A Perfect Circle

There is a core, built-in group of people that need no persuading to see A Perfect Circle this summer, but there’s no reason the band shouldn’t sell out every show. Never mind that Maynard James Keenan is still, on a good day, one of the best rock vocalists around–and not too shabby on a bad day–and that APC released a couple of brilliant albums in the years (mainly between Tool albums) the band was together. APC will be playing the best stuff off those few albums, as well as at least one new song–maybe even more if the band is inspired. Even those unfamiliar with APC will find something to like about seeing the veritable supergroup live. This lineup of APC features the enigmatic frontman Keenan, mercenary drummer Josh Freese, and guitarist James Iha playing real music again. They’ll be at various festivals, including Lollapalooza (and basically everywhere else), from June to August. -Harry Painter

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When and where:
05/22 – Columbus, OH @ Rock on the Range
06/29 – Portland, OR @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
06/30 – Kent, WA @ Showare Center
07/02 – Gibbons, AB @ Boonstock
07/04 – Winnipeg, MB @ Centennial Concert Hall
07/06 – St. Paul, MN @ Roy Wilkins Auditorium
07/08 – Detroit, MI @ Fox Theatre
07/09 – Toronto, ON @ Edgefest
07/10 – Ottawa, ON @ Ottawa Bluesfest
07/12 – Boston, MA @ Bank of America Pavilion
07/13 – New York, NY @ Hammerstein Ballroom
07/15 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
07/16 – Philadelphia, PA @ Penn’s Landing
07/17 – Washington, DC @ Constitution Hall
07/19 – Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheatre
07/20 – Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle
07/22 – San Antonio, TX @ Freeman Coliseum
07/23 – Grand Prairie, TX @ Verizon Theatre
07/25 – Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theatre
07/26 – San Diego, CA @ SDSU Open Air Theatre
07/28 – Los Angeles, CA @ Gibson Amphitheater
07/29 – Sacramento, CA @ Memorial Auditorium
07/30 – Berkeley, CA @ Greek Theatre
08/02 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
08/05-06 – Kansas City, KS @ Kanrocksas
08/05-07 – Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
08/09 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE

Animal Collective

Since their 2009 tour in support of the ever-rewarding Merriweather Post Pavilion, Animal Collective hasn’t really let us go a week without something new: outstanding solo records from both Panda Bear and Avey Tare, solo tours in support of Panda’s new record, an epileptic Fantasia-style feature-film, an art installation, an incredible EP, and the list goes on. But for fans of the Baltimore Psych titans, it still isn’t enough. The band hasn’t had a full-fledged tour in two years, and when they have, they’ve stuck to Europe or the American West Coast. That’s why when AnCo announced a new string of dates this spring (including the band’s first ever stop at their last album’s namesake, Columbia, MD’s Merriweather Post Pavilion), people got pretty fucking psyched. Videos from the band’s recent California dates, including their stop at Coachella, reveal that there’s a lot to expect. First off, the band will take the form of band again. Noah Lennox will sit behind a full drum set, a returning Deakin will strum some chords and noodle around on an actual guitar, Tare will take the Billy Joel approach behind a keyboard, and Geologist will do whatever inexplicable shit Geologist always does. On top of that, they’ll be debuting a slew of new material, most of which sounds bandy-er than usual. And if Coachella is any indication, the light show might be pretty epic, too. -Drew Litowitz

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When and where:
05/13-15 – Minhead, UK @ ATP Curated by Animal Collective
05/16 – Eastbourne, UK @ Winter Gardens
05/17 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso
05/18 – Brussels, BE @ Cirque Royal
05/19 – Cologne, DE @ Electron
05/20 – Berlin, DE @ Astra
05/21 – Warsaw, PL @ Klub Stodola
05/22 – Krakow, PL @ Studio
05/23 – Vienna, AT @ Arena
05/24 – Zagreb, HR @ Pogon Jedinstvo
05/25 – Milan, IT @ Alcatraz
05/26-28 – Dudingen, CH @ Bad Bonn Festival Kilbi
05/28 – Barcelona, ES @ Primavera Sound
05/27-06-01 – Paris, FR @ Festival Villette Sonique
07/07 – Orlando, FL @ The Beacham Theatre
07/08 – Alpharetta, GA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park
07/09 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
07/12 – Brooklyn, NY @ Prospect Park Bandshell (Celebrate Brooklyn)
07/13 – Millvale, PA @ Mr. Smalls Theatre
07/15 – Chicago, IL @ Pitchfork Music Festival

