Finally, it's here. After the cold, after the floods, after the weeks and weeks of rain and gray, summertime has unofficially arrived.
To welcome the season, we have some music for you. Quite a lot, in fact.
We present our annual Summer Music Guide, a compendium of more than 170 performances taking place within a two-hour drive of Lexington between now and Labor Day.
It's all here — from Tom Petty to Tift Merritt, from Jeff Beck to The Black Keys, from Jason Isbell to Joan Baez.
So let's get to it. The summer, and all the glorious sounds that come with it, await.
Turn to Page E2 for the full schedule and a key to venues.Schedule
Performances affiliated with TicketMaster — at 1-800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com — are duly noted. Otherwise, venue and contact information are listed separately. And, as always, shows are subject to change, so always call ahead before making a road trip.
May
May 30: Blues Between the Bridges featuring Big Bill Morganfield, Mem Shannon and others. Riptide on the River. 1 p.m. $10, $15.
May 30: Lynyrd Skynyrd. Horseshoe Casino, Elizabeth, Ind. 8 p.m. $25.
June
June 3: The Claire Lynch Band. Kentucky Coffeetree Café, Frankfort. 7 p.m. $20.
June 3: Davy Jones. J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre, Bardstown. 8 p.m. $25, $28.
June 4: Garaj Mahal. Natasha's Bistro. 8 p.m. $20.
June 4: Bert Lams and Tom Griesgraber. Kentucky Coffeehouse Café, Frankfort. 8 p.m. $10.
June 4: Roman Candle and Dangerbird. The 930 Art Center, Louisville. 8 p.m. Free.
June 4: Vince Gill. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio. 8 p.m. $32. TicketMaster.
June 5: Clutch, Lionize and Never Got Caught. Buster's. 9 p.m. $20, $25.
June 5: Kina Grannis. Natasha's Bistro. 8 p.m. $8.
June 5: Earth, Wind & Fire. Horseshoe Casino, Elizabeth, Ind. 8 p.m. $35-$65.
June 6: John Cowan. Cosmic Charlie's. 8 p.m. $10.
June 6: Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker and others. Riverbend, Cincinnati. 4 p.m. $38.10-$71.20. TicketMaster.
June 7: Cherryholmes and Kenny White. WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, Kentucky Theatre. 6:45 p.m. $10.
June 9: Corey Smith. Bogart's, Cincinnati. 7:30 p.m. $13.50. TicketMaster.
June 10: Dropkick Murphys. Buster's. 9 p.m. $25.
June 10: Damien Jurado, Kay Lay and his Weathered Underground. The 930 Art Center, Louisville. 8 p.m. $10, $12.
June 10: Les Claypool Hot Head Show. Madison Theater, Covington. 8 p.m. $22.
June 10: Zane Lamprey. 20th Century Theatre, Cincinnati. 8 p.m. $25. TicketMaster.
June 10: Festival of the Bluegrass featuring The Travelin' McCourys, The Grascals and others. Kentucky Horse Park. 7 p.m. $25.
June 10: Kris Kristofferson. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio. 8 p.m. $25, $35. TicketMaster.
June 11: Festival of the Bluegrass featuring IIIrd Tyme Out, J.D. Crowe and the New Grass, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, and others. Kentucky Horse Park. 1 p.m. $40.
June 11: Ben Sollee. Old Capitol Lawn, Frankfort. 7 p.m. Free.
June 11: Califone and Shedding. The 930 Art Center, Louisville. 8 p.m. $10, $12.
June 11: Weezer. Horseshoe Casino, Elizabeth, Ind. 8 p.m. $30.
June 12: Festival of the Bluegrass featuring Seldom Scene, Mountain Heart and others. Kentucky Horse Park. 11 a.m. $45.
June 12: The Soul Food Festival featuring George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, Cameo, Tevin Campbell, Tony! Toni! Tone! and Jody Watley. Waterfront Park, Louisville. 6 p.m. $27, $45.
June 12: Sheryl Crow. Horseshoe Casino, Elizabeth, Ind. 8 p.m. $35-$75.
June 12: Harry Connick Jr. PNC Pavilion, Cincinnati. 8 p.m. $44.80-$92.95.
June 13: Carrie Underwood, Craig Morgan and Sons of Sylvia. Rupp Arena. 7:30 p.m. $35-$55.
June 13: Festival of the Bluegrass featuring Dry Branch Fire Squad and Kentucky Blue. Kentucky Horse Park 10 a.m., $10.
