CLICK THE COVER
TO
VIEW THE DIGITAL VERSION!
|
|
Outdoor Concert Venues
|
|
June 2012
|
|
by Jack Markham
|
|
Category: Unique US
|
|
|
| |
Ah, summer. With the arrival of warmer weather and longer days, we can finally start enjoying the outdoors. It's time for baseball, beaches, cookouts and the staple of those cooler summer nights, the outdoor concert. Summer tours can ignite a new band's success and keep fans of veteran rockers happy every year.
While seeing your favorite band may be the highlight of a concert, sometimes the venue itself can add to an unforgettable night. To celebrate the sounds of summer, we've put together a list of some of the most legendary outdoor concert venues in America - the places where musicians, fans and landscape combine to create one astounding experience.
NIKON AT JONES BEACH THEATER - WANTAGH, N.Y.
Opened in 1952 just east of Manhattan on Long Island, the stage of this outdoor amphitheater was originally on the water separated from the seats by a moat. Performers were brought to the stage by boat. Renovations have added seating out to the stage but the views of Zachs Bay are still spectacular. Brad Paisley, Dave Matthews, Def Leppard and the Beach Boys are some of the acts scheduled for this summer. www.jonesbeach.com
STARLIGHT THEATRE - KANSAS CITY, MO.
Originally conceived for musicals and plays, the Starlight stands as one of the grander, more distinguished outdoor venues in America. Designed as a castle-like structure during the golden age of rock 'n' roll, audiences are transported back to the time of Jerry Lee Lewis and Jefferson Airplane. James Taylor, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Phish and Boston are lined up for this summer. www.kcstarlight.com
RED ROCKS PARK AND AMPHITHEATRE - MORRISON, COLO.
There is perhaps no venue in America more awe-inspiring than Red Rocks. The open-air amphitheater is nestled within the red rock formations of the Rocky Mountains just outside of Denver. As if etched into the rocks, the theater offers breathtaking views and an acoustic experience unlike any other. Wilco, Alan Jackson, The Avett Brothers, LMFAO and The Fray are just some of the acts scheduled. www.redrocksonline.com
RIVERBEND MUSIC CENTER - CINCINNATI, OHIO
Another stage resting on the water, Riverbend has hosted high-octane acts since it opened in 1984. Since 1988, Jimmy Buffett has made Riverbend an annual stop, and along with Buffett, Lady Antebellum, Radiohead and Rod Stewart will perform this year. www.riverbend.org
MERRIWEATHER POST PAVILLION - COLUMBIA, MD.
Just north of Washington, D.C., and nestled within 40 acres of grass and woodlands, this venue was originally built for the National Symphony Orchestra but over the past 40 years has been the stage for some of the greatest acts in music history. Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Green Day and just about every musical genre have graced this stage. The Black Keys, the Zac Brown Band, the Capital Jazz Fest and Jason Mraz are among the acts this summer. www.merriweathermusic.com
|
|
|
|