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Best Upcoming Summer Concerts In Detroit

It seems like every band imaginable is hitting the road this summer. With the abundance of musicians heading out on tour, how do you decide which events to attend? The list below is comprised of notable musicians that have consistently given outstanding live performances time after time. Some have been touring around the world for decades, while others are fledgling rock stars. Either way, all put on memorable concerts that will make summer an experience to remember for years to come. Order your tickets and grab your friends, because these are the shows in Detroit that should not be missed.
Nightlife & Music Summer Concerts, Jimmy Buffett
(Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT)

Jimmy Buffett with special guest Lionel Richie
Comerica Park 
2100 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 471-2255
www.comericapark.com

Date: July 28, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Prices: $89.00 Lower Bowl, $129.00 Field/Lower Level, $179.00 Field Level
Click here for tickets

The epitome of summertime sounds can be found July 28 at Comerica Park. This is the date that Jimmy Buffett is scheduled to perform, bringing with him his lifestyle brand of island escapism. Any place where Mr. Buffett performs transforms into Margaritaville. His fan-base, affectionately referred to as "Parrotheads," would not have it any other way. They perpetuate the party atmosphere from the parking lot, to the local restaurants, and definitely at the event itself.

Lionel Richie will be joining Jimmy Buffett on tour and will open the events. Richie first came on the music scene as a member of the infamous Commodores before launching a successful solo career. His series of hits, 'Say You, Say Me,'  'Dancing on the Ceiling,' and 'All Night Long,' have solidified his place as one of America's top selling artists.

Related: How to Make a Margarita

Nightlife & Music Summer Concerts, Florence + The Machine
(Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

Florence + the Machine  
Fox Theater 
2211 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 471-6611
www.Olympiaentertainment.com

Date: July 31, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Prices: $45 Main Floor, $65 Orchestra
Click here for tickets

Florence + the Machine will be performing an evening of enchanting music at the Fox Theater. This indie band from London is comprised of lead singer, Florence Welch, and features a backing band that includes an evolving roster of musicians who collaborate on albums and live performances. Because Welch is unconventional, the music she creates follows suit. Her unique brand of baroque pop features heightened emotion, full of torment and haunting passion. Welch pairs dark lyrics and commanding vocals to create music rarely produced today. She has been known to incorporate unusual elements into her albums––once pounding on the recording studio walls with her hands for effect––and plans to use a recording of a harp on fire for a future album.

Related: Best Places to See Live Music in Detroit

Nightlife & Music Summer Concerts, Coldplay
(Photo credit should read ALEXANDER KLEIN/AFP/GettyImages)

Coldplay 
Palace of Auburn Hills 
6 Championship Drive
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
(248) 377-0100
www.palacenet.com

Date: August 1, 2012 at 7 p.m., Doors 5:30 p.m.
Prices: $49.50, $79.50, $99.50 reserved
Click here for tickets

British band Coldplay will be performing at The Palace of Auburn Hills on August 1, 2012. Undoubtedly one of the most popular acts in alternative music, they have also been among the highest selling. After achieving worldwide success in 2000, the band has won countless awards, thereby solidifying their reputation as a favorite of both critics and fans alike. It is not unusual for tickets for Coldplay to sell out within seconds.

Sweeping crescendos and ambitious instrumentals characterize Coldplay's sound. Their musical influences encapsulate a wide range of artists from Radiohead to Kraftwerk, and Johnny Cash to Arcade Fire. Stylistically, the themes change from album to album, yet never stray too far from their previous paths they have taken. Marina and the Diamonds and Emeli Sande act as tour support for Coldplay on this date.

Nightlife & Music Summer Concerts, DTE Energy Music Theatre
Photo Credit: DTE Energy Music Theatre

DTE Energy Music Theatre
7774 Sashabaw Road
Clarkston, MI 48348
(248) 377-0100
www.palacenet.com

Yes with Procol Harum
Date: August 6, 2012 at 7:30 p.m., Doors 6 p.m.
Prices: Price: $75, $45, and $10 pavilion only
Click here for tickets

Progressive band YES will be performing at DTE Energy Music Theatre scheduled for August 6, with special guest Procol Harum. YES' current line-up includes guitarist Steve Howe, bassist Chris Squire, drummer Alan White, keyboardist Geoff Downes, and recent addition, lead singer Jon Davison. YES has proven throughout the past 40 years that their live performances are one of the best. They are often cited as the pioneers of prog-rock, which gained popularity in the 1970s, and their symphonic style and harmonized singing transport listeners to another level. The music is complex in both composition and intellect.

Joining YES on this tour are special guests Procol Harum, another progressive rock band from the UK. Procol Harum gained international notoriety when their "Whiter Shade of Pale" single was released in 1967. They have previously opened shows for Jimi Hendrix ans Jethro Tull.

The Dukes of September Rhythm Revue with Dukes of September:Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs
Date: August 17, 2012 at 8 p.m., doors 6:30 p.m.
Prices: $49.50 pavilion, $25 lawn, and lawn ticket four-packs at $60
Click here for tickets

The critically acclaimed trio of Boz Scaggs, Donald Fagen and Michael McDonald are performing together as The Dukes of September Rhythym Revue. The tour kicked off on June 20th, with a performance in metro Detroit scheduled for August 17 at DTE Energy Music Theatre.  All three artists will hit the stage together as one band, and the show will feature a mix of all of the elements that are attributed to each musician: rock, jazz, R&B and soul. Expect to hear classic songs from their library of hits, some rarely performed gems, and music that influenced each of them throughout their respective careers. As individuals, these musicians are exceptional performers. Now, as each brings their collective talent together to perform, this will be an unparalleled opportunity to witness concert history.

Nicole Wrona has been on the music scene since she was fourteen- standing in line to score tickets to the latest show. After receiving a BA in Photography from Savannah College of Art & Design, she began working with a diverse range of musicians. She currently resides in Detroit. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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