Spring is usually prime event time in Eugene. Temperatures are rising and the rain is letting up (or it will … eventually), which means students are apt to ditch studying inside to celebrate the warmer weather with a good concert. And while it’s not exactly warm, why not preemptively celebrate the good weather with these upcoming concerts:
April 7: The English Beat
Best known in the United States for their Top 40 hit “Tenderness,” the ’80s band The English Beat, known as The Beat in the United Kingdom, is coming to WOW Hall. Founded in 1978, The Beat was a part of what was then known as the “two-tone ska” revival movement. They’ve toured with huge musicians like David Bowie, The Clash and R.E.M. The band broke up in 1983 but reformed in 2003 and has since been touring frequently around the U.K. and U.S. The concert starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door.
April 20: Wicked
For musical fans, “Wicked” is the best thing since sliced bread or even “Les Miserables.” The Tony award-winning Broadway musical, based on the popular book “Wicked” by Gregory Maguire, will be stopping by the Hult Center April 20 through May 1. Times and ticket prices vary, so check the Hult Center website for more info.
April 23: The Devil Makes Three with Brown Bird
If you’re ever in need of a country band, fused with punk, fused with blues and enhanced with whiskey, The Devil Makes Three is your band. A lot of their songs are mostly folk bluesy, but they certainly aren’t the same as most folk-indie bands. Their most recent album “Do Wrong Right” was released in spring 2009. The concert is at WOW Hall starting at 9 p.m. Tickets are $18 advance, $20 at the door.
April 28: MiMosa, Paper Diamond, Bogl
WOW Hall is welcoming back MiMosa after he made his debut in Eugene last September in what was heralded as one of the year’s best concerts. Now MiMosa is touring to celebrate the launch of his own label, False Idol Music, as well as many self-released EPs. The concert will be at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door.
May 20: Sheryl Crow
Big name pop and country singer Sheryl Crow is stopping at The Shedd Institute on her tour “100 Miles From Memphis,” promoting her latest album. If you’re a huge Crow fan, The Shedd is offering a “meet and greet package,” which includes meeting Crow, a photo, ticket and other merchandise. It comes at the hefty price of $495, however. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $85, $69, and $39.
May 29: Tech N9ne with Andre Nickatina
Rappers Tech N9ne and Andre Nickatina will be performing at the Cuthbert Amphitheater for what is sure to be one of the Cuthbert’s most popular concerts this year. Ticket sales start April 1 for $38 and are $41 at the gate.
June 7: Cage the Elephant with Manchester Orchestra
McDonald Theatre is welcoming two high energy bands in Cage the Elephant and Manchester Orchestra. Cage the Elephant released their self-titled debut in 2009 and have proven infectious with their funk-punk style, which can be heard in their hit “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked.” Their sound is a little bit like a stripped-down version of The Hives, but less angry. Tickets are on sale for $21 and $23. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m.
June 16: Jethro Tull
The ’70s British band Jethro Tull will be performing at Cuthbert this summer. Though the band is probably too old for most University students to remember, they are one of the great bands to have spawned from the ’70s era, rivaling the likes of Led Zeppelin and Elton John. The band has made close to 30 albums and sold more than 50 million since forming in 1968. The concert starts at 7 p.m. Tickets for reserved seating are $55, and general admission are $35.
hahsan@dailyemerald.com