Locally, there are many popular concert venues that have well-known celebrities performing all year long. Summertime however, is the perfect season to indulge in late-night concerts, warm weather and bonding with friends.
This summer, artists like Red Hot Chili Peppers on July 2, Noah Kahan on May 29, Hootie and the Blowfish on June 29, Third Eye Blind on July 9, Hozier on July 29 and Cage the Elephant on August 29 are all performing at the Pavilion at Star Lake in Burgettstown. At PNC Park, Def Leppard and Journey will be performing on July 27, and Green Day and The Smashing Pumpkins are going to be there on September 1. Artists such as The Kid LAROI on July 1, Faye Webster on July 29, Brothers Osborne on June 21, Train on July 11 and Lindsey Stirling on August 9 will be performing at Stage AE in Pittsburgh.
Junior Haelyn Noderer shared, “I like summertime concerts because if they’re on a weekday, you don’t have to worry about school interfering. The only bad part is that sometimes it can get really hot, which can be uncomfortable.”
Freshman Hayden Francis agrees, saying, “I enjoy summer concerts because they allow you to meet up with your school friends after not seeing them for some time. It is a perfect opportunity for inviting your classmates and spending time with them during break, and you can share the exciting experience with them as you sing your favorite songs. It is also convenient that nobody will have to attend school the next day, so the night can be enjoyed to its fullest.”
The Pavilion at Star Lake is one of the most popular venues in the area, with big artists like Lana Del Rey, Nicki Minaj, Dave Matthews Band, and more having performed there in the past few years. The only downside is that the quality of the experience depends on the weather since it’s located mostly outdoors. However, at this venue, there is more room to get into the music and not be packed so close to other attendees.
Junior Ava Richter says she prefers standing at concerts: “I like to stand so my friends and I can jump and dance while singing the songs. It’s more exciting.”
Richter’s favorite concert venue in the area, however, is not the Pavilion at Star Lake, but PPG Paints Arena since it’s nice to be in the stands and be closer to the artists.
Noderer voiced,“My favorite concert venue is probably the Pavilion at Star Lake because, at least from my experience there, the people were very nice.”
Francis attended the Travis Scott concert at PPG Paints Arena this past year, which was one of his first concerts, and shared, “I experienced a rush of excitement when hearing his intense music, and this is what really made me fall in love with rap and other fast paced music genres. I am hoping to attend the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert, with Kid Cudi opening for them, at Star Lake. I recently became a fan of Kid Cudi, and this would be a perfect chance to see him perform live as he won’t be returning to this area for his world tour. I am also looking forward to experiencing another outdoor concert where I can enjoy the music and view the night sky.”
Richter is looking forward to attending Noah Kahan perform at The Pavilion at Star Lake this summer, and Noderer is excited to see Hozier, since she has been a fan of his for a while.
This summer, artists from all genres will be performing at popular venues near Washington. There’s sure to be something for anyone interested in taking part in a concert over summer break!
