"American Idols Live" kicks off in Glendale, AZ, on July 1 and runs through mid-September, bringing America's best amateurs to an arena near you. Other dates include July 3 (Fresno, CA), July 12 (Tacoma, WA), July 22 (Indianapolis), July 27 (Rochester, NY), August 21 (Tampa, FL) and September 4 (Cleveland, OH). Soooo many cities on this tour it would be easier to say where Idol won't play (probably someplace where there isn't a Fox TV affiliate).
The "Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest" just announced its lineup and it is spectacular. Of course, the folks behind the event always try to top themselves, and this year's lineup is no exception. We're talking quality AND quantity here. Top notch artists and bands and lots of them. Some of the artists appearing at this July event include Taj Mahal, The Blind Boys Of Alabama, The Tragically Hip, Feist, Adrian Belew, Chuck Prophet, Lucinda Williams, Steely Dan, The Wailers, Bettye Lavette, Boz Scaggs, Joan Armatrading and Wyclef Jean. The artist list is virtually endless, so do yourself a favor and take a close look at the lineup. And then make your travel plans.
Chris Rock laughs it up in Australia come August. Stops include a two-night stand in Sydney (August 4 & 5) and a three-night engagement in Melbourne (August 2 & August 10 - 11). Mr. Rock also plays Darling Harbour on August 9.
And we have a few Euro dates for Beck - June 30 (Amsterdam), July 7 (Paris) and July 9 (Madrid).
Looking for more? During the last couple of hours we also updated the schedules for Big Bang, Blind Melon, Bobby Vinton, Blondie, Charlatans UK, Dengue Fever, Constantines, Diane Schuur, Holden Young Trio, Hunter Valentine, Lyrics Born, Melanie C, Michel Camilo, Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra, Roger Hodgson, Shooter Jennings, Sawyer Brown, The Nadas, The Black Keys, Tommy Emmanuel, Tommy Tutone and Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band.
And we're heading into the final stretch! Two more hours of tour research and thousands of dates yet to post. Don't miss your last update of the day - The Closing Bell - coming up around 5 pm (PDT), from Pollstar.com!