May 29, $25

Classic rock with BBQ and a cornhole tournament. What else do you need for Memorial Day weekend?

Eddie Money, 3 p.m. June 5, $25

After bringing his acoustic show to Northeast Ohio last holiday season, the “Money Man” rocks out to all of his hits – “Baby Hold On,” “Two Tickets to Paradise,” “Think I’m in Love,” “Shakin,” “Take Me Home Tonight” and “I Wanna Go Back” – in Niles.

David Allen Coe with Jigsaw Rodeo, 5 p.m. June 24, $25

Born in Akron, David Allan Coe has conspicuously walked on both sides of the tracks throughout his life. Perhaps that’s why his fans are so diehard.

Point State Park

101 Commonwealth Place Pittsburgh (free)

Blind Boys of Alabama, 7 p.m. June 3

The Blind Boys of Alabama are recognized worldwide as living legends of gospel music. Winners of five Grammy Awards, the act has attained the highest levels of achievement in a career that spans over 70 years and shows no signs of diminishing.

Tom Tom Club, 7 p.m. June 4

Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth established The Tom Tom Club exactly 30 years ago as a side project during their tenure with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Talking Heads. The group celebrates their anniversary this year by playing shows around the world.

The Baseball Project with special guest J. Roddy Walston & The Business, 7 p.m. June 7

Rock n’ roll vets Scott McCaughey and Steve Wynn join forces for The Baseball Project, which features singer-songwriter stories about America’s national pastime.

Brandi Carlile, 7 p.m. June 10

Named one of Rolling Stone’s “10 Artists to Watch in 2005,” Brandi Carlile has toured as a headliner and supported other artists including Ray LaMontagne, Jonny Lang, Hanson, Indigo Girls, The Fray, Chris Isaak, Tori Amos and Shawn Colvin.

Ricky Skaggs, 7 p.m. June 11

2011 marks the 52nd year since Ricky struck his first chords on a mandolin. This fourteen-time Grammy Award winner continues to do his part to lead the recent roots revival in music.

Progressive Field

2401 Ontario St., Cleveland (all Ticketmaster locations or www.ticketmaster.com)

Brad Paisley with Blake Shelton and Jerrod Nieman, 4 p.m. June 11, $30 to $85

Marking its first concert since Jimmy Buffett’s 1995 show at then Jacob’s Field, Progressive Field hosts Brad Paisley’s “H20 II Tour.” The three-time Grammy Award-winning Paisley is a member of the Grand Ole Opry and has scored has 18 No. 1 hits.

Quicken Loans Arena

One Center Court, Cleveland (call 888-894-9424 or visit theQarena.com)

Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, 7:30 p.m. May 26, $39 to $65

If you’re looking for that “Old Time Rock & Roll,” Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band has rescheduled its postponed April 7 show as the perfect kickoff to Memorial Day weekend.

Josh Groban, 8 p.m. June 4, $68.50 to $88

Known for hits “To Where You Are” and “You Raise Me Up,” superstar Groban, who earlier this spring filled in for Regis Philbin on “Live with Regis and Kelly,” has fans excited about his latest album “Illuminations.”

“Glee,SDRq TBD June 14, $52.50 to $92.50

Fans of “Glee” will want to see the slushie-free cast in action.

Kid Cudi with Chip Tha Ripper, 8 p.m. July 1, $39.50 to $65

Rapper Kid Cudi, easily the biggest Cleveland act to go mainstream since Bone Thugs-n-Harmony over 15 years ago, has booked a triumphant homecoming.

Katy Perry with Marina & The Diamonds, 7:30 p.m. July 5, $28 to $48

While 2010 was the year of Lady Gaga, 2011 is shaping up to be Katy Perry’s run for superstar status. Invariably the pop singer proved she’s not a one-trick pony (or one girl-kissing wonder) with her latest album “Teenage Dream” selling 5 million copies worldwide and scoring three No. 1 singles with “California Gurls,” the title track and “Firework.”

Sade with John Legend, 8 p.m. July 9, $49.50 to $149.50

Keith Urban with Jake Owen, 7:30 p.m. July 21, $25 to $78

In support of his sixth studio effort “Get Closer,” Keith Urban’s catalogue includes hits “Somebody Like You,” “You’ll Think Of Me” and his latest “Put You In A Song.”

Britney Spears with Nicky Minaj, 7:30 p.m. July 26, $29.50 to $350,

The pop singer is back with new album “Femme Fatale,” which includes No. 1 hit “Hold It Against Me” and current single “Till The World Ends.”

New Kids on the Block and The Backstreet Boys, 7:30 p.m. July 27, $32.50 to $92.50

Taylor Swift, 7 p.m. July 30, sold out

Last fall the 21-year-old Grammy Award-winning singer watched her third studio effort “Speak Now” sell a million copies in its first week of release. Already the artist has scored two hit singles – “Back to December” and “Mean” – from the new CD.

STAGE AE

400 North Shore Drive, Pittsburgh (1-866-614-4183; call for best prices)

The Avett Brothers, 6:30 p.m., May 27

Trio is at the vanguard of the folk resurgence.

Weezer, 6:30 p.m., May 29

Devo, 6:30 p.m., June 17

Akron outfit once again asks “are we not men?”

The Monkees, 6:30 p.m., June 22

Everyone’s favorite Pre-fab Four back in action

Michael Franti and Spearhead, 7 p.m., June 29

311 and Sublime with Rome, 5:30 p.m., July 12

Matisyahu, 8 p.m., July 16

Hasiddic hip-hopper.

Lucinda Williams and Amos Lee, 7 p.m., July 17

OAR, 6 p.m., July 20

Rob Zombie and Slayer, 6 p.m., July 23

Motley Crue and Poison, 5:30 p.m., July 24

Death Cab for Cutie, 6:30 p.m ., Aug. 6

ZZ Top, 6:30 p.m., Aug. 19

Styx, 8 p.m., Sept. 1

TRIB TOTAL MEDIA AMPHITHEATER

Station Square, Pittsburgh (Ticketmaster)

Elvis Costello and the Imposters, 7:30 p.m., June 16 ($45 to $82)

Ribs on the River with Ace Frehley, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Leon Russell, Jne 17-19

Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson, 7 p.m., July 22 ($39-$75)