This summer looks to be a memorable one for Dallas-area concertgoers, as the 12 shows featured below include a broad range of up-and-coming, of-the-moment and classic acts.
This list includes only the months of June, July and August, so concerts like Neil Diamond on May 28 and Jimmy Buffett on May 30 didn't make the cut. Also, given Garth Brooks' penchant for announcing his concerts piecemeal and the fact that he's in Houston for eight shows June 26-July 4 means he could very well be added to this list.
The Rolling Stones (June 6)
Because people have been making old jokes about the Rolling Stones for years, any opportunity to see them live is one that you should take advantage of, even if they charge exorbitant prices. The Stones take a tour through their extensive catalog at the only concert at AT&T Stadium this summer.
Neon Trees (June 18)
Given that the Utah quartet Neon Trees had a stellar start to their career in 2010 and 2011 with hits like "Animal" and "Everybody Talks," you'd figure they'd be playing bigger venues by now. But luckily for fans, you can still catch them playing in the intimacy of the Granada Theater in support of their 2014 album, Pop Psychology.
Darius Rucker (June 19)
Twenty years ago, the idea that Darius Rucker would be headlining a country extravaganza was as far-fetched as the rise of Hootie and the Blowfish in 1994. But Rucker has established himself as a country mainstay, with each of his albums hitting No. 1 on the country charts. He plays at Gexa Energy Pavilion in support of his latest, Southern Style.
Brian Wilson (June 24)
It's a sad state of affairs that Brian Wilson and the other surviving members of the Beach Boys, who were in town in April, can't reconcile their differences. But Wilson has long proven that he's a force on his own, something he'll undoubtedly show at this concert at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie in support of his 2015 album, No Pier Pressure.
Smashing Pumpkins and Marilyn Manson (July 15)
For aging rockers, it's a familiar formula to team up with another older band to try to play on nostalgia. Although the fan bases of the Smashing Pumpkins and Marilyn Manson wouldn't normally seem like they'd have much crossover, perhaps their combined power can be enough to remind us of what both acts once were. They play at Gexa Energy Pavilion.
Nicki Minaj (July 17)
Aside from a few one-off shows, including one as part of the X Games in Austin, Nicki Minaj starts the North American leg of her eagerly anticipated Pinkprint Tour in Dallas at Gexa Energy Pavilion. Minaj plays in support of her 2014 album, The Pinkprint, which has yielded two hits so far: "Anaconda" and "Only."
Faith No More (July 27)
If you're thinking that it's been a long time since you heard anything from Faith No More, you're absolutely right. It's been 18 years since we've seen any new music from the band known for hits like "Epic" and "Easy." But they're back again with a new album, Sol Invictus, and you can judge for yourself if they've still got what it takes when they play at the South Side Ballroom.
Shania Twain (August 10)
Speaking of someone who's been off the radar for a while, one-time country/pop superstar Shania Twain comes to American Airlines Center as part of her first tour in more than 11 years. Twain once thought she'd never sing again, but after vocal cord rehab, she's ready to show the world she can still sing with the best. She plays in advance of her forthcoming fifth album.
Sam Smith (August 17)
It was clear when Sam Smith came to town in October 2014 that his days of playing smaller venues were already passé, so the only surprise with his return visit is that he's not playing anything bigger than the 6,350-seat Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie. The soul singer, who's already on his way to superstardom thanks to songs like "Stay With Me" and "I'm Not the Only One," starts a stacked week at this venue.
Alabama Shakes (August 18)
Unlike the man who will be at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie the day before them, Alabama Shakes did not take home the Best New Artist Grammy Award when they were nominated back in 2013. But when you have hosannas coming from both critics and fans, that's just as good as any trophy. The roots rock group plays in support of the sophomore album, Sound & Color.
Weird Al Yankovic (August 21)
You may have to see Sam Smith and Alabama Shakes on weekdays at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie, but you can start your weekend off right with a night of music and comedy courtesy of Weird Al Yankovic. After 32 years in the business, Weird Al might be at his peak, scoring the first No. 1 album of his career for Mandatory Fun, followed by his fourth Grammy for Best Comedy Album.
Kelly Clarkson (August 30)
What better way to end a summer of great concerts than by seeing hometown girl Kelly Clarkson headline at Gexa Energy Pavilion? The new mom isn't letting parenthood slow her down, as this concert is part of a four-month tour across North America in support of her latest album, Piece by Piece. She's joined by a capella group Pentatonix and Eric Hutchinson.
The Rolling Stones kick off Dallas' summer concert season in style on June 6 at AT&T Stadium.
The Elf Town Depot, with mayor Elfus standing guard.Photo courtesy of David and Melissa Loder
The Loders have been presenting Elf Town since 2011.Photo courtesy of David and Melissa Loder