
As the temperature gauge starts to heat up, so does the concert scene in Connecticut. Music fans of every age and genre will have their fill of live shows this summer. Whether you're looking for an outdoor amphitheatre or a small intimate show, Connecticut venues have something for everyone.
The Comcast Music Theatre in Hartford has a good mix of rock and country artists visiting the area this season. Summer concert regulars the Dave Matthews Band, Phish and Lynyrd Skynyrd are making return visits and the venue will also see the return of metal rockers Limp Bizkit and the Lilith Fair. Many newcomers like Jack Johnson, Kings of Leon and the Jonas Brothers will make their debuts this summer at the theater. If you want to rock even harder, you have three festivals making a stop at the theatre (Vans Warped Tour, Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, Ozzfest). Let's not forget that country music is also making an appearance with Brooks & Dunn, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts and the Zac Brown Band.
If a smaller venue is what you're looking for... then the Toyota Presents the Oakdale Theatre is just right for you. Their summer schedule has a mix of hip-hop (50 Cent), alternative (Honda Civic Tour featuring Paramore, Tegan & Sara and New Found Glory), heavy metal (American Carnage Tour featuring Slayer, Megadeth and Testament) and adult contemporary artists Tony Bennett and Jackson Browne.
Now if a night out with dinner and a show and maybe some slots sounds good, then you can't go wrong with the casinos in Connecticut. The Mohegan Sun Arena gets things underway with a visit from James Taylor & Carole King. Classic rock artists from the '70s are all over this summer's schedule with appearances from Yes, Peter Frampton, Styx, Foreigner, Kansas, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, The Doobie Brothers and Chicago. R&B Superstars Maxwell and Jill Scott heat up the arena in June before megastars Michael Buble and Sting carry the heat into July. July will also see the return of Meatloaf and Rush along with hall of famers Carlos Santana, Steve Winwood and Simon & Garfunkel. Mohegan Sun will finish the summer with rockers, Maroon 5, Creed, Shinedown and the recently announced return of Kiss. For a complete list of shows, please visit
mohegansun.com.
Across the way at MGM Grand at Foxwoods, the summer starts off with rock gods, Jeff Back, Jethro Tull and the Steve Miller Band. Lionel Richie makes a return visit with a two-night stand in June. Also appearing are legends Johnny Mathis, Willie Nelson, the Beach Boys and Bobby Vinton. For more information on these shows and more, please visit
mgmgrandatfoxwoods.com.
If you hate dealing with the crowds, then check some great bands (Los Straitjackets, Social Distortion, Ted Nugent) making appearances local smaller venues throughout Connecticut. Go see a show and make your own summer soundtrack this season.