Author Spotlight
Mac Tamblyn
Who: Weezer
What: An all-American alternative rock band formed in ’92, Weezer will rock audience members into oblivion with their myriad of drum-and-guitar-heavy songs. Expect a wide array of concertgoers, from the 20-something hipsters to gangly shorts-and-school-T-shirt-wearing teens.
Where: City Market
When: Friday June 4, 7 p.m.
Why: Because nearly everyone can recall at least one bar of “Beverly Hills” and lead singer Rivers Cuomo is pushing 40 and can still belt it. Taking place just a mere week after gaining freedom of the hallowed halls of East, there’s nothing like a Friday night jam session to start your summer off right.
Who: MGMT
What: Based out of Brooklyn, enigmatic figures Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden make up the electronic, trippy, psychedelic synth fest that is MGMT. The flashtastic duo will be making a stop in KC this summer to sport a few multicolored lights and rile up a crowd of inebriated fans. Be sure to brush up on the new songs from Congratulations, the band’s most recent album, before getting stuck standing still in the crowd, yearning for the familiar chorus of “Kids.” Where: Uptown Theater
When: Sunday June 13, TBA
Why: It may not be “Get Low” by Lil Jon and East Side Boyz but Congratulations sure provides listeners with some serious dance beats. Shake your groove thing while upping your (not so) indie cred.
Who: Backstreet Boys
What: You know, the Backstreet Boys. The denim-suit-clad boy band with high-pitched vocals and expertly frosted tips that stole every girl’s heart when you were in elementary school.
Where: The Midland by AMC
When: Monday June 21, 8 p.m.
Why: Why not? Spending an entire paycheck on a ticket may very well be worth seeing the band make an attempted comeback. Grab a few pals that can still belt out the lyrics to “I Want It That Way,” throw on your most outrageous 90s garb, and slick so much product into your hair that your head could be marketed and sold at the local Wal-Mart. Making “I Love Nick Carter” posters? Strongly advised.
Who: Michael Buble
What: The master of seduction, Michael Bublé (most likely rocking a slick deep blue- or charcoal-colored suit and complementing skinny tie) will send chills up your spine with his angelic Sinatra-esque love ballads. Dress for success in case you’re pulled on stage for a spontaneous audience-member serenade.
Where: Sprint Center
When: Saturday June 26, 8 p.m.
Why: You know you’ve seen his albums in the Border’s Café, likely accompanied by heart-shaped chocolates and other assorted Valentine’s Day novelties. Ask that sweet friend-but-not-just-friend that you met at summer camp to accompany you to a night of romance and get ready for your heartstrings to be tugged as the voice of this Canadian heartthrob fills the Sprint Center.
Who: Justin Bieber
What: The 16-year-old pop sensation who is taking the place of the Jonas Brothers as the object of obsessive affection for pre-teens everywhere. Best known for “telling you one time,” Bieber popped on the scene as Usher’s prodigy in 2009 and stole the hearts of girls all over the continent.
Where: Sprint Center
When: Wednesday July 28, 8 p.m.
Why: With tickets listed up to $530, the experience could get a little pricey. But seeing J-Biebs and Ludacris up close and personal may be enough to give you a healthy bout of Bieber Fever.
Who: Jack Johnson
What: The Hawaiian king of chill brings his soothing lyrics and acoustic-guitar-driven melodies to Bonner Springs, the night before the dreaded first day back at school.
Where: Capitol Federal Park at Sandstone
When: Monday Aug. 16, 7 p.m.
Why: Give summer the old heave-ho with a calming outdoor concert in the hazy August sunset. Bring a group of friends along and discuss your summer escapades apart while enjoying a lemonade and Johnson’s fifth studio album “To the Sea.” Shoes, optional.
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