So you just finished classes and/or a job for the summer. Either way, you've got some time, and hopefully some money, to spend before the fall semester starts.
If you are going to spend those remaining weeks of freedom in the Pittsburgh or Philadelphia area, there are plenty of concerts to choose.
For those enterprising enough to jet home after their last final, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band are playing at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday. But if that is too soon, fear not. The band will play again on Monday.
Another big classic rock concert this summer is Jethro Tull. The band will perform at the Mann Center in Philadelphia on Aug. 13.
Philadelphians can also catch Ween, the class clowns of alternative rock, on Saturday at Penn's Landing, which will be hosting several other big shows this summer.
311, G. Love & Special Sauce and Something Corporate will rock the Landing on Sunday. And trance-influenced jam band the Disco Biscuits will perform on Aug. 23.
The Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., is hosting several big top-40 rock bands during the weeks leading up to class. Jason Mraz and Liz Phair are playing Aug. 12, while metal fans can catch Evanescence and Cold on Aug. 20.
There are also a couple of small shows for those interested in supporting the indie scene. The Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., is hosting the neo-psychedelic rock act Grandaddy on Aug. 11. And ex-Whiskeytown alt-country rocker Caitlin Cary will be at the Tin Angel, 20 South 2nd St., on Aug. 19.
Punk fans can stop by The Trocadero, 1003 Arch St., on Aug. 19 for the emotive yet borderline humorous Reggie & the Full Effect with opening act Midtown.
But the biggest concert to catch this summer may just be media (and fan)-darling Radiohead. The British rockers are playing Aug. 18 at the Tweeter Center at the Waterfront in Camden, New Jersey. Radiohead fans in western Pennsylvania will have to make the trek to the Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio on Aug. 21 to see the concert.
Music fiends seeking shows in the Pittsburgh area have just as much to look forward to, starting with 3 Doors Down and Our Lady Peace on Aug. 15 at the Chevrolet Amphitheatre, 11 West Station Square Dr.
Pittsburgh will also catch several of the above-mentioned concerts, including Evanescence and Cold on Aug. 19 and Jethro Tull on Aug. 20, both at the Chevrolet Amphitheater.
Reggie & the Full Effect and Midtown are also playing Pittsburgh Aug. 20 at Club Laga, 3609 Forbes Ave.
However, there are some shows that eastern-dwelling Pennsylvanians may need to road trip to Pittsburgh to see. The Toasters, the band responsible for bringing ska to America in the '80s, are playing Aug. 21 at Club Laga.
Other small shows in Pittsburgh include alternative rock pioneers the Psychedelic Furs Aug. 17 at Club Laga and critically-acclaimed indie rockers the New Pornographers Aug. 24 at Rosebud, 1600 Smallman St.
So before it's time to go back to school and your job, try enjoying your break with one of the many great concerts coming through Pennsylvania. You may just come back with some great memories and a few songs stuck in your head.
