It’s a real bummer that no on-campus concert is expected to take place this semester, but once school’s out, we’re far from being left in the dark. Plenty of great shows are expected to hit the Bangor area this summer and even more if you count the multitude of concerts in other parts of the state.
On any given week this summer, there will be something worthwhile to check out. Here’s a rundown of the best concerts for the upcoming summer months:
Silversun Pickups
May 7 at State Theatre in Portland
$25 in advance, $30 day of
Perhaps best known for their 2006 album “Carnavas” and single “Lazy Eye,” indie rockers Silversun Pickups will be stopping in Portland to promote their 2012 record, “Neck of the Woods.” For this album, the group has incorporated more electronic and shoegaze influences into their aggressive-but-dreamy aesthetic.
Motley Crue
May 16 at Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion in Bangor
From $41.75 to $91.75
The Waterfront is coming up big this summer, with more than a few classic acts slated to perform during the warmer months. With enduring hits like “Shout at the Devil” and “Dr. Feelgood,” this show can appeal to non-fans of law-breaking, tattooed womanizers.
Iron and Wine
May 18 at State Theatre in Portland
$30 in advance, $35 day of
When woodsy neo-folk was en vogue in the early- to mid-2000s, Iron and Wine — real name Sam Beam — was at the forefront. Beam went from singlehandedly recording his debut record, 2002’s “The Creek Drank the Cradle,” on a four-track mixer to incorporating electronics in 2011’s “Kiss Each Other Clean.”
Bloc Party
June 4 at State Theatre in Portland
$25 in advance, $30 day of
The high-energy and ever-experimenting foursome will make their way to Portland in the midst of hype about a new EP from the group, expected out at some point this spring. Opening is Bear Mountain, a fantastic Canadian indie pop group whose 2012 EP “XO” is a 20-minute nugget of electro goodness.
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
June 9 at State Theatre in Portland
$25 in advance, $30 day of
Led by hippie-dippie vocalist Alex Ebert, the flower-power folksters are touring to promote their 2012 album, “Here,” which Rolling Stone named the 7th best album of the year.
!!!
June 13 at State Theatre in Portland
$15 in advance, $18 day of
!!!, or “Chk Chk Chk,” has a new album called “THR!!!ER” expected to be released April 30, and the indie blogosphere has been going nuts over it. Also impressive is opening act Sinkane, whose 2012 album “Mars” features a mix of inter-genre elements from around the world.
Ellis Paul
June 15 at The Opera House in Boothbay Harbor
$20
Paul, a native of Fort Kent, is a constantly touring folk musician who has had much success in his career. He has won 14 awards from Boston Music Awards and his song “The World Ain’t Slowin’ Down” was featured in Jim Carey’s movie “Me, Myself & Irene.”
Lamb of God
June 16 at State Theatre in Portland
$25 in advance, $30 day of
No, it’s not gospel music. It’s a testosterone-fueled assault from one of the biggest metal bands in the country, and it’s making its way to Portland.
Sting
June 20 at Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion in Bangor
From $63.25 to $103.25
The Police frontman is bringing his Back To Bass tour to the Waterfront this June, which should feature a lively mix of tunes from his former band and songs from his solo endeavors.
David Byrne and St. Vincent
June 21 at State Theatre in Portland
$45 in advance, $50 day of
Annie Clark, of St. Vincent, and Talking Heads frontman David Byrne collaborated on 2012 album “Love This Giant,” which was one of the biggest indie records last year. The combined strengths were played up during the creation of the album, and the funky brass instrumentation doesn’t hurt, either.
Darius Rucker with Rodney Atkins and Jana Kramer
June 21 at Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion in Bangor
From $21.75 to $67.75
The Waterfront will host a ton of country artists this summer, and that run kicks off with Hootie & The Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker. He will be joined by Rodney Atkins and “One Tree Hill” star turned country singer Jana Kramer.
Phish
July 3 at Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion in Bangor
$60
Everybody’s favorite jam band — save for The Grateful Dead — is returning to Maine. The group hasn’t released an album since 2009, but group leader Trey Anastasio’s 2012 record “Traveler” has been enough to hold most fans over.
Mayhem Festival (feat. Rob Zombie, Mastodon, Five Finger Death Punch and others)
July 17 at Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion in Bangor
$42.50
The Mayhem Festival has been arguably the premier touring hard rock and metal festival since its inception in 2008. This year’s lineup is particularly strong, with legend Rob Zombie and new metal heroes like Mastodon and Five Finger Death Punch.
Barenaked Ladies, Ben Folds Five and Guster
July 21 at Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion in Bangor
From $30.75 to $84.75
Three of the premier groups from the ’90s are set to come to Bangor this summer. They’ll all be taking the same stage on the same night, all for one price. Fans nostalgic for the alternative rock of their childhood can’t beat this.
Beach House
July 31 at State Theatre in Portland
$25 in advance, $30 day of
The ambient pop group has seen great success since their start in 2006, which didn’t change upon the release of 2012 album “Bloom.” The band is an experienced touring unit that has had various festival and television appearances, so expect a tight and consistent performance.
Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley
Aug. 2 at Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion in Bangor
From $27.75 to $61.75
Part two of the Waterfront’s summer country lineup takes place at the start of August, with Nashville giants Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley. If you’re not able to make this show, then…
Kenny Chesney
Aug. 7 at Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion in Bangor
From $41.50 to $91.50
…another country titan will be in town just a few days later. Chesney will be touring to promotehis next album, “Life on a Rock,” expected to hit shelves on April 30.