It's almost summer in Maryland at last--and now's the time to get tickets to all the shows that will be in the state this season. Since it's only a few hours from one end of Maryland to the other, there's no reason to miss anything!
Ray LaMontagne back in 2012
All the concerts still have available tickets at the time of writing, so go nuts! Just remember that some venues (like Merriweather Post Pavilion) have ticket limits per show, so decide which friends make the cut to come with--maybe the ones who have bought you Route One gear in the past (wink, wink).
Baltimore Soundstage is getting into the swing of summer with Fifth Harmony ($25) on June 5. You can also catch Blood on the Dance Floor ($16) on June 28. Since Soundstage is right in the Inner Harbor, you have plenty of places to go pregame or sightsee before your show starts.
In the same neighborhood but looking for bigger acts? Look no further than Pier 6 Pavilion. Catch Heart ($35-$75) on August 9, then see Panic! at the Disco ($30-$40) the next day. August 12 brings Gavin DeGraw and Matt Nathanson ($30-$65)--you might just want to live down at the harbor that week!
Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia will be the place to go for Ray LaMontagne ($45-$70) on June 4 and Jack Johnson ($40-$65). Country fans shouldn't miss Brad Paisley ($40-$75) on June 12, and Fall Out Boy and Paramore ($40-$60) are teaming up on July 18.
If you're in Annapolis, you can go to Silopanna Music Festival ($60, or $150 for VIP tickets) on August 16. The Flaming Lips headline, while Dashboard Confessional, Matt & Kim, Sleeper Agent and a variety of other acts will play as well. There's one more artist to be announced, so keep your eyes peeled!
Don't forget--if you're going to an outdoor show, make sure you stay hydrated and keep the sunscreen coming! Keep an eye on your keys and ID, and know who's going to be the DD if you're pregaming. And don't forget to have fun! You've spent the money and made the drive, so go have a blast.