If novelty tee shirts are to be believed, Spring Break is a time for hedonism. Thousands of Ball State students will go forth into warmer climates for activities we should only imagine. For those of us who failed to book a flight to paradise with one of the Village's two travel agencies, the Midwest can remain our destination, as it plays host to a ridiculous selection of concerts. Instead of spending Spring Break lying face down in a hotel room, think about buying a tank of gasoline and a box of PowerBars and embarking on a week-long bender through Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. You might not get a tan or a long-distance girlfriend, but this'll be just as hard to come down from.
Your first stop would be at the House of Blues in Chicago. Liz Phair will take the stage on Sunday, March 15. Phair most recently released a self-titled record to woeful reviews; her "Why Can't I?" was steady fodder for VH1 and Top 40 radio. But despite her attempt to become Avril Lavigne's aunt, the Indie Queen has released a handful of incredible, influential albums ("Exile in Guyville;" "whitechocolatespaceegg") and is a great start to a long week of rocking.
Next, you'll trek back toward Detroit, where Bob Dylan will play the State Theatre on Monday. The man is music; seeing Dylan live should be a college graduation requirement, not unlike PEFWL courses. If for no other reason, see him to fulfill a sense of duty to rock 'n' roll. Plus, the show starts at 6:30, so you'll be able to sleep a full night in your car before driving back to Chicago to see Elvis Costello at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday.
Costello has created some of the most enduring, relevant music in parts of the last four decades. He started playing new wave and punk in the late 1970s ("My Aim is True;" "This Year's Model"). Then, he experimented with chamber pop, recording with Burt Bacharach in the '90s ("Painted from Memory"). Recently, he's moved to roots music; in 2004 he was nominated for an Oscar for his "Scarlet Tide," featured in "Cold Mountain." Costello is not an artist to miss.
After three days of taking in the sounds of three incredible contemporary artists, you'll need a break. From Chicago, you'll head south to Evansville, where Hilary Duff will play Roberts Stadium on Wednesday. You know Duff from the "Lizzie McGuire" empire and from "Come Clean," the first Michelle Branch impersonation from her first record "Metamorphosis." Her concert is suggested merely for pace, or if you happen to like screeching preteen girls and annoyed parents. Either way, proceed, but with caution.
After Duff's show Evansville, you'll take Thursday off. Then, you'll have to head out early to make it to the Magic Bag in Ferndale, Mich. by Friday. After seeing Duff, you'll need to regain some indie credibility, and seeing The Dirtbombs and The Detroit Cobras, two of Detroit's rawest (and coolest) garage bands, will help. The Dirtbombs are known for their odd lineup: two bass guitars, two sets of drums. But, either way, the band plays some heavy, rhythmic rock 'n' roll. And The Detroit Cobras are a perfect bar band, playing mostly old blues and R & B standards rather excellently. With lead singer Rachel Nagy's impassioned, sultry vocals, The Cobras are sure to entertain.
From the Magic Bag, you'll head to the Agora Theatre in Cleveland for Saturday night, where Dream Theater, the torchbearers of progressive metal, will meet you. If you're a fan of technical mastery, odd time signatures and obscenely fast playing, the Long Island-based quintet will satiate you. Plus, Dream Theater fans are usually calm, as they prefer to stand and watch. Even if you can't stand the band's three-hour sets of melodic, meaningful metal, at least you won't leave hating human kind.
Your week will culminate the next night in Auburn Hills, Mich., where Britney Spears will bring her suggestive song-and-dance routine. At this point, you'll have seen it all: indie rock, folk, irrelevant teen pop and progressive metal. It's only fitting to top off the week with lip-synching and stripping. After all, it'd be a waste not to seem some skin on Spring Break. Enjoy.
Liz Phair
Sunday, 3/14/04, 6:30 p.m.
House of Blues, Chicago
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Bob Dylan
Monday, 3/15/04, 6:30 p.m.
State Theatre, Detroit
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Elvis Costello
Tuesday, 3/16/04, 8:00 p.m.
Ford Center for the Performing Arts
Chicago
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Hilary Duff
Wednesday, 3/17/04, 7:00 p.m.
Roberts Stadium, Evansville, IN
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The Dirtbombs and The Detroit Cobras
Friday, 3/19/04, 8:00 p.m.
Magic Bag, Ferndale, MI
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Dream Theater
Saturday, 3/20/04, 7:30 p.m.
Agora Theater, Cleveland, OH
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Britney Spears
Sunday, 3/21/04, 7:30 p.m.
Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, MI
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