Archers of Loaf

The name Archers of Loaf may not spark a lot of discussion in 2011, but it sure did 15 years ago when the “White Trash Heroes” first made the rounds. The North Carolina noise rockers released four albums in the ’90s, scored some hits on college radio, and in 1995 toured with Weezer (the good kind). Their short run came to an end in 1998, but now that they’ve reunited, it’s a valuable opportunity to catch up on a slice of indie goodness on which many missed out. Imagine if TV on the Radio or Deerhunter broke up right now and came back 12 years later. This is that, kind of. -Harry Painter

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When and where:
05/21 – Asheville, NC @ The Grey Eagle
05/29 – George, WA @ Sasquatch! Music Festival
06/03 – Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
06/04 – Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
06/11 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s
06/12 – Dallas, TX @ The Loft
06/25 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
06/26 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall
07/08 – Chicago, IL @ The Bottom Lounge
07/09 – Chicago, IL @ The Bottom Lounge
07/22 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
07/23 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
08/05 – Washington, DC @ Black Cat
08/06 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Trocadero
08/19 – Chapel Hill, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
09/02 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
09/03 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
12/09-11 – Minehead, UK @ ATP’s Nightmare Before Christmas

Arctic Monkeys w/ The Vaccines

While Death Cab for Cutie and Frightened Rabbit may have had a lot in common, the case of Arctic Monkeys and newcomers The Vaccines is one of the past meeting the future. Arctic Monkeys started out as newcomers themselves before 2006′s Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not caught on big time across the globe. Subsequent albums have seen the band’s stock rise, and now, as they ready to drop their fourth album, Suck It and See, the rockers find themselves on a precipice of sorts, ready to grab some of that initial fame once again or float off into oblivion if the rest of the album doesn’t meet raving-mad fan expectations. Regardless of where they land, they’re taking their hard work and making a go of recreating their success for The Vaccines. AM’s fellow countrymen dropped their debut LP back in March and find themselves in a place Alex Turner and company once did not so long ago: great songs, beloved by critics everywhere, looking for that one spark to blow their career up and possibly put them in line for some well-deserved attention in the indie rock world. While no result is definitive, one thing is certain: This tour is going to be one crazy-good time, mates. -Chris Coplan

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When and where:
05/17 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
05/18 – Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
05/19 – Boston, MA @ House of Blues
05/21 – Toronto, ON @ Kool Haus
05/22 – Montreal, QC @ L’Olympia
05/24 – New York, NY @ Summer Stage
05/26 – Detroit, MI @ Clutch Cargoes
05/27 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
05/28 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
05/30 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
05/31 – Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue
06/02 – Pomona, CA @ Fox Theatre
06/03 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium
08/01 – Dallas, TX @ The Palladium
08/02 – Austin, TX @ Stubbs
08/03 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues
08/05-06 – Kansas City, KS @ Kanrocksas
08/05-07 – Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
08/06 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
08/10 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
08/11 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
08/12 – San Francisco, CA @ The Independent

Bright Eyes w/ everyone

Long has it been rumored that Bright Eyes‘ latest release, The People’s Key, will be their last under the Bright Eyes moniker. Acting accordingly, Conor Oberst and Co. have been/will be taking their show on the road for a massive world tour to finish things off in style. Touring partners for the spring leg include Jenny and Johnny, Dawes, Titus Andronicus, Death Cab for Cutie, and a pair of shows with M. Ward. But come summertime, the real fun starts. After returning from a European tour, not only will Bright Eyes be appearing at Lollapalooza, but they’ll embark on a short tour with fellow indie rock legends The Mountain Goats. Although The Mountain Goats are listed as the opener, this feels more like a joint headlining tour. And for the eight cities lucky enough to witness it, I’m sure both acts will shine like the true veterans they are. -Winston Robbins

