Sorry, Lana Del Rey — 2018 is not about that “Summertime Sadness.” In fact, metro Detroit’s concert lineup is so stacked that it’s shaping up to be the summer of badass-ness. From legendary rockers and folkies to rap royalty and pop priestesses — not to mention the off-the-charts influx of indie acts — metro Detroit has the hottest tickets in town for a summer to remember.

Saturday, 6/9 Primus @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill Primus is as wild as ever, partnering with the Grammy award-winning group Mastodon in support of its ninth album. The group is welcoming back original members to recreate its fundamental 1995 sound. Doors open at 7 p.m.; 14900 Metro Pkwy., Sterling Heights; 586-268-9700; 313presents.com; Tickets start at $21 and can be purchased here. Photo via artist’s Facebook
Sunday, 6/10 Paul Simon @ DTE Energy Music Theatre Homebound — the Farewell Tour marks the retirement of yet another classic rock legend. The singer-songwriter has graced us with his impeccable sound since the 1960s as part of Simon & Garfunkel, then moved on to his successful own solo projects. In his retirement statement Simon questioned what it would feel like to stop performing: “Now I know: it feels a little unsettling, a touch exhilarating, and something of a relief.” Doors open 7 p.m.; 7774 Sashabaw Rd., Clarkston; 248-377-0100; 313presents.com; Tickets start at $31 and can be purchased here. Photo via artist’s Facebook
Thursday, 6/13 Kendrick Lamar and SZA @ DTE Energy Music Theatre You’re not dreaming. The Championship tour will bring together two of the most powerful names in contemporary music. Both Lamar and SZA dominated in 2017, releasing albums that topped the charts, ruled the radio, and received critical acclaim. Lamar’s right-hand dude ScHoolBoy Q also joins the bill. Doors open 7:30 p.m.; 7774 Sashabaw Rd., Clarkston; 248-377-0100; 313presents.com; Tickets start at $104.50 and can be purchased here. MT File
Fri., 6/14 – Sun., 6/17 Detroit Music Weekend with The Jacksons, Jeff Daniels, and more @ Detroit theater district The return of Detroit Music Weekend is upon us and once again, it’s all about the legends. This year’s guests of honor and festival headliners, The Jacksons, will receive the key to the city and will perform a free 75-minute set on Saturday, June 16. Jackson brother and King of Pop Michael will also be honored with a street-naming ceremony. In addition to the star-powered lineup (Jeff Daniels, Mark Farner, and the Craig Brown Band are among the scheduled hundreds of artists) DMW will also feature more than 100 restaurants and vendors extending from Music Hall to Capitol Park. Event begins on Thursday, June 15 at 6 p.m. at Hitsville U.S.A and will take place throughout the weekend downtown Detroit; detroitmusicweekend.org ; Event is free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Courtesy photo
Friday, 6/15 Jack Johnson @ DTE Energy Music Theatre Kick off your shoes and get down — surfer-turned-soft-rocker Jack Johnson and his sustainable too-blessed-to-be-stressed vibes will keep you cool. Johnson, best known for low-key hiking/makeout jams, has asked G. Love & Special Sauce along for his “All the Light Above It Too” world tour in support of his 2017 record of the same name. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; 7774 Sashabaw Rd., Clarkston; 248-377-0100; 313presents.com; Tickets start at $31 and can be purchased here. Photo via artist’s Facebook
Friday, 6/15 Black Moth Super Rainbow @ El Club With a name like Black Moth Super Rainbow one could draw several conclusions as to how the band might sound. But BMSR has found a way to mesh electronica’s ambience and the poppiness of, say, Jon Brion’s I Heart Huckabees score for a sound that is as unique as their damn name. Doors open at 8 p.m.; 4114 W. Vernor Hwy., Detroit; 313-279-7382; elclubdetroit.com; Tickets are $18-$20 and can be purchased here. Photo via artist’s Facebook
Saturday, 6/16 JR JR @ DTE’s Beacon Park If you haven’t been keeping tabs on Detroit’s JR JR, you’re not alone. Formerly known as Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., the band fell off the map after they canceled the majority of its 2017 tour plans (including a doubleheader at El Club) due to illness. The indie pop duo known for sweet harmonies and electronic ambience make their return to kick off the Beacon Park concert series. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; 1901 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-962-0101; dtebeaconpark.com; Event is free and open to the public. Courtesy photo.