June 13: Ellis Paul. Natasha's Bistro. 8 p.m. $12.
June 13: Dion, The Drifters, Shirley Alston-Reeves, The Flamingos and The Soul Stirrers. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio. 7 p.m. $35-$65. TicketMaster.
June 14: Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu and Hudost. WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, Kentucky Theatre. 6:45 p.m. $10.
June 14: Ingrid Michaelson and Matt Morris. Southgate House, Newport. 9 p.m. $17, $20.
June 15: Brandi Carlisle. Kentucky Theatre. 7:30 p.m. $33.75.
June 15: Ronnie Baker Brooks. Bar Lexington. 9 p.m. $10, $12.
June 15: Jordin Sparks and Kate Voegele. 20th Century Theatre, Cincinnati. 8 p.m. $20. TicketMaster.
June 15: Dave Matthews Band and Robert Earl Keen. Riverbend, Cincinnati. 7 p.m. $49.80, $81.70. TicketMaster.
June 15: Sheryl Crow and Colbie Caillat. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio. 8 p.m. Sold out. TicketMaster.
June 16: Amy LaVere. Natasha's Bistro. 9 p.m. $10.
June 16: Ronnie Baker Brooks. Stevie Ray's, Louisville. 9 p.m. $15.
June 17: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. 20th Century Theatre, Cincinnati. 8 p.m. $16. TicketMaster.
June 17: Gordon Lightfoot. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio. 8 p.m. $30, $50. TicketMaster.
June 18: The Thing with Joe McPhee. Gumbo Ya-Ya. 8 p.m. $5.
June 18: Goose Creek Symphony and Gary Bennett. Cosmic Charlie's. 9 p.m. $17.
June 18: Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum and Love and Theft. Riverbend, Cincinnati. 7 p.m. $38.05-$80.70. TicketMaster.
June 18: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Fountain Square, Cincinnati. 7 p.m. Free.
June 18: Blake Shelton. Elk Creek Vineyards, Owenton. 8 p.m. $42-$48. TicketMaster.
June 18: Kenny Loggins. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio. 8 p.m. $25, $40. TicketMaster.
June 18: Renfro Valley Bluegrass Festival featuring Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass, Nothin' Fancy and others. Festival Field, Renfro Valley. 12 p.m. $28, $50.
June 19: Renfro Valley Bluegrass Festival featuring Dailey & Vincent, Darrell Webb Band and others. Festival Field, Renfro Valley. 12 p.m. $28, $50.
June 19: Festus featuring Cross Canadian Ragweed, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Paul Thorn and Chris Knight. Iroquois Amphitheater, Louisville. 4:30 p.m. $14.
June 19: The Bamboozle Roadshow with All Time Low, Boys Like Girls, Third Eye Blind and others. PNC Pavilion, Cincinnati. 1 p.m. $47.35. TicketMaster.
June 19: The Moody Blues. Horseshoe Casino, Elizabeth, Ind. 8 p.m. $35-$75. TicketMaster.
June 19: Tommy Castro Band, Charlie Musselwhite and John Hammond. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio. 7 p.m. $25.30. TicketMaster.
June 19: Goose Creek Symphony. Mountain Arts Center, Prestonsburg. 8 p.m. $18, $20.
June 20: The Farewell Drifters. Kentucky Coffeetree Café, Frankfort. 7 p.m. $12.
June 20: The Duke Robillard Band. Stevie Ray's, Louisville. 7:30 p.m. $15.
June 20: Blitzen Trapper and The Moondoggies. Southgate House, Newport. 9 p.m. $12, $15.
June 21: Mates of State. 20th Century Theatre, Cincinnati. 8 p.m. $14. TicketMaster.
June 21: John Lee Hooker Jr., Tierra Negra and Muriel Anderson. WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, Kentucky Theatre. 6:45 p.m. $10.
June 22: The Moody Blues. PNC Pavilion, Cincinnati. 8 p.m. $49.40-$92.95. TicketMaster.
June 23: Gordon Lightfoot. Singletary Center for the Arts. 8 p.m. $45, $55.
June 23: Jeff Beck and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. PNC Pavilion, Cincinnati. 8 p.m. $39.40-$81. TicketMaster.
June 23: Jim Hurst. Kentucky Coffeehouse Café, Frankfort. 8 p.m. TBA.
June 23: Cowboy Mouth. Southgate House, Newport. 9:30 p.m. $12, $15.