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When and where:
05/23 – Saskatoon, SK @ Odeon
05/24 – Edmonton, AB @ Shaw Conference Center ^
05/25 – Calgary, AB @ Stampede Corral ^
05/27 – Bend, OR @ Les Schwab Amphitheatre ^
05/28 – George, WA @ Sasquatch! Music Festival
05/31 – Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory +
06/01 – Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory Concert House +
06/03 – Denver, CO @ Filmore Theater +
06/04 – Council Bluffs, IA @ WestFair Amphitheater +
06/06 -  St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant %
06/07 – Louisville, KY @ Iroquois Amphitheater %
06/08 – Columbus, OH – LC Pavilion @ Indoors %
06/09 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AC @ Indoors %
06/10 – Philadelphia, PA @ Mann Center for Performing Arts %>
06/11 – Vienna, VA @ Filene Center At Wolf Trap %>
06/16 – Zurich, CH @ Kaufleuten
06/17 – Neuhausen ob Eck, DE @ Southside Festival
06/18 – Scheeßel, DE @ Hurricane Festival
06/19 – Berlin, DE @ Columbiahalle
06/21 – Colonge, DE @ Royal Albert Hall
06/22 – Paris, FR @ Alhambra
06/23 – London, UK @ Royal Albert Hall +
06/25 – Vitoria-Gasteiz, ES @ Azkena Rock Festival
06/28 – Gothenburg, SE @ Where The Action Is
06/29 – Arendal, NO @ Hove Festival
07/01 – Roskilde, DK @ Roskilde Festival
07/02 – Werchter, BE @ Rock Werchter
07/04 – Hradec Králové, CZ @ Rock For People
07/05 – Vienna, AT @ Arena Wien Open Air +
07/07 – Ultrecht, NL @ Tivoli +
07/08 – Birmingham, UK @ HMV Institute +
07/09 – Kinross, UK @ T in the Park
07/10 – Naas, IE @ Oxegen
07/12 – Gateshead, UK @ Sage +
07/13 – Leeds, UK @ Academy +
07/14 – Manchester, UK @ Academy +
07/15 – Suffolk, UK @ Latitude Festival
07/27 – Lewiston, NY @ Art Park ( Free Show) #
07/28 – Belknap, NH  @ Meadowbrook Pavilion #
07/29 – Shelburne, VT @ Ben & Jerry’s Concerts on the Green at Shelburne Museum #
07/30 – Montreal, QC @ Osheaga Festival
07/31 – Baldwinsville, NY @ Paper Mill Island Amphitheater #
08/03 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park #
08/04 – Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room #
08/05 – Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
08/06 – Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note
08/08 – Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom
08/14 – East Hampton, NY @ Music to Know Festival

! = w/ Titus Andronicus
$ = w/ Farmer Dave Scher
^ = w/ Death Cab For Cutie
+ = w/ Jenny and Johnny
% = w/ Dawes
> = w/ M. Ward
# = w/ The Mountain Goats

Britney Spears w/ Nicki Minaj

The key to a great tour isn’t just about how amazing the shows are or how much pyro they blast during the duration. It’s also about how the lineup works to perpetuate and facilitate a great idea or concept. In the case of Britney Spears hitting the road with Nicki Minaj in a supporting capacity, that notion is the batshit crazy, immovable object that does weird accents meeting the irresistible force of pop music who’s made a few questionable life choices (see: Kevin Federline). Along with being two of pop’s greatest commodities right now, Spears and Minaj are two very different narratives of the same sugarcoated genre. The plucky Minaj is in the boom period of her career, where a dynamic performance aboard this tour could keep her rocket ship to stardom on a path to complete domination. Spears, on the other hand, is on what seems to be her 100th career resurrection, free of all that extra weight (the metaphorical and physical variety) and ready to show the world she is still our pop princess. Sure, they’re working together to put on a great show, but with a tale of the tape like that, not to mention their diva tendencies, they’ll be going at it tooth and nails for our love and attention. And that means we win no matter who nabs the most headlines. -Chris Coplan

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When and where:
06/17 – Sacramento, CA @ Power Balance Pavilion
06/18 – San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion
06/20 – Los Angeles, CA @ Staples Center
06/24 – Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center
06/25 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand
06/28 – Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena
06/29 – Tacoma, WA @ Tacoma Dome
07/01 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
07/04 – Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre
07/06 – St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Center
07/08 – Chicago, IL @ United Center
07/09 – Milwaukee, WI @ Summerfest
07/12 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
07/13 – Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
07/15 – New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Arena
07/17 – Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena
07/20 – Orlando, FL @ Armway Center
07/22 – Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena
07/26 – Cleveland, OH @ Quicken Loans Arena
07/28 – Detroit, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills
07/30 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
07/31 – Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
08/02 – Uniondale, NJ @ Nassau Coliseum
08/05 – E. Rutherford, NJ @ IZod Center
08/08 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden
08/11 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
08/13 – Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre

Death Cab for Cutie w/ Frightened Rabbit

Here’s a history lesson for the indie rock fans of the world. Back in November 2008, Death Cab for Cutie tapped Frightened Rabbit to open for them during their tour of UK and Ireland. Now, some two and a half years later, the American rockers are bringing back the Scots for another round of touring as they support their new LP, Codes and Keys. In various interviews regarding the record, the band have spoken about how the album is one where they’ve matured due to each band member having endured major life changes. With marriages and kids and new residencies, the band are dealing with issues of home and belonging to the machinations of updated sonics, with the record featuring less guitars and more ambiance than other DCFC records. Undoubtedly, some fans may love the new record, while others may yearn for the indie, guitar-driven noise of previous efforts. Cue Frightened Rabbit and the sound of emotionally wounded and vulnerable young lads dealing with heartache, being forlorn, and trying to be optimistic in a world gone mad. With DCFC expanding their repertoire and Frightened Rabbit making their music tighter, fans are going to get the best of both worlds. Also, they may cry or feel some shit. -Chris Coplan

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When and where:
07/27 – Columbus, OH @ LC Outdoor Amphitheater
07/28 – Detroit, MI @ Fox Theatre
07/29 – Toronto, ON @ Molson Ampitheatre
08/01 – Boston, MA @ Bank of America Pavilion
08/02 – Brooklyn, NY @ Williamsburg Waterfront
08/05 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Mann Center
08/06 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
08/07 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
08/08 – Cary, NC @ Koka Booth Ampitheatre
08/10 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
08/11 – Alpharetta, GA @ Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre
08/12 – New Orleans, LA @ Kiefer UNO Lakefront Arena
08/13 – Grand Prairie, TX @ Verizon Theater
08/15 – Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theatre
08/16 – La Jolla, CA @ RIMAC Arena
08/18 – Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre
08/19 – Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre
08/20 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Pool
08/22 – West Valley City, UT @ Maverik Center
08/23 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Ampitheatre
08/25 – Chicago, IL @ UIC Pavilion
08/26 – St. Paul, MN @ Roy Wilkins Auditorium

The Decemberists

Folk-phenoms The Decemberists are literally at the top of their game, having just scored their first number one record with The King Is Dead. To help celebrate the accomplishment on tour, they’ve enlisted some impressive support: Mexican speed-guitarists Rodrigo y Gabriela, surf-pop revivalists Best Coast, and rising Seattle stars The Head and the Heart will all open select dates. Unsurprisingly, the festival circuit regulars will also hit at least five summer events. The real goods may come when they head the Newport Folk Festival in July; Gillian Welch, background vocalist on seven The King Is Dead tracks, is also on the bill, heralding the likely prospect of an onstage collaboration. Sadly, keyboardist/accordionist Jenny Conlee will be kept offstage through June (including Sasquatch! and Bonnaroo) while she battles breast cancer. CoS wishes her a speedy recovery, so she may rejoin her bandmates on what is sure to be a prodigious tour. -Ben Kaye

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When and where:
05/29 – Bend, OR @ Les Schwab Amphitheater #
05/30 – George, WA @ Sasquatch! Music Festival
06/10 – Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
06/11 – Raleigh, NC @ Raleigh Amphitheater &
06/13 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion &
06/14 – Brooklyn, NY @ Prospect Park Bandshell (Celebrate Brooklyn) &
06/15 – Philadelphia, PA @ Academy of Music &
06/16 – Portland, ME @ State Theatre $
06/18 – Telluride, CO @ Telluride Bluegrass Festival
07/19 – Jacksonville, OR @ Britt Pavilion ^
07/20 – Boise, ID @ Idaho Botanical Gardens ^
07/22 – Missoula, MT @ Big Sky Brewery ^
07/25 – Chicago, IL @ Aragon Ballroom !
07/26 – Cleveland, OH @ Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica !
07/27 – Interlochen, MI @ Interlochen Center for the Arts !
07/29 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Borgata Event Center !
07/30 – Newport, RI @ Newport Folk Festival
07/31 – Holyoke, MA @ Mountain Park /
08/01 – Lewiston, NY @ Artpark !
08/03 – Charlottesville, VA @ nTelos Wireless Pavilion !
08/04 – Cincinnati OH @ PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music !
08/05 – Indianapolis, IN @ White River State Park !
08/08 – Austin, TX @ Stubb’s >
08/11 – Mesa, AZ @ Mesa Arts Center $
08/12 – Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre *
08/13 – San Francisco, CA @ Outside Lands Music Festival

# = w/ Rodrigo Y Gabriela
& = w/ Best Coast
^ = w/ Typhoon
! = w/ The Head and the Heart
> = w/ Caitlin Rose
$ = w/ Sara Watkins
* = w/ Wye Oak
/ = w/ Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside

