Jump In: Pop Music
The Raconteurs with the Black Lips: Jack White's delicious pop-rock side project takes its show outdoors to showcase its terrific sophomore disc, "Consolers of the Lonely." Make sure to arrive early enough to check out the endearingly scrappy antics of gifted garage rockers the Black Lips. June 3,
De Novo Dahl: This Nashville quintet is all about bringing the fun with its sweet, psychedelia-tinged pop sound. June 7, Middle East Upstairs, 617-931-2000, ticketmaster.com
Alicia Keys with Jordin Sparks: Although both Keys and her "American Idol" support act have experienced some scary vocal-cord drama of late, they should be back in the smooth, soul-pop groove by the time they reach the Hub. June 11, TD Banknorth Garden, 617-931-2000, ticketmaster.com
The Ting Tings: This sassy dance-rock group charmed us at South by Southwest and is gaining traction since its ditty "Shut Up and Let Me Go" is featured in the latest iPod ad. Check out the energetic UK duo in its first Boston appearance. June 19, Great Scott , 866-468-3399, ticketweb.com
Donna Summer: The disco diva returns to her old stomping grounds to dim all the lights and shows us the colors of her new album, her first in 17 years, "Crayons." July 12, Bank of America Pavilion, 617-931-2000, ticketmaster.com
John Mellencamp and Lucinda Williams: One of the strongest double bills of the summer finds the prince of the heartland teaming up with the poetess of alt-country. Keep your fingers crossed for some soul-satisfying, roots-rock cross-pollination. July 14-15, Bank of America Pavilion, 617-931-2000, ticketmaster.com
"Rock the Bells" with Nas, Mos Def, A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Santogold, and others: The must-see hip-hop show of the summer pairs new and old-school sounds from the cream of the crop. We suggest waving your hands in the air. And for good measure, wave them like you just don't care. July 26, Tweeter Center, 617-931-2000, ticketmaster.com
Eagles: They're flying high on the strength of their septuple-platinum comeback album, "Long Road Out of Eden," and you can expect a renewed sense of vibrancy from Don, Glenn, Joe, and Timothy B. July 28 and 30, TD Banknorth Garden, 617-931-2000, ticketmaster.com
Wilco: In their only New England appearance of the summer, the critically adored Chicago alt-rockers mix it up at the BSO's famed Tanglewood extravaganza in the Berkshires. Worth the drive. Aug. 12, Tanglewood, Lenox, 888-266-1200, bso.org
Grizzly Bear: One night after warming up the Radiohead crowd at the Tweeter Center, you can catch this buzzed-about Brooklyn indie band stretching out on its own. Aug. 14, Museum of Fine Arts, 617-369-3306, mfa.org/concerts
Vince Gill: The deserving winner of last year's Grammy for best country album, country music's nice guy will dig into the treasure chest of that four-disc set, "These Days." Aug. 30, South Shore Music Circus, 617-931-2000, ticketmaster.com
SARAH RODMAN 