June 24: Saliva, Shaman's Harvest and Lucid Grey. Bar Lexington. 9 p.m. $15, $20.
June 24: Gordon Lightfoot. Paramount Arts Center, Ashland. 8 p.m. $45-$50. TicketMaster.
June 25: GWAR, Dirge Within and Mobile Deathcamp. Buster's. 8:30 p.m. $18, $20.
June 25: Dale Ann Bradley. Natasha's Bistro. 8 p.m. $10.
June 26: The Oak Ridge Boys. New Barn, Renfro Valley. 7 and 9:15 p.m. $34.86-$45.46.
June 25: Roky Erickson, Phantom Family Halo and Montag. Headliner's Music Hall, Louisville. 8 p.m. $15.
June 25: Bachman & Turner. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio. 8 p.m. $35.55. TicketMaster.
June 26: 311 and Pepper. Riverbend, Cincinnati. 7:30 p.m. $26.65-$49.40. TicketMaster.
June 26: Justin Bieber and Sean Kingston. U.S. Bank Arena, Cincinnati. 7 p.m. $32.50-$52.50. TicketMaster.
June 25-27: Terrapin Hill Family Reunion. Terrapin Hill Farm, Harrodsburg. 5 p.m. $30
June 29: The Friction Brothers. Gumbo Ya-Ya. 8 p.m. $5.
June 29: Kelly Richey. Natasha's Bistro. 9 p.m. $8.
June 29: Blaze Ya Dead Home. Bogart's, Cincinnati. 8 p.m. $15.
June 30: Eric Clapton and Roger Daltrey. Riverbend, Cincinnati. 7:30 p.m. $44.80-$195. TicketMaster.
July
July 1: Sonos. Natasha's Bistro. 8 p.m. $15.
July 1: Interpol. Bogart's, Cincinnati. 8 p.m. $26.50. TicketMaster.
July 2: Weird Al Yankovic. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio. 8:45 p.m. $22, $32. TicketMaster.
July 4: B.B. King. Horseshoe Casino, Elizabeth, Ind. 8 p.m. $25-$75. TicketMaster.
July 6: Tatsuya Nakatani. Gumbo Ya-Ya. 8 p.m. $5.
July 6: Santana and Steve Winwood. Riverbend, Cincinnati. 7:30 p.m. $35.05-$103.70. TicketMaster.
July 6: Sick Puppies. Bogart's, Cincinnati. 7:30 p.m. $15.50. TicketMaster.
July 9: Ringo Starr and His All Star Band. PNC Pavilion, Cincinnati. 8 p.m. $59.65-$142.10. TicketMaster.
July 9: Forecastle Festival featuring Widespread Panic, Drive-By Truckers, Manchester Orchestra, Lucero and others. Waterfront Park, Louisville. 5 p.m. $60-$150. TicketMaster.
July 10: Forecastle Festival featuring Devo, Cake, Umphrey's McGee, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Mucca Pazza and others. Waterfront Park, Louisville. 1 p.m. $60-$150. TicketMaster.
July 10: Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson, Freddie Jackson and Howard Hewett. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio. 7:30 p.m. $29, $49. TicketMaster.
July 10: Adam Lambert. Brown Theatre, Louisville. 8 p.m. Price TBA. TicketMaster.
July 11: Forecastle Festival featuring The Flaming Lips, Spoon, She & Him, Minus the Bear, Sara Watkins, Dar Williams and others. Waterfront Park, Louisville. 1 p.m. $60-$150.
July 12: Juice Newton. J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre, Bardstown. 8 p.m. $22, $25.
July 13: Chicago and The Doobie Brothers. PNC Pavilion, Cincinnati. 7:30 p.m. $66.30-$103.20. TicketMaster.
July 15: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Drive-By Truckers. Riverbend, Cincinnati. 7:30 p.m. $53-$150.35. TicketMaster.
July 16: Rasputina. Cosmic Charlie's. 9 p.m. $15, $17.
July 16: The Grascals. Paramount Arts Center, Ashland. 7:30 p.m. $20, $30. TicketMaster.
July 16: Lebowski Fest featuring The Felice Brothers. Executive Lawn, Louisville. 8 p.m. $18, $20.
July 16: Master Musicians Festival featuring Peter Rowan, Tony Rice, Ben Sollee and others. Somerset Community College, Somerset. 6 p.m. $15, $20.