Friday, 6/22 Chromeo @ Royal Oak Music Theatre Canadian electro-funk duo Chromeo have perfected the summer jam. Whether you want to get busy in the sheets of your air-conditioned abode or sweat it out in the streets, their latest tour is in support of Head Over Heels, a record that lends itself to all your summer mischief. Doors open at 8 p.m.; 318 West Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980; royaloakmusictheatre.com; Tickets are $28.50+ and can be purchased here. Photo via artist’s Facebook
Saturday, 6/23 Erykah Badu and Nas @ Chene Park Erykah Badu is not just a one-trick “Bag Lady,” and don’t dare peg Nas as just a rapper. Two of the most influential names in the game will serve up a poetic and sensual power-dose of chill hip-hop flow. Doors open 8 p.m.; 2600 Atwater St., Detroit; 313-393-7128; cheneparkdetroit.com; Tickets are $56 and can be purchased here. Photo via artist’s Facebook
Tuesday, 6/26 Harry Styles @ Little Caesars Arena As one of several little cutie heartthrobs from the X-Factor-winning boy band One Direction, Harry Styles is hardly a footnote in the annals of pretty-boy pop history. In 2017, he stunned with his refreshing and dynamic self-titled debut record and hit single “Sign of the Times.” Doors open 8 p.m.; 2600 Atwater St., Detroit; 313-393-7128; 313presentes.com; Tickets are $56 and can be purchased here. Photo via artist’s Facebook, photo by Hélène Pambrun
Friday, 6/29 Princess Nokia @ MOCAD This princess has seen some shit. Destiny Frasqueri, aka Princess Nokia, has a knack for deceptively dark rap, rhyming “dial-tone” with “die alone” on 2018’s “For the Night.” A feminist and queer activist, the Puerto Rican rapper is on the rise with her totally woke style. Doors open at 7 p.m.; 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832-6622; mocadetroit.com; Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here. Courtesy photo.
Saturday, 6/30 Yes @ Fox Theatre When you’ve endured as much as prog-rock pioneers Yes, a golden anniversary is worth celebrating — and that’s exactly what the band intends to do. “An Evening with Yes” will honor the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees’ 50th anniversary and will celebrate 21 studio records and countless live recordings that have solidified them as integral threads in the tapestry that is rock ‘n’ roll. The lineup will include Steve Howe (guitarist since ’70), Alan White (drummer since ’72), Geoff Downes (keyboards, joined in ’80), and will be led by Billy Sherwood, who joined in the ’90s and took over bass and vocals after frontman Chris Squire’s death in 2015. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3200; 313presents.com; Tickets start at $39.50 and can be purchased here. Courtesy photo.
Tuesday, 7/3 Neil Young @ The Fox Theatre The incomparable Neil Young is hitting the road for a short string of intimate solo shows and Detroit has been chosen as one of the tour’s six destinations. As it turns out, the “Old Man” adores our city and recently recalled fond memories spent at the Fox, Masonic Temple, and recording in Motown studios. Most recently, the 72-year-old icon announced he is leaving social media to focus on his new website the Neil Young Archives, which has been described by the singer-songwriter as “a giant time machine cabinet.” Doors open at 8 p.m.; 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3200; 313presents.com; Tickets start at $99.50 and can be purchased here. Photo by Christopher Wahl
Thursday, 7/5 The War on Drugs @ Royal Oak Music Theatre If you’re not hip to the War on Drugs you should know that catching these Grammy-Award winning indie rockers at a venue as intimate as this is a rare opportunity. If you are in the know, though, then you can attest to how the band’s unique sound — think Ryan Adams meets Tame Impala — likely is what launched them into the stratosphere. Doors open at 8 p.m.; 318 West Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980; royaloakmusictheatre.com; Tickets start at $32.50 and can be purchased here. Photo via artist’s Facebook
Friday, 7/6 Beck @ The Fox Theatre Beck off, fam. Rock’s favorite pint-sized Scientologist will visit Detroit just two days shy of his 48th birthday. Beck last rolled through town in 2017 when he opened for U2’s Joshua Tree Tour at Ford Field. From his earlier ambient vibes to his more recent radio-pop efforts, 2017’s Colors peaked at No. 1 on the U.S Billboard Rock Charts because, let’s be honest, Beck is no loser. Doors open at 8 p.m.; 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3200; 313presents.com; Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased here. Courtesy photo