Eddie Vedder

For anyone familiar with Pearl Jam, it should not be news that lead singer Eddie Vedder is a ukulele enthusiast. Vedder has been known to pull out his uke during live shows and do either simplified versions of Pearl Jam songs or songs that he’d specifically written for the ukulele. The first studio recording of a Vedder ukulele song, “Goodbye”, appeared on the soundtrack for the Jack Johnson-produced surf video A Brokedown Melody in 2004. Seven years later, Vedder has compiled an album full of his tropical ditties, including the aforementioned song and lead single “Longing to Belong”, which can be heard here. Vedder’s entrancing baritone sounds right at home over the simple chords of the ukulele. He’ll be touring 17 dates behind the album (with Glen Hansard opening) this summer. One of rock’s greats playing quality ukulele songs for an entire set? A must-see, hands down. -Winston Robbins

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When and where:
06/15 – Providence, RI @ Providence Performing Arts Center (PAC) *
06/16 – Boston, MA @ The Wang Theatre *
06/18 – Hartford, CT @ The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts *
06/21 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre *
06/22 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre *
06/25 – Philadelphia, PA @ Tower Theatre *
06/26 – Detroit, MI @ Fox Theatre *
06/28 – Chicago, IL @ The Chicago Theatre *
07/01 – St. Louis, MO @ Fox Theatre *
07/02 – Minneapolis, MN @ Orpheum Theatre *
07/05 – San Diego, CA @ Copley Symphony Hall *
07/06 – Long Beach, CA @ Terrace Theater *
07/08 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern *
07/09 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl *
07/11 – Oakland, CA @ The Paramount Theatre *
07/14 – Portland, OR @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall *
07/15 – Seattle, WA @ Benaroya Hall *

* = w/ Glen Hansard

Foo Fighters

Of all the shows this writer saw while at South by Southwest 2011, and in the first five months of this year for that matter, no one band delivered a more awe-inspiring performance than Foo Fighters. Sure, I’m a sucker for stadium bands, but hell, they’re capable of playing a 70,000-person stadium for a reason. Two-and-a-half hour sets featuring more hooks in the first 15 minutes alone than most dream of in a lifetime? Check. Touring the hell out of the world in support of Wasting Light, which is a strong candidate for album of the year? Double check. And they have Pat Smear back in the fold? Check-a-rooni! Springsteen might not but touring this summer, but at least we have a suitable alternative. So, have yourself a Foo-tastic summer. -Alex Young

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When and where:
05/20 – Memphis, TN @ FedExForum !*
05/21 – Gulf Shores, AL @ The Hangout Festival
05/23 – Council Bluffs, IA @ Mid-America Center !*
05/26 – Missoula, MT @ Adams Center !*
05/27 – George, WA @ Sasquatch! Music Festival
06/09 – Interlaken, CH @ Greenfield Festival
06/11 – Isle of Wight, UK @ Isle of Wight Festival
06/13 – Landgraaf, NL @ Pinkpop
06/15 – Milan, IT @ IdRHO Festival
06/17 – Neuhausen ob Eck, DE @ Southside Festival
06/18 – Berlin, DE @ Wuhlheide
06/19 – Scheeßel, DE @ Hurricane Festival
06/21 – Copenhagen, DK @ Refshaleoen
06/22 – Stockholm, SE @ Stockholm Stadium
06/24 – Oslo, NO @ Telenor Arena
06/26 – Helsinki, FI @  Kalasatama
07/02 – Milton Keynes, UK @ The National Bowl *^%
07/03 – Milton Keynes, UK @ The National Bowl *$#
07/06 – Madrid, ES @ Palacio de Deportes
07/07 – Lisbon, PT @ Optimus! Alive Festival
07/09 – Naas, IE @ Oxegen
07/10 – Kinross, UK @ T in the Park
08/07 – Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
08/09 – Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Center &~
08/10 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Center &~
08/18 – Kiewet, BE @ Pukkelpop
08/20 – St Polten, AT @ Frequency Festival
08/21 – Erfurt, DE @ Highfield Festival
08/23 – Cologne, DE @ Laxness Arena
08/24 – Ubersee, DE @ Chiemsee Festival
08/26 – Paris, FR @ Rock En Seine
09/14 – St. Paul, MN @ Excel Center +/
09/16 – Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center +/
09/17 – St. Louis, MO @ Scottrade Center +/
09/19 – Auburn Hills, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills +/
09/20 – Cleveland, OH @ Quicken Loans Arena +/
09/22 – Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena +/
09/23 – Pittsburgh, PA @ CONSOL Energy Center +/
09/25 – Buffalo, NY @ HSBC Center *
09/26 – E. Rutherford, NJ @ IZod Center +/

! = w/ Motorhead
* = w/ Biffy Clyro
^ = w/ Death Cab For Cutie
% = w/ Tame Impala
$ = w/ Jimmy Eat World
# = w/ Hot Rats
& = w/ Fucked Up
~ = w/ Doughboys
+ = w/ Rise Against
/ = w/ Mariachi El Bronx

Katy Perry

If there is one female artist in today’s music industry who seems to really have struck gold, it’s Katy Perry. Her most recent album, Teenage Dream, has garnered her four number one hits along with four Grammy nominations, and now she plans on taking the album on the road. With her European leg of the tour already completed, Perry is heading back to North America in early June for a 58-show run.

