While it is widely known that Indiana is not a music powerhouse, our state still provides plenty of opportunity to soak in great live performances. This semester will be no different, with a multitude
of concerts worth checking out, both locally and elsewhere across the state. From rock 'n' roll greats to up-and-coming rappers, Indiana's concert lineup for the remainder of the year should have something for every music taste. Below is a list of 12 concerts that are worth checking out before the end of the world, as we know it (Dec. 21).
WHO: Bob Dylan
WHEN: Aug. 25
WHERE: Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park, Indianapolis
Folk's greatest will be making a stop in Indiana this summer, en route to a massive tour of the U.S. and Canada. Despite his rather diminished 71-year-old voice, Dylan still stands as one of rock 'n' roll's greatest icons. Make an effort to see this legendary figure before it's too late.
WHAT: Doc's Back to School Concert Series
WHEN: Aug. 25-Sept. 22
WHERE: Doc's Music Hall, Muncie
Located in the heart of downtown Muncie, Doc's Music Hall draws a diverse array of bands, both touring and local. For its Back to School concert series, the venue gets back to business, bringing in a varying collection of bands, from locals such as Fossil Generation and Losing September, to venue regulars such as Eumatik and The New Old Calvary.
WHO: David Bazan
WHEN: Aug. 28
WHERE: Private house, Muncie
From Pedro the Lion fame, David Bazan will be stopping by someone's house in Muncie, showcasing music from his three studio releases (two full-lengths and one EP). Bazan's solo work continues on with trends he started in Pedro the Lion, consisting dominantly of simple guitar-pop foundations paired with reflective lyricism. For Muncie, this show is a pretty big deal, so make sure and come check out this great touring act. To find out the address, go to DavidBazan.com and buy a ticket.
WHO: Dan Deacon
WHEN: Aug. 31
WHERE: The Earth House, Indianapolis
With his extremely strange sound, Dan Deacon's live show is undoubtedly one of the wackiest you will ever come across. He coordinates the crowd in intricate, collective dances as he plays his pounding, sophisticatedly juvenile electronic music (truly, words cannot accurately do Deacon's sound justice). This show will surely be a blast.
WHO: 1,2,3 with The Muhrs
WHEN: Sept. 15
WHERE: Be Here Now, Muncie
At its last Be Here Now show, 1,2,3 played a very solid set of playful pop-rock, dominantly coming from its very solid 2011 release, "New Heaven." Be sure to check out this budding Philadelphia band as it makes its return to Muncie's Be Here Now.
WHO: David Byrne and St. Vincent
WHEN: Sept. 18
WHERE: Chicago Theatre, Chicago
Two of music's most inventive minds will be collaborating on an album ("Love This Giant"), accompanied by a tour of the U.S. and Canada. While Chicago may be a four-hour drive from Muncie, these two will surely put on an unforgettable performance that should make you forget about the amount of money you shelled out for gas.
WHO: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
WHEN: Sept. 23
WHERE: Egyptian Room, Indianapolis
Two very unique sounds from the world of independent music are teaming up for this 2012 tour, and they just so happen to be stopping by Indianapolis. Both bands will undoubtedly perform playful sets of foot-tapping, smile-cultivating pop.
WHO: A$AP Rocky with SchoolboyQ and Danny Brown
WHEN: Oct. 9
WHERE: The Murat Theatre, Indianapolis
Three up-and-coming rappers are all joining forces for one must-see tour. With his debut album "LiveLoveA$AP," A$AP Rocky expanded on some of the modern radio-rap trends, focusing on his musical backing as well as his sometimes clich+â-¬ (most times comical) lyricism.
WHAT: Broad Ripple Music Fest
WHEN: Oct. 13th
WHERE: Indianapolis
Undoubtedly the most vibrant place in Indiana, Broad Ripple always strives to spotlight Indiana's best local music, and this year (the sixth annual BRMF) should be no different. According to the festival's website, the Broad Ripple Village will have more than 150 artists, some local, regional and even national, perform on more than 15 stages.
WHO: Dinosaur Jr.
WHEN: Oct. 22
WHERE: The Bluebird, Bloomington
The current Dinosaur Jr. may only feature one of the band's founding 1984 members; nevertheless, J Mascis (lead singer and guitarist) hasn't lost a bit of his garage rock prowess. With its upcoming 2012 release "I Bet On Sky," Mascis and crew will further their legacy as one of independent music's most iconic outfits.
WHO: Primus
WHEN: Oct. 27
WHERE: The Murat Theatre, Indianapolis
There are few bands that sound like Primus, primarily because of Les Claypool's oddly captivating bass lines. The band started in 1984 and is sure to still turn heads with the mastery of sound, as well as its bizarreness.
WHO: B.B. King
WHEN: Nov. 11
WHERE: The Palladium, Carmel
I can think of few 86-year-olds that can draw as big of a crowd as this blues legend. But don't think he's lost anything. He'll let his guitar do the talking. B.B. King is another must-see rock 'n' roll legend coming to Indiana this year.
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