Sit around and watch the tube but nothing's on; change the channels for an hour or two. Twiddle your thumbs just for a bit, sick of all the same-old... Well, you get the picture. When you're spending spring break at home, a week can seem like forever. Luckily enough, though, there are enough concerts within driving distance to make non-stop rocking possible. Here's the rundown.
Cleveland
If you're headed west for spring break, unfortunately there's not much to shake a stick at in Pittsburgh. Cleveland's not far away, though, and the House of Blues has a stacked lineup for the week. Pittsburgh's own Anti-Flag is the highlight here. It's always hard to top the energy level of a political punk band in a small venue, and since the show is close to home, the band will bring it.
3/9: Pete Yorn, House of Blues Cleveland
3/10: Cartel, House of Blues Cleveland
3/13: Anti-Flag, House of Blues Cleveland
3/15: Take Action Tour, House of Blues Cleveland
3/16: The Saw Doctors, House of Blues Cleveland
3/17: Donnie Iris, House of Blues Cleveland
Baltimore
Public Enemy. Chuck D and Flavor Flav. Nothing else needs to be said. Oh, except this: "YEAHHHHH, BOYYYYYY!"
3/9: Sister Hazel & Pat McGee Band, Rams Head Live!
3/10: Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime, Rams Head Live!
3/11: Switchfoot, Rams Head Live!
3/13: Public Enemy, Rams Head Live!
3/15: Tempest Release Party, Rams Head Live!
3/17: Michael Franti and Spearhead, Rams Head Live!
Philadelphia
The Shins lead the list of Philly attractions over the break, and though tickets have sold out, there are plenty of deals on craigslist.org or Callowhill Street. Another highlight: Celtic punk band Pogues playing the night before St. Patrick's Day.
3/9: Anti-Flag, Theatre Of Living Arts
3/10: Relient K, Electric Factory; Switchfoot, Theatre Of Living Arts
3/12: The Saw Doctors, Theatre Of Living Arts
3/13: Isis, Theatre Of Living Arts
The Shins, Electric Factory (Sold out through Ticketmaster)
3/14: Mute Math, Theatre Of Living Arts; Tempest Release Party, Electric Factory
3/16: Pat Martino, Theatre Of Living Arts; Pogues, Electric Factory
3/17: Cartel, Theatre Of Living Arts; Pete Yorn, Electric Factory
Atlantic City
Unless you're 21 and you like lame tribute bands, it's slim pickings in Atlantic City. But just in time for St. Patty's Day, Dropkick Murphys arrive at the House of Blues. And seeing Pat Benatar sing "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" would alone be worth the price of admission.
3/13: Dropkick Murphys, House of Blues Atlantic City
3/16: Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, House of Blues Atlantic City
3/17: Shaw/Blades, House of Blues Atlantic City
Washington, D.C.
Like Philly, there are a ton of smaller clubs to check out besides these big-name acts. Unlike Philly, tickets to this Shins show are still readily available at face value. Decisions, decisions.
3/9: The Roots, D.A.R. Constitution Hall
3/12: The Shins, D.A.R. Constitution Hall
3/13: Josh Groban, Verizon Center
3/16: Boney James, Cramton Auditorium
-- Compiled by Kevin A. Doran
