Yeah, the beaches, the barbecues and the vacations are nice. But for some of us, what we look forward to most for the summer is the overabundance of great concerts.
With the music industry atrophying and people getting picky about how they spend their entertainment dollars, musicians both new and seasoned are busting their humps to compete for our attention this summer. Many are banding together for package tours and festivals that appeal to all kinds of demographics, genres and eras of music. Others are popular enough to do their own thing.
Either way, we see it as an embarrassment of riches. Here is a list of the top 10 shows we’re itching to see this summer.
Fiona Apple 8 p.m. June 27 at Tower Theatre, 19 S. 69th St., Upper Darby; 610-352-2887.
We don’t know if it’s the long-ass album titles, her fiery personality or the fact that she likes to go on hiatuses so we don’t get sick of seeing her, but we are glad to see the spirited singer, songwriter and pianist back in action. And we can’t think of a better place to see her do her thing than in the classically gothic confines of the Tower.
Coldplay & Robyn 8 p.m. July 5-6 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 800-298-4200.
International rock superstars Coldplay might have top billing on these shows but, for us, it is all about seeing our favorite electro-pop pixie shake her groove thing in a huge arena … and hopefully upstage the headliners.
Scissor Sisters 8:30 p.m. July 5 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 215-627-1332.
The last time this fabulously out and outrageous rock band came through town on their own, they packed The Electric Factory to capacity with enthusiastic fans. Now with a new album out and a higher profile, thanks to a stint opening for Lady Gaga, the Scissor Sisters are sure to be one of the hottest tickets in town.
Meshell Ndegeochello 8:30 p.m. July 6 at 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400.
Our favorite out bass-playing R&B/soul/funk goddess is back in the area for another night of sexy and heartfelt music. Life is good.
Sarah McLachlan 7:30 p.m. July 8 at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.
It’s about time we got a chance to hear McLachlan without being bombarded by images of suffering and abused animals.
The B-52s and Squeeze 8 p.m. July 13 at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.
This show is going to be general admission — an open floor with no assigned seating — which means everybody can dance and pogo to the campy and still bad-ass alt-rock pioneers like you did in college.
Rufus Wainwright 6:45 p.m. July 25 at Penn’s Landing, 201 S. Columbus Blvd.; 215-928-1234.
The out singer-songwriter’s feel-good brand of pop music is perfect for an outdoor concert. Plus, his new album is pretty good.
Kathy Griffin 8 p.m. Aug. 26 at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.
The suddenly A-List talk-show host and queen of dish is back for more of her outrageous stories of her run-ins with celebrities.
Madonna 8 p.m. Aug. 28 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 800-298-4200.
Madonna said: “Oh, hell no! I’ll be damned if I’m going to let Lady Gaga be the only global superstar glam diva on the road this year with a big arena/stadium spectacle and outrageous ticket prices. She’d better recognize!” Actually, Madonna never said anything like that … in public. And it should be interesting to see who gives the bigger bang for the buck on her world tour.
KISS & Motley Crüe 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 856-365-1300.
The spandex and leather pants may not fit like they used to, but these two legendary over-the-top hard-rock acts teaming up for a tour is sure to be loud, bombastic and overflowing with pyrotechnics.