The Sounds of Summer
May 20, 2015
Summer break is just around the corner, and with it comes three months to fill with as much musical excitement as possible. While some people may be content with loading up their phones with their summer playlist, others may be looking for a musical experience that goes beyond their screens.
Luckily for them, Southern California is crowded with entertainment options for the summer, from outdoor festivals to cultural conventions.
Make Music Pasadena is the only free music festival hosted in California that features both new and known artists of all genres.The festival, which is entering its fourth year, brings around 55,000 attendants of all ages to Downtown Pasadena each year. Among this year’s line up of 150 featured artists are Caroline Smith, Hidden Charms, and Pasadena’s Symphony & Pops. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on June 6.
For two days at the Hollywood Bowl, Ed Sheeran will be bringing back his simple acoustic style with his “Multiply” Tour. Rising British Boyband Rixton, known for their hit “Me and My Broken Heart,” will be his opening act. With ticket prices ranging from around $20 to over $100, this concert kills two popular birds with one stone. Sheeran will be performing on June 24 and 25.
Imagine Dragons will be taking over Southern California on July 20 and 24 for their “Smoke + Mirrors” Tour. The band from Las Vegas, famous for their hits “Radioactive” and “Demons,” will bring their rock sound to the Honda Center in Anaheim and The Forum in Inglewood. Performing as the opening act for Imagine Dragon’s second tour is Halsey, an up-and-coming alternative artist, and the lesser known Canadian band, Metric.
Vans brings its popular “Warped Tour” to the Pomona Fairplex on June 19. Though the “Warped Tour” focuses mainly on bringing unknown bands to the public’s attention, members of the well-known punk rock band Pierce the Veil have announced that they will be performing. Tickets are around $40 for general admission, and $50 for a 3D Collectors ticket. With over a hundred bands, all with a similar alternative sound, the Warped Tour offers attendants a chance to expose themselves to wide variety of music.
For the avid K-pop fan, KCON is returning for its fourth year at the Staples Center from July 31 to August 1. Popular K-pop groups, such as Infinite, Sistar, and Got7 come from South Korea to perform and offer fans a chance to meet them during a three-day convention. KCON is more than just a concert; it brings together fans and performers through many exciting activities like panels and workshops. KCON hosts around 42,000 attendants each year, and centers on all things Korean, from music to food.
The Forum hosts a second popular group this summer with Mumford & Sons, the popular British alternative rock group, on their “Wilder Mind” tour. Mumford & Sons will be performing on Aug. 17-18. Rock group The Vaccines, and solo artist Jack Garratt will be their opening act. The set list includes popular songs like “The Cave” and “The Little Lion Man.”
