Don't kid yourselves. You started making plans for the summer far before the semester came to an end, but with finals coming to a close, the anticipation begins to build.
Laying out by the pool, traveling, working--these are all worthy uses of time. But somewhere around the country, your favorite band is packing themselves into a van, piling up their equipment, and getting ready for a summer tour.
There are a plethora of opportunities to catch anyone from Queensryche, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony or even Kenny Rogers onstage around the Valley this summer.
When asked about her summer live-music plans, communication junior Dana Babcock still hadn't thought about it.
"Just hip-hop. Maybe some pop stuff, a little country."
All types of bands will pass through the Phoenix area with something for everyone's tastes.
Silent, sensitive types should plan for the John Mayer/Ben Folds concert in June and then gear up for The Fray and Snow Patrol in July.
For indie rockers looking for a break from finals, critical darlings Silversun Pickups will sound great this Friday, May 4 at The Clubhouse in Tempe, but only if you already have tickets to the sold out show.
"Tortoise is going to be great," said Kristian Luce of Hoodlums music. "Laura Veirs; I like a lot."
Big acts and good bets such as Bright Eyes, The Deftones, Modest Mouse, Young Love, The Album Leaf and The Hold Steady will lead us into June.
For those who prefer cowboy boots and Wranglers to Vans and Hurley 1979's, Lucinda Williams and Kenny Chesney headline in May. June brings Keith Urban and Allison Krauss. Brad Paisley, Tim Mc Graw and wife Faith Hill, Toby Keith and Trisha Yearwood round out the end of summer.
Hip-hop fans shouldn't miss the political rhymes of Sage Francis on June 12. For those who studied for finals instead of attending Coachella and want to take an amazing road trip, Rage Against the Machine will be playing two more shows in California this August with some of the most respected names in hip-hop.
If you're new to the summer concert scene, here's a valuable tip from a veteran: Hoodlums' own Kristian Luce: "Go to indoor concerts."
It will be hot, and for those who haven't experienced the intensity, lots of shade and bottled water is a must.
"I tried it once in August a few years ago," said business interdisciplinary studies junior Michael Brooks of his outdoor concert-going experience. "It was pretty miserable."
Still, festivals are a great way to see a lot of bands and find new favorites, if you can take the heat. The Vans Warped Tour is an amalgam of old and young punk rockers, with Bad Religion headlining. Ozzfest (free, Ozzfest) and The Family Values Tour are for those with more metallic tastes. To sweeten things up, The Honda Civic Tour features Fall Out Boy with some of the biggest names in pop punk.
Oh, and before you take down that poster from your bedroom at Mom's house, Ricky Martin is playing in town on May 15.
Reach the reporter at: bettina.hansen@asu.edu.