July 16: Trace Adkins. Horseshoe Casino, Elizabeth, Ind. 8 p.m. $35-$55. TicketMaster.
July 16: Wolf Parade. Southgate House, Newport. 9:30 p.m. $20, $25.
July 17: John Anderson. New Barn, Renfro Valley. 7 p.m. $29.56, $24.26.
July 17: Master Musicians Festival featuring Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Dan Tyminski, Ronnie Bowman, Those Darlins and others. Somerset Community College, Somerset. 12:30 p.m. $20, $25.
July 17: The Four Tops. Elk Creek Vineyards, Owenton. 8 p.m. $42-$48. TicketMaster.
July 17: Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles. Southgate House, Newport. 8:30 p.m. $12, $15.
July 18: Brooks & Dunn and Gary Allan. Riverbend, Cincinnati. 7:30 p.m. $31.05-$81.20. TicketMaster.
July 18: Liars and Fol Chen. Southgate House, Newport. 9 p.m. $12, $15.
July 18: Alice Cooper. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio. 7:30 p.m. $27.50, $49.50. TicketMaster.
July 20: Joan Baez. Lexington Opera House. 7:30 p.m. $39, $49. TicketMaster.
July 20: Sting with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Riverbend, Cincinnati. 8 p.m. $68.35-$334. TicketMaster.
July 21: The Heartless Bastards. Cosmic Charlie's. 9 p.m. $12.
July 21: Korn, Rob Zombie, Lamb of God, Five Finger Death Punch and others. Riverbend, Cincinnati. 2:15 p.m. $32.55-$81.20. TicketMaster.
July 22: Appalachian Voices featuring Yim Yames, Ben Sollee and Daniel Martin Moore. Lexington Opera House. 8 p.m. $25. TicketMaster.
July 22: Indigo Girls. Kentucky Theatre. 7:30 p.m. $44.50.
July 22: Albert Castiglia. Bar Lexington. 9 p.m. $15, $20.
July 23: HullabaLou Festival featuring Bon Jovi, The O'Jays, The B-52s, Colbie Caillat, The Travelin McCourys with Dan Tyminski and others. Churchill Downs, Louisville. 1 p.m. $95-$220.
July 23: Three Dog Night. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio. 8 p.m. $20, $35. TicketMaster.
July 24: Merle Haggard. New Barn, Renfro Valley. 7 p.m. $55-$65.60.
July 24: Tanya Tucker. Paramount Arts Center, Ashland. 8 p.m. $30, $35. TicketMaster.
July 24: HullabaLou Festival featuring Kenny Chesney, Al Green, Michael McDonald, Gov't Mule, Joan Osborne, Ben Folds, Ricky Skaggs, John Kay, Steppenwolf and others. Churchill Downs, Louisville. 1 p.m. $95-$220.
July 25: HullabaLou Festival featuring Dave Matthews Band, The Avett Brothers, Steve Miller Band, The Black Crowes, Dwight Yoakam, Loretta Lynn, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, Kansas and others. Churchill Downs, Louisville. 1 p.m. $95-$220.
July 25: Huey Lewis and the News. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio. 7:30 p.m. $30, $50. TicketMaster.
July 28: Tift Merritt. Waterfront Park, Louisville. 8 p.m. Free.
July 30: Macy's Music Festival featuring Charlie Wilson, Teena Marie, Jaheim, Melanie Fiona and Cameo. Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati. 7:30 p.m. $45-$85. TicketMaster.
July 31: Macy's Music Festival featuring Frankie Beverly, Maze, Jill Scott, En Vogue, K'Jon and Raheem DeVaughn. Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati. 7:30 p.m. $45-85. TicketMaster.
July 31: Aram Shelton Quartet. Gumbo Ya-Ya. 8 p.m. $5.
July 31: American Idols Live. Rupp Arena. 7:30 p.m. $40.50-$70.50. TicketMaster.
July 31: Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Sheila E. and RnR. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio 7 p.m. $27, $45.
August
Aug. 4: The Bridge. Southgate House, Newport. 9 p.m. $10, $13.
Aug. 5: Rogue Wave. 20th Century Theater, Cincinnati. 8 p.m. $14. TicketMaster.
Aug. 6: Seven Mary Three. Bar Lexington. 9 p.m. $15, $20.
Aug. 6: Rascal Flatts, Kellie Pickler and Chris Young. Riverbend, Cincinnati. 7:30 p.m. Price TBA. TicketMaster.