Along with her collection of number ones, Perry is bringing along a few friends to open the show for her. Surprisingly, these friends are Robyn, Janelle Monáe, and Marina & the Diamonds, each opening for Perry on selected dates. The tour, appropriately titled the California Dreams Tour, promises all of Perry’s hits and fan favorites, along with a continuation of her California Candyland theme from her “California Girls” video, which for many fans may just be the biggest selling point. The North American portion of the tour begins in early June and continues through September, when Perry heads back to Europe. -Arya Davachi

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When and where:
06/07 – Atlanta, GA @ Arena at Gwinnett Center *
06/09 – Orlando, FL @ UCF Arena *
06/10 – Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum *
06/11 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Bank Atlantic Center *
06/14 – Raleigh, NC @ RBC Center *
06/15 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion *
06/17 – Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum *
06/18 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden *
06/19 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center *
06/22 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena #
06/23 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Petersen Events Center #
06/24 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center #
06/25 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena #
06/28 – Detroit, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills #
06/30 – Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre #
07/02 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre #
07/03 – Ottawa, ON @ ScotiaBank Place #
07/05 – Cleveland, OH @ Quicken Loans Arena #
07/07 – Milwaukee, WI @ Summerfest #
07/08 – Chicago, IL @ Allstate Arena #
07/09 – St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center #
07/13 – Regina, SK @ Brandt Centre $
07/14 – Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre $
07/16 – Calgary, AB @ Calgary Stampede $
07/17 – Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place $
07/19 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
07/20 – Seattle, WA @ KeyArena at Seattle Center
07/22 – Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena *
07/23 – Boise, ID @ Taco Bell Arena *
07/25 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Energy Solutions Arena *
07/26 – Denver, CO @ 1stBank Center *
07/28 – Dallas, TX @ Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie *
07/29 – Houston, TX @ Toyota Center *
07/30 – Austin, TX @ Frank Erwin Center *
08/03 – Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theatre *
08/05 – Los Angeles, CA @ Nokia Theatre *
08/06 – Los Angeles, CA @ Nokia Theatre *
08/07 – Los Angeles, CA @ Nokia Theatre *
08/09 – San Diego, CA @ Valley Wide Casino Center
08/12 – San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion ^
08/13 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl ^
08/14 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl ^
08/17 – Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
08/19 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena $
08/20 – St. Louis, MO @ Scottrade Center $
09/07 – San Antonio, TX @ AT&T Center $
09/08 – New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Arena $
09/10 – Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Arena $
09/11 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena $
09/13 – Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Arena $
09/14 – Indianapolis, IN @ Conseco Fieldhouse $
09/16 – Omaha, NE @ Qwest Center $
09/17 – Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center $

* = w/ Robyn
# = w/ Marina and the Diamonds
$ = w/ Janelle Monae
^ = w/ Oh Land

Okkervil River w/ Titus Andronicus

Okkervil River just put out a pretty cool new album. They haven’t toured in a long while, the last notable tour being their joint one with Wilco in 2009. But in a few weeks, Sheff will dawn his nicest professorial attire for a tote around the country. Shows at SXSW revealed a louder, more confident, more grandiose Okkervil River. There, the band mostly played newer material (mainly new stuff and songs from The Stage Names and The Stand-Ins, aside from Black Sheep Boy gems “A Stone” and “For Real”). So, get ready for a more raucous affair and a more volatile Sheff leading the Austin Texans into battle. Just don’t expect “Red” or “The Velocity of Saul at the Time of his Conversion”.

