If you're living in or around the Indianapolis area this summer, you're in for a real treat. A long string of big-name music acts will be stopping through Indy, giving the city what might be its best summer concert season in years. As someone who usually relies on the stature of Chicago to bring in high-caliber bands, I'm starting to look at Indy as a near-equal alternative. Here are just a few of the acts to look forward to. Prices are considered estimates at time of publication and may fluctuate.
The New Pornographers
When: April 22
Where: Vogue Theatre – This is not a misprint. The New Pornographers play in Indy tonight with The Walkmen. The concert starts at 9 p.m., so if you're reading this before 8 p.m., there is still hope. Tickets are $25. Good luck and God speed.
Arcade Fire & The National
When: April 27
Where: The Lawn at White River State Park – With two of the biggest names in indie rock today, this will undoubtedly be an exciting concert. Last time I checked, tickets were still available, though they are roughly $50 a piece.
CAKE
When: May 15
Where: Egyptian Room – After seven years of near silence, CAKE released "Showroom of Compassion" in January and are now touring in support of it. Tickets are $47.
The Black Keys
When: June 10
Where: The Lawn at White River State Park – The Black Keys formed in 2001 and have been slowly gaining popularity while refining their soulful blues-rock sound. Now a Grammy-award winning band, they will rock your socks off for the price of $45.
Iron & Wine
When: June 10
Where: Vogue Theatre – If on 6/10 you'd prefer a mellower atmosphere, you'd be better off seeing Iron & Wine. Unfortunately, tickets are sold out for this show, but where there's a will, there's a way.
Umphrey's McGee
When: June 25
Where: The Lawn at White River State Park – Indy's going to get it's jam on when these guys come to town. Get ready. Tickets are $35.
Florence + The Machine
When: July 4
Where: The Lawn at White River State Park – There's hardly a better way to spend Independence Day than with this recently discovered indie-rock sensation. With the inevitable firework show, it will definitely be worth your $35.
Interpol
When: July 22
Where: Vogue Theatre – While Interpol may not be making records of the same caliber as they used to, they are still a great act to see live. Tickets are $29.
Wiz Khalifa
When: August 2
Where: The Lawn at White River State Park – Wiz Khalifa and opener Big Sean should offer some relief to those tired of hearing about indie rock acts. Tickets are $45.
Bright Eyes
When: August 4
Where: Egyptian Room – This may very well be the last time to see Bright Eyes perform live, though I doubt it will be the last we hear of Conor Oberst. Tickets are $40 with The Mountain Goats opening.
The Decemberists
When: August 5
Where: The Lawn at White River State Park – Always with something new to show, The Decemberists are a must-see for anyone who loves a good melody. See them in their prime for $35.
Ke$ha
When: August 23
When: The Lawn at White River State Park – Come 8/23, it'll be time to paint your face, don some glitter, brush your teeth with Jack Daniels, and go see the carnival of crazy otherwise known as a Ke$ha concert. Tickets are $50, Jack Daniels not included.
Guster
When: August 29
Where: The Lawn at White River State Park – A favorite among college students, Guster will show Indy a good time with their catchy pop-rock. Also, if you didn't catch Jack's Mannequin the two times he came to DePauw, he's the opening act. Tickets are $37.
— Pannekoek is a senior from Chesterton, Ind., majoring in English writing.
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