Aug. 6: Cincinnati Blues Festival with Candy Kane and others. Sawyer Point Park, Cincinnati. 5 p.m. $10.
Aug. 6: War, Rare Earth, Jack Bruce, Mitch Ryder and Badfinger. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio. 7:30 p.m. $25, $45. TicketMaster.
Aug. 7: Cincinnati Blues Festival with Joe Louis Walker, Rick Estrin and the Nightcats and others. Sawyer Point Park, Cincinnati. 2:30 p.m. $15.
Aug. 10: Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato. Riverbend, Cincinnati. 7 p.m. $49.40-$113.45.
Aug. 11: The Black Keys and The Morning Benders. Iroquois Amphitheater, Louisville. 8 p.m. $28, $30.
Aug. 12: Paramore, Tegan and Sara, New Found Glory and Kadawatha. PNC Pavilion, Cincinnati. 6:30 p.m. $47.35. TicketMaster.
Aug. 13: Creed, Skillet and Theft. Riverbend, Cincinnati. 7:30 p.m. $24.60-$37.60. TicketMaster.
Aug. 14: Daryle Singletary. New Barn, Renfro Valley. 7 p.m. $23.20, $28.50.
Aug. 14: Guitars and Saxes featuring Jeff Golub, Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Peter White and David Wells. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio. 7 p.m. $22, $32. TicketMaster.
Aug. 14: Sugarland and Vonda Shepard. Riverbend, Cincinnati. 8 p.m. Price TBA. TicketMaster.
Aug. 14: Chuck Wicks. J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre, Bardstown. 8 p.m. $23, $26.
Aug. 15: Paul Thorn. Southgate House, Newport. 8 p.m. $18, $22.
Aug. 15: Richard Marx. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio. 6:30 p.m. $22-$48. TicketMaster.
Aug. 18: Maps & Atlases. Southgate House, Newport. 9 p.m. $10, $13.
Aug. 19: Sugarland and Little Big Town. Freedom Hall, Louisville. Part of Kentucky State Fair. 9 p.m. $33, $48. TicketMaster.
Aug. 19: REO Speedwagon and Pat Benatar. PNC Pavilion, Cincinnati. 7 p.m. $49.40-$92.95. TicketMaster.
Aug. 19: Blake Shelton. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio. 8 p.m. $25, $38. TicketMaster.
Aug. 20: Webb Wilder and Mic Harrison and the High Score. Southgate House, Newport. 9 p.m. $10, $13.
Aug. 21: Three Dog Night. Elk Creek Vineyards, Owenton. 8 p.m. $42-$54.
Aug. 26: The Hot Seats. Kentucky Coffeehouse Café, Frankfort. 7 p.m. $10.
Aug. 27: Toby Keith and Trace Adkins. Riverbend, Cincinnati. 7:30 p.m. Price TBA. TicketMaster.
Aug. 28: Gene Watson. New Barn, Renfro Valley. 7 and 9:15 p.m. $25.44, $30.74.
Aug. 28: Cheap Trick and Blondie. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio. 7 p.m. $35, $60. TicketMaster.
Aug. 28: Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan. Paramount Arts Center, Ashland. 8 p.m. $30, $40. TicketMaster.
Aug. 29: Rascal Flatts, Kellie Pickler and Chris Young. Freedom Hall, Louisville. Part of Kentucky State Fair. 7:30 p.m. $48, $69. TicketMaster.
Aug. 29: Built to Spill. Headliners Music Hall, Louisville. 8 p.m. $15, $18.
September
Sept. 2: Todd Snider. 20th Century Theater, Cincinnati. 8 p.m. $18. TicketMaster.
Sept. 3: American Idols Live. Riverbend, Cincinnati. 7:30 p.m. $35.55-$82.20. TicketMaster.
Sept. 3: We Are Scientists. Fountain Square, Cincinnati. 7 p.m. Free.
Sept. 3-5: J.D. Crowe Bluegrass Festival. Ichthus Farm, Wilmore. TBA, $10-$45.
Sept. 3: Billy Idol. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio. 8 p.m. $35, $55. TicketMaster.
Sept. 4: Kings of Leon, The Black Keys and The Whigs. Riverbend, Cincinnati. 7:30 p.m. $46.80-$68.35. TicketMaster.
Sept. 4: Ronnie McDowell. New Barn, RenfroValley. 7 and 9:15 p.m. $24.26, $29.56.
