Springsteen highlights Live Nation summer slate
Music promotion company Live Nation celebrated the kickoff of the summer music season with a celebration at the State Room yesterday, highlighted by an acoustic performance by the New Cars -- complete with bongos and a ukulele.
Among the event's big announcements: Bruce Springsteen with the Seeger Sessions Band, originally scheduled to perform at TD Banknorth Garden, will now take the stage at the Tweeter Center in Mansfield on May 27. Tickets will go on sale, as previously announced, on May 12. Also announced yesterday: Performances by indie bands Bloc Party and the Secret Machines on July 28 and Muse on Aug. 2. All will perform at the
''We're working hard to make the Pavilion more diverse," said Dave Marsden, senior vice president of Live Nation Boston. ''Last summer new groups like Keane and the Killers took a liking to the venue, and this year we're looking to do more of everything." Live Nation expects to book about another 10 shows at the venue this summer.
In addition to the New Cars, which will play the Pavilion with Blondie on June 7, other favorites visiting the venue include Steve Miller Band, Chicago with Huey Lewis & the News, and KC and the Sunshine Band. The outdoor space will also feature Matisyahu on May 25; Radiohead, June 4 and June 5 (tickets, $41, go on sale Saturday); Ashlee Simpson, July 11 (tickets $25-$45, on sale May 13); Fiona Apple and Damien Rice, July 21 ($25-$45, on sale May 13); and Chris Isaak, Aug. 23 ($28.50-$48.50, on sale May 15).
It was also announced that $1.8 million had been spent on improvements at the shed, including a better sound system and four new video screens.
Like the Pavilion's, the Tweeter Center's schedule is eclectic this summer, with singer Andrea Bocelli, rocker Tom Petty, and Nine Inch Nails all performing there just in the week of June 16-23. Recognized by Billboard magazine as the No. 1 amphitheater in the world four years running, the Tweeter Center is also filling up its calendar with the Black Crowes, July 23 (tickets $20-$48.50, on sale May 12); Goo Goo Dolls and Counting Crows, July 29 (tickets $39.50-$67.50, on sale Saturday); Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, Aug. 16 ($34.50-$201, on sale May 13); Poison, Aug. 5 ($20-$45, on sale Saturday); and Steely Dan and Michael McDonald, Aug. 27 ($28.50-$85, on sale Monday).
For tickets, call 617-931-2000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
