Sticking around Boston this summer? Going to be missing all those concerts in Hotung? You're in luck. Consider checking out some of the bands that are going to be playing at various locations in or near Boston during the next few months.
Rilo Kiley and Nada Surf: Take your mind off any and all nuggets of nostalgia by going to Avalon tonight. Granted, it might be last minute timing and all 53 members of your extended family might be in town, but these are two indie bands not to be missed. Proof? Rilo Kiley's 2004 release, "More Adventurous," adventured its way onto dozens of "Best of 2004" lists. And even though Nada Surf is still riding on the tails of their 2002 release, "Let Go," the band's repertoire far exceeds that of most opening acts. At Avalon tonight.
The Decemberists with Rebecca Gates: A little known band that's going to be huge soon, this is your chance to catch them on the way up. Their latest release, "Picaresque," got rave reviews. It looks like they're filling up that ever-gaping void in the world of good new bands. At Avalon on May 25. Tickets are $15.25.
Stevie Nicks and Don Henley: Although you might have to be over the age of 30 to really appreciate these guys, years of listening to my parents' Eagles and Fleewood Mac albums have rubbed off a bit ... just a little bit. At the Tweeter Center in Mansfield, MA on June 8.
LCD Soundsystem with M.I.A.: Both just put out sparkling new releases. With a lot of musical variation between the two, the mix of sounds should make for an interesting show. At Avalon, June 9.
Santana with Los Lonely Boys and Salvador Santana Band: Santana is, obviously, Santana. A trio of brothers from West Texas, the up and coming Los Lonely Boys artfully combine the classic Tex-Mex fare of country, blues and rock with Latin rhythms, some hot guitar playing and Beatles-style pop melodies. Sure to be a hit. At the Tweeter Center, June 17.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with the Black Crowes: Tom Petty was quoted in Rolling Stone saying: "Only a complete greedhead would charge $150 for a concert ticket ... I was at one of our gigs recently and I was just stunned driving in that it cost $30 to park your car ... You got to care about the person you're dealing with." Thank God for Petty's philanthropy. Lawn seats are $95. At the Tweeter Center on June 18.
Ja Rule: I don't really know where he's at right now in terms of his battle with 50 Cent, so if you go to his show, be careful. Touring in support of his latest release "Blood In My Eye," the small venue will provide an unusual chance to see Ja up close and personal. At Avalon on June 27.
Dave Matthews Band: You know you love them, just give in to the craving. At the Tweeter Center on July 9 and 10.
The Melody Tent Festival: New York has the Hamptons, Chicago has ... Wisconsin and Boston has Cape Cod. Besides the scenic view and tasty sea breeze, every summer Cape Cod opens its very own Melody Tent, located in Hyannis. This year's circuit features such acts as the newly-wed Seal (6/15), Carole King (7/11), Liza Minnelli (7/16), and "the Gambler" Kenny Rogers (8/12). And don't let the name fool you - "Melody Tent" also features comediennes such as Dane Cook, Lewis Black, and Bill Cosby. June 11 to July 24.
For a complete list, go to Teaparty Concerts, http://boston.cc.com.
