Arts & Entertainment

Sounds of Summer

Local venues offer bands, festivals during summer

By Leslie Smith
The Daily Cougar

Thereis no time like the summer for going, doing and having fun. The top things on everyone's list are, of course, traveling and cook-offs down at the beach. But sometimes plans donit work out, so any unfortunate students who find themselves here in Houston for the next three months can enjoy a packed lineup of concerts. The lineup might just have some people canceling those trips to the waterfront to see these bands and singers instead.

Daniel Moss/ Columbia Records

No one does concerts better than the beloved Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, and this summer itis hosting some class acts. The lineup starts in May and covers a broad spectrum of popular acts, including Buzzfest, Gypsy Kings, the famous and melodic James Taylor and even Robert Earl Keen. Also be sure to look for Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and the legendary rock group Def Leppard. The fun doesnit stop there. In June, Peter Gabriel, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Dan Fogelburg (for the older generations) will appear at the venue. July brings the Houston Symphony, Jackson Browne and Dave Matthews.

If an outdoor venue in the scorching heat of summer doesnit appeal to you, try the Verizon Wireless Theater. Verizonis summer schedule includes Ted Nugent, Michael Franks and the Latin rock group Juanes. If you need a little comic relief, Margaret Cho will be making an appearance at the end of May and the Rippingtons will start off June.

The Vans Warped Tour will be stopping at Houstonis Reliant Center on July 20. This punk rock festival, usually held outdoors, features extreme sports and great bands. This yearis lineup includes Rancid, AFI, The Used, The Ataris, Face to Face, Glassjaw, Less Than Jake, Pennywise, Dropkick Murphys, Andrew W.K. and many more. This show is a great deal because the tickets are usually around $20. However, donit expect every band scheduled to show up. They never do.

Another great summer tradition, Ozzfest, will not be stopping in Houston, but if you donit mind the three-hour drive you can catch it on June 28^th in San Antonio at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. The lineup is outstanding as usual with Korn, Marilyn Manson, Chevelle, Disturbed and the prince of darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne, on the main stage. Some great up-and-coming bands will be on the second stage. This all-day festival has freak shows, tattoo artists, clothing booths and tons of beer.

In Houston, the Compaq Center's lineup is definitely a more festive one. The renowned Eagles will be stopping in to play its farewell tour, and in June, Matchbox 20 will be hitting Houstonis stages again. One tour that will be making a huge splash is the Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake show. Radio stations are already giving away tickets, so this concert is bound to sell out fast. Last on the roster is the Dixie Chicks. The bandis sales have taken a nose dive since the lead singer spouted her political views in England, but aside from that, itis bound to be a great performance with lots of instrumental displays and tight-knit harmonies.

All in all, an outstanding sequence of concerts will come this summer, ranging from country to classical and all the way to hard rock.

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