Saturday, 7/7 Arcade Fire @ DTE Energy Music Theatre Canada’s heavyweight champions of whimsy and depression is headed to the suburbs. Arcade Fire will head to DTE as one of six headlining North American non-festival dates. The band delighted us with its elaborate and boxing-ring themed “Infinite Content” arena tour and spectacle last year in support of 2017’s Everything Now, the most divisive album in its catalog to date. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; 7774 Sashabaw Rd., Clarkston; 248-377-0100; 313presents.com; Tickets start at $26.50 and can be purchased here. Courtesy photo by Guy Aroch
Monday, 7/9 Janelle Monáe @ Fox Theatre Angels are real, y’all, and singer-songwriter, actress, activist, and visionary Janelle Monáe is living proof. Monáe will hit the road in support of her recently released third record, Dirty Computer. Her last tour with Kimbra was canceled due to illness, but this one is sure to fill the void. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3200; 313presents.com; Tickets start at $39.50 and can be purchased here. Photo via artist’s Facebook
Wednesday, 7/18 Kesha and Macklemore @ DTE Energy Music Theatre The comeback queen of justice and glitter is hitting the road — and she’s got company. The Adventures of Kesha and Macklemore follows a successful 2017 for both artists. Kesha released the beautifully rebellious Rainbow — her first album in five years following a legal battle with alleged abuser and producer Dr. Luke. Macklemore dropped Geminiearlier this year, his second solo release without Ryan Lewis. The tour will donate $1 from every ticket sold to support RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network,) and M Plus 1, an organization that advances racial and social justice. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; 7774 Sashabaw Rd., Clarkston; 248-377-0100; 313presents.com; Tickets start at $26.50 and can be purchased here. Photo via artist’s Facebook
Friday, 7/20 Vans Warped Tour @ Meadow Brook Amphitheatre It’s the end of an era. For 23 years, Warped Tour has held a special place in our pop-punk hearts. Warped Tour makes its final round with a stacked lineup that includes the Used, Taking Back Sunday, Sum 41, Senses Fail, and more. Doors open at 11 a.m.; 3554 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills; 248-377-0100; 313presents.com; Tickets are $45 and can be purchased here. Courtesy photo by Ryan Wantanabe
Friday, 7/20 Ms. Lauryn Hill @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill Just when we’ve given up hope, Ms. Lauryn Hill comes along. Since the release of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, her stark and seminal debut 20 years ago (and inarguably the greatest female rap album of all time), the ex-Fugee has not released a studio album. So, what do you do when you only have one fucking amazing record that shaped the entire hip-hop world as we know it? You celebrate each totally perfect track, and that’s exactly what Hill is planning to do during her anniversary tour. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; 14900 Metro Pkwy., Sterling Heights; 586-268-9700; 313presents.com; Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased here. Photo via artist’s Facebook
Sunday, 7/22 Radiohead @ Little Caesars Arena Radiohead is either the greatest band of all time or the most overrated band ever to exist. If you believe the latter, however, you are wrong — and it’s OK (computer).If you believe the former: Radiohead has scheduled a rare appearance in Detroit and we could not be fitter, happier. The last time Thom Yorke and company visited the Detroit area it was in support of King of Limbs in June of 2012 at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Before their 2012 performance, the band had last played Detroit in August of 1997 at the then-State Theater. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit; 313-471-7000; 313presents.com; Verified resale tickets are available starting at $80 and can be purchased here. Photo by Alex Lake
Friday, 7/27 The Roots and Common @ Chene Park Clearly, Chene Park has the summer lineup on lock. Look no further than this heavy-hitting pairing. The Roots have teamed up with rapper, actor, and poet Common to defy hip-hop by infusing their unique collab with funk, soul, and electronica — suitable for making babies or making changes. Doors open at 8 p.m.; 2600 Atwater St., Detroit; 313-393-7128; cheneparkdetroit.com; Tickets start at $41 and can be purchased here. Photo via artist’s Facebook
