From rap, rock, pop, or country, the next few months will give fans the opportunity to see some of their favorite music stars up close and personal. Focusing on Philadelphia, New York City, Trenton and everywhere in between, the Quad provides a look at the coolest concerts around.Starting with the rhythmic beats of rap and R&B, the fall concert season brings both new and old stars to the area. On Oct. 1 at 9 p.m. the Electric Factory will be heating up with Twista. Just one day later on Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. the soulful sounds of Erykah Badu will be heard at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. On Oct. 11 the Beastie Boys will be hitting the Wachovia Center at 7:30 p.m. on tour with their newest album “To the
Five Boroughs.”
However, the two biggest acts coming to this area are defi nitely Usher on Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. at the Wachovia Center, and “The Best of Both Worlds Tour” featuring R. Kelly and Jay-Z on Nov. 11 at 8 p.m., also at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia.
Transitioning into the rock genre of music, there are two must-see acts coming to the area. First, there is Metallica with two shows, Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Wachovia Center. This loud, metallic rock band is known to provide an incredible show. The second is Lynyrd Skynyrd at the Sovereign Bank Arena on Sept. 28at 7:30 p.m. With hits like “Sweetbands such as Rascall Flatts and Lonestar are headlining area tours.
On Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. in the Bryce Jordan Center, the fi rst will woo fans with their emotional hits including “Iʼm Movinʼ On,” and “I Melt.” A month later, Lonestar will be falling into the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, Pa. on Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. If these two acts donʼt make your heart beat, then how about the “CMT On Tour: Keith Urban, Be Here ʼ04 Concert” on Oct. 30 at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City? With millions of albums sold, and four number-one hits, this tour should be worth the road trip.
For the alternative/punk/ anything fun music listeners, thereʼs the Big Bad Voodoo Daddies on Oct. 16 at 9 p.m. in the Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City.
This month also brings the Nintendo Fusion Tour on the 24th at 7:30 p.m. in the Electric Factory. Performances by Story of the Year, My Chemical Romance, Lost Prophets, and Letterkill will be featured on this night. A few days later on Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Trocadero in Philadelphia the
Deftones plan on bringing down the house. Then on Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
the Tower Theater will fill up with the sounds of Moe, along with the cheers of their large grassroots following. Lastly, there are several major
names hitting the area for the diehard pop fans. Matt Nathanson will be at the Theatre of Living Arts in Philadelphia on Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. This up-and-coming star will be promoting his latest album, “Beneath these Fireworks” which will be released to the public on Oct. 14. Following his
performance, Vanessa Carlton will be playing the same arena on Oct. 30 at 9 p.m. Fellow female rocker Avril Lavigne will be across town one day later on Oct. 31, playing at the Wachovia Center at 7:30 p.m.
While there are many concert options this season for all types of music lovers, one that encompasses all genres is the “Vote for Change Tour” landing in Philadephia on Oct. 1 at the Wachovia Center at 7:30 p.m. This politically sparked tour is headlined by names such as REM, the Dixie Chicks, Dave Matthews Band, and Pearl Jam. While tickets are defi nitely hard to get for the Philadelphia show featuring the legendary Bruce
Springsteen and the E-Street Band, along with several others, if
you can find them, this is a show not to be missed.
Altogether, this area has become a prime spot for major tours and musical legends to show off their famed talents. While college incomes are often tight, many of these shows will be worth the splurge, providing fans with a great night and a lifetime of memories.