Joining them is the equally ferocious Titus Andronicus, still basking in the glory of their epic prog-punk masterpiece, The Monitor. While they may have lost longtime bassist Ian Graetzer, there’s no putting Patrick Stickles and his militant New Jersey-ites to rest. Expect epic renditions of already epic tracks, a whole lot of gut-wrenching fury, messy but magnificent guitar solos, antebellum facial hair, and sweaty T-shirts. And don’t forget to brush up on your Jersey iconography. It’ll be like The Boss got really angry, really drunk, and really fucking awesome (in that Civil War kind of way). With both bands on the bill, it won’t just be a one-two punch, it’ll be a one-two bayonet wound from the neck of a splintering acoustic guitar. -Drew Litowitz

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When and where:
05/31 – Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse #
06/01 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle #
06/02 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club #
06/03 – Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero Theatre #
06/04 – New Haven, CT @ Toad’s Place #
06/08 – Boston, MA @ Royale #
06/09 – Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom #
06/10 – Toronto, Ontario @ Phoenix Concert Theatre #
06/11 – Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall #
06/12 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue #
06/14 – Omaha, NE @ Slowdown
06/15 – Denver, CO @ The Bluebird Theater
06/16 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
06/17 – Boise, ID @ Egyptian Theatre
06/18 – Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre
06/20 – Vancouver, British Columbia @ The Vogue Theatre &
06/21 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom &
06/22 – San Francisco, CA @ The Fox Theater &
06/23 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern $
06/24 – San Diego, CA @ The Belly Up Tavern $
06/25 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre $
06/28 – Lubbock, TX @ Jake’s

# = w/ Future Islands
& = w/ Julianna Barwick
$ = w/ NewVillager

Roger Daltrey

Pete Townshend’s incurable tinnitus has put into question the continued presence of rock legends The Who as a touring unit. Plans were formulating as recently as last September, but have yet to bear fruit. The band’s other surviving member, frontman Roger Daltrey, must be as antsy as his fans, because although his guitarist remains on the bench, he’s taking their classic rock-opera Tommy on tour through the U.K., U.S., and Canada. Filling in for Townshend will be his brother, Simon, and the whole thing has Pete’s blessings. With Daltrey getting up in age and Townshend apparently unable to work around his hearing issues, there’s no telling how many more chances there will be to see The Who’s iconic catalogue played by its creators. Not to be pessimistic, but if The Who are on your bucket list, consider purchasing that ticket now. Here’s hoping Daltrey pulls a Waters and takes this definitive piece of work on a proper world tour, and maybe Townshend can even join him for at least one night. -Ben Kaye

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When and where:
07/03 – Alchester, UK @ Ragley Hall
07/04 – Gateshead, UK @ Sage
07/06 – Glasgow, UK @ Clyde Auditorium
07/07 – Manchester, UK @ Bridgewater Hall
07/09 – Nottingham, UK @ Royal Centre
07/10 – Newport, UK @ Centre
07/12 – Bristol, UK @ Colston Hall
07/13 – Southend, UK @ Cliffs Pavillion
07/15 – Guildford, UK @ Guilfest
07/16 – Hampshire, UK @ Broadlands
07/17 – Harrogate, UK @ Ripley House
07/19 – Hull City, UK @ Hall
07/21 – London, UK @ Indigo
07/22 – Norwich, UK @ Blicking Hall
07/24 – Exeter, UK @ Powderham Castle
09/13 – Hollywood, FL @ Seminole Hard Rock
09/15 – Alpharetta, GA @ Verizon Wireless Pavilion
09/17 – Boston, MA @ Agganis Arena
09/18 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
09/21 – Philadelphia, PA @ MANN Center
09/23 – Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Coliseum
09/24 – Hartford, CT @ XL Center
09/27 – Montreal, QC @ Place Des Arts
09/28 – Ottawa, ON @ Scotiabank Place
09/30 – Toronto, ON @ Sony Centre For The Performing Arts
10/01 – Windsor, ON @ The Coliseum at Caesars Windsor
10/05 – Minneapolis, MN @ U.S. Bank Theater at Target Center
10/07 – Hammond, IN @ Venue at Horseshoe Casino
10/08 – St. Louis, MO @ Peabody Opera House
10/11 – Cedar Park, TX @ Cedar Park Center
10/12 – Grand Prairie, TX @ Verizon Theatre
10/14 – Kansas City, MO @ The Midland by AMC
10/16 – Broomfield, CO @ 1STBANK Center
10/19 – Los Angeles, CA @ Nokia Theatre
10/21 – San Jose, CA @ San Jose Civic
10/22 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint
10/24 – Portland, OR @ Rose Quarter-Theatre of the Clouds
10/25 – Seattle, WA @ Key Arena
10/27 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
10/29 – Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place
10/30 – Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome
11/01 – Saskatoon, SK @ Credit Union Centre
11/02 – Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre

Sade

2001. That was the year of the last concert Sade performed. So when she announces a tour, it would behoove you to pay attention. Playing in support of last year’s excellent Soldier of Love, the trek is absolutely massive with over 50 dates between now and September. She’s not the only one on the road in support of a well-received album, though. Joining her for most of the tour dates will be John Legend, who finished up 2010 with The Roots on Wake Up!. There are plenty of chances for cross-generational fanbases here. Sade’s older fans may get into Legend’s soulful croons, and young people may gain appreciation for Sade’s unique blend of smooth jazz. Nothing wrong with that at all! -Joe Marvili

