Have you noticed recently that the sun isn’t going down until 9:30 p.m.? That, and the sudden, optimistic perspective you have on life can only mean one thing: it’s almost summer. Summer is a time of leisure for students; the distinct, happy vibe that blankets our community provides many opportunities to sit back, relax and enjoy life without the pressures of school for a few weeks.
Little comes close to capturing the bright essence of summer like listening to live music with your closest pals. Being in a crowd and hearing the sounds of drums, guitars and vocals being made live fits perfectly under the shining sun; but summer is also a time for adventures. As great as they are, Eugene venues rarely attract big-name headlining acts, so consider getting the group together, scraping up some gas money and hitting the road for any one of the great shows happening this summer. To get the ball rolling, here are a few shows that are worth a snack-and-joke-filled road trip. Don’t forget the sunscreen.
June 10: Future, Migos, A$AP Ferg and Zoey Dollaz at The White River Amphitheatre, Auburn, Washington
On June 10, Future’s “Nobody Safe” tour featuring Migos, A$AP Ferg, and Zoey Dollaz will stop by Auburn, Washington. The flashy lineup is sure to put on a show full of energy and crazy moments.
June 17: Tool at The Gorge Amphitheatre, George, Washington
Considering that critically-acclaimed rock band Tool stresses visual art as much as music, its June 17 show in George, Washington should be quite a metal/progressive/alternative rock experience. Metal isn’t necessarily the happiest of genres, so try not to crack a smile at this show.
June 21: Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds will bring more than 20 years of alternative rock experience to the Arlene Schnitzer in Portland on June 23. With its latest release, “Lovely Creatures,” being a greatest hits record, this show will likely feature the biggest hits from numerous albums.
June 25: Roger Waters at the Moda Center, Portland
Roger Waters, bassist for the legendary Pink Floyd, will be coming to both Seattle and Portland on June 24 and 25 respectively. His “Us + Them” tour will be a spectacle of huge screens and abstract designs, pushing you further into the trance usually induced by Pink Floyd’s classics — all of which will be played during the show.
June 28: Tycho at McMenamins Edgefield Amphitheatre, Troutdale, Oregon
The sweet blend of organic and electronic sounds of Tycho will also be in the area this summer. The tour for his new album, “Epoch,” will be hitting Troutdale on June 28 alongside Todd Terje & The Olsens and Jaga Jazzist. Tycho puts on a great show, and with his new album out, more of the same is to be expected.
July 1: Ween at The Les Schwab Amphitheater, Bend
The shifting sounds of Ween will be on full display on July 1 in Bend. As a band, its sound is eclectic, meaning that the show can go a variety of directions. But Ween recently released a live album which can give a bit of insight as to what can be expected from its patently strange live performance.
July 17: J. Cole at The KeyArena, Seattle, Washington
Fresh off the release of his latest album, “4 Your Eyez Only,” North Carolina, platinum rapper J. Cole will be in Seattle on July 17. This concert is one of the premier rap concerts of the summer, so definitely consider taking a trip for this show.
July 22: Erykah Badu at FYF Fest, Los Angeles
Although this is the longest drive on this list, traveling all the way down to Los Angeles would be worth it in this case. Soul queen Erykah Badu announced her “Badu Vs. Everything” tour earlier this year, on track with “Baduizm’s” 20-year anniversary. This show will actually be taking place at FYF Fest on July 22, but that ticket and 12-hour drive are worth it for Badu’s show alone.
July 23: Bruno Mars at the Moda Center, Portland
On July 23 and 24, world-renowned pop star Bruno Mars will be making stops in Portland and Tacoma respectively. Any show with this big of a name will offer just as much visually as it would musically, giving it the potential to be a great experience whether you listen to his music or not. Anderson .Paak is rumored to be touring with him, but so far, only Mars is confirmed. Taking into account that tickets are currently more than $800 on resale markets, the pop star better bring a performance to remember.
August 1: Green Day at the Moda Center, Portland
Green Day will play in Auburn, Washington on August 1, followed by a Portland performance the following day. This classic, early ‘00s punk band still has a solid following, which means it probably knows how to put on a great show. And listening to “American Idiot” among other hits should be a treat for anyone — whether ironic or not.
August 1: Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott and D.R.A.M. at the Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, Washington
Also appearing on August 1, this time in Tacoma, Washington, in what probably makes up the must-see show of the summer, is Kendrick Lamar. Fresh off the highly successful “DAMN.,” Lamar is joined by Travis Scott and D.R.A.M. to deliver his new, visionary sounds. Considering that Lamar’s next album likely won’t be dropped for at least two years, this may be our only chance to see King Kendrick for a long while.
