Warm weather and live music are a match made in heaven. My ideal night looks like heading out to one of the many awesome venues in the Twin Cities to see a quality band. In the upcoming months, there are a handful of talented artists making their way to Minneapolis and Saint Paul. First Avenue is my favorite indoor venue, but, because it's summer, an outdoor concert is the perfect place to get your live-music fix in the Cities.
There's no better way to soak up the sun than to do so while listening to amazing music. From J. Cole to Jack White, here are nine incredible artists making their way to the cities this summer.
1. Playboi Carti
When: August 2
Where: First Ave
Get your modern hip-hop fix satisfied with Playboy Carti this August.
2. Jack White
When: August 6
Where: The Armory
Although I'm still sad that I haven't experienced The Armory yet, things are looking up, because this incredible artist is going to be performing on its stage in early August. If you act quickly enough, you can still score tickets to legendary Jack White when he performs next month.
3. Sam Smith
When: August 14
Where: Excel Energy Center.
Sam Smith and his impressive vocals are coming to St. Paul this August to perform songs from 2017's album, "The Thrill Of It All." Sam Smith repeatedly shows that not all modern pop music is just a boring blend of sounds. Get your tickets here.
4. Trampled by Turtles
When: August 25
Where: State Fair Grandstand
Come and pay your respect to these folky Minnesotan dudes at the end of August at the Minnesota State Fair. You can get your tickets here.
5. The Beach Boys
When: August 27
Where: State Fair Grandstand
What better way to celebrate summer than with the boys who practically invented the summer hit? The Beach Boys are making their way to the Grandstand during the State Fair this year. This is sure to be a fun-packed show, especially because some of the original members are still in the band. Get your tickets here.
6. NEEDTOBREATHE
When: September 7
Where: The Armory
NEEDTOBREATHE is a band that has seemingly mastered the balance between modern rock, indie, and pop. Catch these guys at The Armory on September 7. You can get your tickets here.
7. Beck
When: September 13
Where: The Armory
Come and rock out with Grammy-winning Beck in September at the Armory--another great artist coming to the brand new venue.
8. Japanese Breakfast
When: September 18
Where: Fine Line Music Cafe
Cool and eclectic in styling and lyrics, Japanese Breakfast will be in town at Fine Line Music Cafe this September. Score your tickets here.
9. J. Cole
When: September 19
Where: Target Center
Although he won't be outdoors, his modern hip-hop magic will still be in the Cities. The ultra-talented J. Cole will be performing at the Target Center nearing the end of Summer. Get your tickets here.
10. Leon Bridges
When: September 20
Where: Palace Theater
Emotional about summer ending? Leon Bridges will be able to cheer you up. Check him out at the Palace Theater this September.
There you have it. Nine of the coolest artists coming to the Twin Cities before summer ends. Which ones will you be making it to?