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When and where:
05/13 – Berlin, DE @ O2 World
05/14 – Prague, CH @ Arena
05/16 – Zurich, CH @ Hallenstadion
05/17 – Paris, FR @ Bercy
05/19 – Munich, DE @ Olympiahalle
05/20 – Amneville, FR @ Galaxie
05/23 – Rotterdam, NL @ Ahoy
05/25 – Dublin, IE @ The O2
05/27 – Manchester, UK @ MEN Arena
05/29 – Birmingham, UK @ LG Arena
05/31 – London, UK @ O2 Arena
06/16 – Baltimore, MD @ 1st Mariner Arena *
06/18 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Consol Energy Center *
06/19 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Arena *
06/21 – Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Coliseum *
06/22 – Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
06/24 – E. Rutherford, NJ @ IZod Center *
06/25 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center *
06/28 – Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre *
06/30 – Montreal, QC Bell Centre *
07/03 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena *
07/06 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden *
07/08 – Indianapolis, IN @ Conseco Fieldhouse *
07/09 – Cleveland, OH @ Quicken Loans Arena *
07/10 – Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center *
07/12 – Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena *
07/13 – Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena *
07/15 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ BankAtlantic Center *
07/16 – Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena *
07/17 – Orlando, FL @ Amway Center *
07/22 – New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Arena *
07/23 – Houston, TX @ Toyota Center *
07/24 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center *
07/26 – Kansas City, KS @ Sprint Center *
07/28 – St. Louis, MO @ Scottrade Cener *
07/29 – Memphis, TN @ FedEx Forum *
07/31 – Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Arena *
08/03 – Detroit, MI @ The Palace at Auburn Hills *
08/05 – Chicago, IL @ United Center *
08/06 – Chicago, IL @ United Center *
08/07 – Chicago, IL @ United Center *
08/09 – Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center *
08/11 – Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center *
08/13 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena *
08/14 – Seattle, WA @ Key Arena *
08/15 – Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena *
08/17 – Sacramento, CA @ Power Balance Pavilion *
08/19 – Los Angeles, CA @ Staples Center *
08/20 – Los Angeles, CA @ Staples Center *
08/21 – Los Angeles, CA @ Staples Center *
08/23 – San Diego, CA @ Cricket Amphitheatre *
08/25 – San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion *
08/26 – Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena *
08/27 – Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena *
08/30 – Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center *
08/31 – Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center *
09/02 – Phoenix, AZ @ U.S. Airways Center *
09/03 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Arena *

* = w/ John Legend

Soundgarden

Ever since Soundgarden crushed Lollapalooza last August for their first show in 13 years, the question on everyone’s mind was “What’s next?”. Not much news came out in 2010, but we got what we wanted this year: a reunion tour. Crisscrossing the United States, the Seattle rockers will be playing amphitheaters and arenas throughout the entire month of July. As if the chance to hear “Black Hole Sun”, “Spoonman”, and “Jesus Christ Pose” wasn’t enough, there are the openers to consider as well. The first half of the tour will feature Coheed and Cambria. Next up will be the insanity that is a Mars Volta performance. Then to cap the whole thing off, a couple of dates with Queens of the Stone Age right in the middle of their own comeback tour. Oh, and if you still need more, how does the possibility of new material sound? Yeah, we thought you’d like that. -Joe Marvili

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When and where:
07/02 – Toronto, ON @ Molson Canadian Amphitheatre ^
07/03 – London, ON @ John Labatt Centre ^
07/05 – Ottawa, ON @ Ottawa Bluesfest
07/06 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena ^
07/08 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center ^
07/09 – Wantagh, NY @ Nikon at Jones Beach Theater ^
07/10 – Mansfield, MA @ Comcast Center For The Performing Arts ^
07/13 – Philadelphia, PA @ Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing *
07/14 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Borgata Event Center *
07/16 – Chicago, IL @ UIC Pavilion *
07/18 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre *
07/21 – San Francisco, CA @ Bill Graham Civic Center *
07/22 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Forum *
07/23 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint *
07/29 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena &
07/30 – George, WA @ The Gorge #

^ = w/ Coheed and Cambria
* = w / The Mars Volta
& = w/ Queens of the Stone Age and Meat Puppets
# = w/ Queens of the Stone Age, Mastodon and Meat Puppets