The Playlist: Summer Concerts

As I write this, the only thing I can hear in my apartment is the sound of the AC blasting. It’s going to be a long, hot summer and it’s only just begun.

So while many of you are scheduling time off work to head to the beach or a colder climate – I hear Australia’s nice this time of year – here are a few of my picks for summer fun. You’ll still want to bring some SPF and a towel but you won’t need to spend your kids’ college savings to cover the transportation.

It’s just 40 miles down the road and it’s called the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. Over the past two years, it’s become a tradition of mine to check out as many shows as time and money permit and this year will be no different. I might even come home with a T-shirt or two.

So with that said, here are a few shows coming this summer worth checking out.

Tuesday, July 1: Dave Matthews Band

$32.50 - $62.50

Dave has been making an annual stop each year since I’ve lived in North Carolina, which isn’t all that long yet still impressive. His visit in 2006 remains one of my favorite concert experiences; just imagine a “Best of” album performed live. Last year’s wasn’t bad by any stretch of the imagination but if you weren’t a die-hard you probably didn’t know half the songs. Hopefully the upcoming show resembles 06 more than 07.

Friday, July 11: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Opening act: Steve Winwood

$29.50 - $95

My first concert at Verizon Wireless was Petty’s appearance in 2006, backed by Stevie Nicks and Trey Anastasio. Petty is coming off a career-retrospective documentary (“Runnin’ Down a Dream”) and new album with some old friends. The self-titled “Mudcrutch,” released this spring, reunites Petty and some of the original Heartbreakers with the band they comprised in the mid 1970s. There’s still the distinctive Petty sound to the music, just with a grittier, southern slang.

Monday, July 28: Counting Crows and Maroon 5

Opening act: Sara Bareilles

$23.50 - $126

The Crows return to Charlotte after a 2006 stop with the Goo Goo Dolls. And, much like then, I might be more interested in the second, and in this case third, act rather than Adam Duritz’ “Sideshow Bob” hair. I’ve wanted to see Maroon 5 in concert for a few years now. They and the Crows will be joined by Bareilles, who broke out this year with “Love Song.”

Saturday, Aug. 2: Journey with Heart and Cheap Trick

$23.50 - $125

Oh, if only Steve Perry was still part of the band... I’m all for classic rock tours, especially bands that had songs that still hold up compared to today’s hits. But Journey without Steve Perry is like apple pie without ice cream. Sure, it tastes okay. But something’s lacking and you know you’re getting ripped off. Never been much of a Heart fan but you can’t go wrong with Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me.”

Wednesday, Sept. 17: 3 Doors Down with Finger Eleven and Hinder

$19 – $69

3 Doors came in 2006 with Lynard Skynard. I skipped out on that one for the same reason I’ll be skipping out on Journey and, if they ever come to town, the Beach Boys. It’s just not the same if half your band has been dead 30 years. But throw in Finger Eleven (“One Thing”) and Hinder (“Lips of an Angel”) and this might be a rock show worth checking out.

And if that wasn’t enough to wet your apetite, here’s the full summer lineup.

Tuesday, July 1: Dave Matthews Band

Saturday, July 5: Crue Fest featuring Motley Crue, Buckcherry, Papa Roach, SIXX:A.M. and Trapt

Friday, July 11: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Monday, July 14: Vans Warped Tour

Friday, July 18: Brad Paisley

Saturday, July 19: Foreigner and Bryan Adams

Sunday, July 20: Rush

Thursday, July 24: 311 and Snoop Dogg with Fiction Plane

Friday, July 25: Widespread Panic

Monday, July 28: Counting Crows and Maroon 5 with Sara Bareilles

Tuesday, July 29: Jonas Brothers and Avril Lavigne

Wednesday, July 30: Projekt Revolution 2008

Saturday, Aug. 2: Journey with Heart and Cheap Trick

Sunday, Aug. 3: Rascal Flatts

Sunday, Aug. 17: Stone Temple Pilots

Tuesday, Aug. 19: John Mayer

Thursday, Aug. 21: Kenny Chesney

Friday, September 5: Brooks & Dunn and ZZ Top

Wednesday, Sept. 17: 3 Doors Down with Staind and Hinder

And for those making the trip this year, here are a few survival tips:

If you’re getting lawn seats, get there early and sit as close as you can. The people on stage are still going to appear small no matter where you are but if you're close you're going to have far less people standing in your view.

Bring blankets to sit on, if only to mark your territory and give you more space than the person next to you.

Be prepared to deal with drunk and / or high people. Think of it as part of the concert experience; an added bonus thrown in for free with your purchase of a ticket.

For more information, visit ticketmaster.com or call the box office at 704-549-1292.