Thursday, 7/27-Sunday, 7/29 Tommy Stock @ Camp Agawam The hustle and bustle of your typical outdoor fest does not exist at Tommy Stock — the three-day, chill AF camping and music festival on the 140-acre Camp Agawam in Lake Orion. Catch sets by Kent Koller, In Harmony’s Way, the Implications, Acoustic Ash, Dalayne Natke, and more. Doors open at; 1301 Clarkston Rd., Lake Orion; tommystock.org; Tickets are $50 for a 3-day pass. Photo of Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish by Josh Kranich via Facebook
Saturday, 7/28 and Sunday, 7/29 Mo Pop Music Festival @ West Riverfront Park Mo Pop Festival is back for year six, and we have died and gone to indie heaven. Indie overlords Bon Iver, who have not made a Michigan appearance in more than a decade, are headlining the festival. The National, Portugal the Man, and St. Vincent are also top-billed with support by the likes of Vince Staples, Brockhampton, Daniel Caesar, Alvvays, and local darlings Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers — along with Metro Times’ 2018 “Bands to Watch” artist, Shortly. Doors open at 1 p.m.; West Riverfront Park: 1801 W. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; mopopfestival.com; Single day tickets are $85, weekend passes start at $125 and can be purchased here. St. Vincent courtesy photo
Saturday, 8/4 Shakira @ Little Caesars Arena We’ve been waiting a long time for Colombian belly-dancing pop sensation Shakira to roll through Detroit as the twelve-time Grammy-winner had postponed her “El Dorado World Tour” last year due to a vocal chord injury. In support of her latest record, El Dorado, Shakira is primed and ready to prove just once and for all that her hips don’t lie. Doors open at 8 p.m.; 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit; 313-471-7000; 313presents.com; Tickets start at $40.50 and can be purchased here. Photo via artist’s Facebook
Saturday, 8/4 and Sunday, 8/5 Black Milk @ El Club The Detroit native and L.A. resident’s Fever reveals some serious strides in the evolution of the former Slum Village rapper. As one of the most dynamic hip-hop artists around, Black Milk will take the El Club stage for a doubleheader. Doors open at 8 p.m.; 4114 W. Vernor Hwy., Detroit; 313-279-7382; elclubdetroit.com; Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here. Photo via artist’s Facebook
Monday, 8/13 Jay-Z and Beyonce @ Ford Field This tour follows a publicly tumultuous two years for pop culture’s royal family as grievances surrounding Jay-Z’s infidelity were aired out on Bey’s 2016 release, Lemonade; Jay responded on last year’s 4:44. We just hope they’re still “Crazy in Love,” OK? Doors open at 2000 Brush St., Detroit; 313-262-2222; fordfield.com; Ticket start at $49.50 and can be purchased here. Photo via artist’s
Tuesday, 8/14 Drake with Migos @ Little Caesars Arena Ever since he left the city, we’ve been waiting for Drake to call us on our cell phone — or at least come back to Detroit, seeing that it’s been a two-year drought without our beloved Drizzy, and we are thirsty. The last time Drake paid a visit to the Motor City was for 2016’s co-headlining tour alongside Future at Joe Louis Arena, during which Eminem was summoned via a trap door in the stage. This time around, our beloved Champagne Papi will likely be peddling tunes from his forthcoming fifth record, Scorpion. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit; 313-471-7000; 313presents.com; Verified resale tickets are available starting at $80 and can be purchased here. Photo via artist’s
Sunday, 8/19 Beach House @ Royal Oak Music Theatre Celebrating the release of its new album, 7, these indie dream pop babes are making their way to the Midwest to celebrate. “I feel like there’s a reason why this record happened,” the band told Pitchfork earlier this year. “We’re about to find out when we go on tour what it means to people.” Doors open at 8 p.m.; 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980; royaloakmusictheatre.com; Tickets start at $32 and can be purchased here. Photo via artist’s
Monday, 8/27 Dinosaur Jr. @ Saint Andrew’s Hall It’s been nearly 25 years since Dinosaur Jr. intoxicated us with “Feel the Pain,” but our love for these indie-noise makers is far from extinct. Just this year the band teamed up with Jack White’s Third Man Records to release a special 7-inch recording of its live TMR Blue Room performance. Doors open 7 p.m.; 431 E. Congress St., Detroit; 313-961-8961; saintandrewsdetroit.com; Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here. Photo via artist’s

Have something to share?

SEND US A NEWS TIP

Since 1980, Metro Times has been Detroit’s premier alternative source for news, arts, culture, music, film, food, fashion and more from a liberal point of view.