The July sun radiates while summer romances heat up, dreaded summer jobs progress, and afternoon storms create vicious waves for surfers. Summer has finally reached full bloom as the middle of July approaches and the Long Island beach scene prepares to face its most deadly season. However no summer, or season for that matter, would be complete without music.
Bands of all different genres have shoved guitars, microphones, amps, and drum sets into vans and large Greyhound buses to accompany them on the long journey across several different interstate highways along which they will be making a number of stops to play for eager fans. Dave Matthews Band has shocked fans by only announcing one New York show this summer, which will be held on Aug. 14 at the Saratoga Springs Performing Center. However Dave’s only New York show, as you would have imagined, has been sold out. For those in desperate need, stubhub.com is still auctioning off several tickets for the Saratoga Springs show which range anywhere from $80 to $500.
Lollapalooza is promising to be the second largest festival in comparison to Bonnaroo, which was held in Tennessee this past June. Similar to Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza is a three day rock festival which will take place at Grant Park, Chicago on Aug. 3 and continue till Sunday, Aug. 5. However, unlike Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza will feature some artists who are a bit older and may cater more towards those who grew up blasting grunge rock in their bedrooms to the annoyance of their parents.
Pear Jam will be headlining the show, which will be their only American gig this summer! Modest Mouse, My Morning Jacket, the Roots, Black Keys, G. Love ‘ Special Sauce, Cold War Kids, and Spoon are only a few of the bands who will be playing at this years’ festival. A three day pass for the festival is priced at $195, while a one day pass is set at $80.
However, if Chicago is too far or if you are simply a poor struggling college student living on Ramen noodles for the summer, then New York City is as far as you will have to travel to get your music fix. The Decemberists are playing a show at the Central Park Summer Stage this Monday, July 16 at 7:00 PM. The concert is 20 dollars, however, you are more than welcome to sit in the park outside the show and listen for free.
The Swell Season, which is an indie rock band on the rise, will also be performing in New York City at the Blender Theatre on Tuesday, July 24. The Swell Season will be performing music from the motion picture soundtrack, “Once,” which is a compelling story of how the band composed their first record. Tickets for this show are 20 dollars as well, but unfortunately there is nowhere to listen in for free.
