So, it’s summer time again, which means there are a ton of upcoming tours to look forward to. Now, I don’t know about you, but I always get a little flustered when trying to coordinate dates and times, and figuring out who is playing where and when and how I plan to get there, blah blah blah. Sorry, I cannot personally secure your ride to and from the venue, nor can I organize your iCal with the dates and times for shows in your vicinity. However, I’d be more than happy to list for you a few of the tours that I am anxiously anticipating. Not only that, but I will give you little tidbits of details, and why you won’t want to miss these performances!
P.S. I am going to try to make it out to all of the New York City dates of these shows (and possibly some NJ ones), so if you are reading this and thinking, “oh, hmm I may be there as well!” then let me know and we can meet up!
Blink-182 with special guests: Weezer, Fall Out Boy, Taking Back Sunday, Panic at the Disco, The All-American Rejects, Chester French and Asher Roth

Whew. What a list. If you are a human being between the ages of 13-40 (and possibly beyond that) you know Blink-182 has gotten back together, and are planning a ridiculous summer tour of epic proportions. Technically this is more than just a summer event, considering the fact that it spans from mid-July to early October. As if fans could not be more excited about seeing their favorite pop-punk trio play live for the first time since December 2004, they will also get a taste of some of the most amazing acts to grace most venue’s stages. This tour begins in the western region of the country and loops around a time or two. Since the dates and locations are a bit scattered and the “special guests” vary from show to show, it would be best for you to check out their web site for all the details.
Oh! and presale tickets can be bought online now:
http://modlife.com/blink182presale/tourdates
Four Year Strong/Set Your Goals with The Swellers, Polar Bear Club, Fireworks, A Loss For Words, Grave Maker and Drive A

If you think listening to Four Year Strong’s album Rise or Die Trying is an enjoyable experience, just wait until you catch their live performance this summer with Set Your Goals. There are a few adjectives that come to mind here: lively, energetic, catchy… but basically the one word I use to describe FYS: amazing. There’s a quality to their unique blending of sounds that can’t be touched by any other band. In addition to that madness, I am definitely looking forward to the mix of incredible talent that will be on this tour package. I have mentioned The Swellers in previous posts, and have seen them live recently. Definitely look out for this show and mark your calendars for the dates nearest you! :)
http://www.myspace.com/fouryearstrong
Lets Make A Mess Tour, featuring: Hey Monday, This Providence, The Friday Night Boys, Stereo Skyline, The Bigger Lights

Holy incredible lineup! I was so excited to hear that Hey Monday was touring with The Friday Night Boys, because I have previously imagined what an awesome combination this would be for a live performance. Add a few catchy pop-ish ensembles like Stereo Skyline and The Bigger Lights, and you’ve got an entire night of being asked to “get off your feet” while pushing through crowds of tweens and scene kids. This tour kicks off in Arizona on June 10, and makes a big circle around the country until its final date on July 24. With presale tickets going for no more than $13, there is literally no reason to miss this tour.
http://www.myspace.com/heymonday

Obviously I could continue on to talk about Warped Tour and other festivals, but that would be a bit redundant. Just go to http://www.warpedtour.com for dates, bands, and ticket information.
While you’re there, be sure to check out the right side of the screen to see the new Cash Cash music video for their single, “Party In Your Bedroom.” Catchy song, talented band, cheesy music video, but hey- you love them and you know it.
Artery Foundation Across The Nation Tour 2009: Emarosa, Our Last Night, In Fear And Faith, I See Stars, Burden Of A Day, Broadway

Let me tell you why this tour is worth missing your best friends’ birthday for-
First of all: Emarosa puts on a flawless live performance. I have seen them about four times in the past year and not once did I have anything less than goosebumps. Jonny Craig is a master of his domain, and quite possibly one of the greatest vocalists of this genre at this point in time. If you can’t help but be blown away by his raspy high notes and unfathomable melodies, then you will be very much impressed when you attend a show between June 19 - August 1. In addition, Burden Of A Day recently released a new album, which should be more than entertaining to experience live. Their classic rock-like melodies, while mere genius on their new record “One One Thousand,” should be absolutely stunning to witness on stage as well. As if I needed to persuade you even more, arrive to the show early to catch Broadway. They have a new album coming out, and the industry has very high expectations for these guys.
Purchase presale tickets and get all kinds of goodies as a bonus!