Summer tours, live music with a cause

Summer: it's the only time of year where kids are seen sweating in 90 degree weather as they wait for their favorite bands to grace the stage.

"I think summer concerts are more important because more people can go to them," Lindsey Fenton, first-year biology major, said. "It's also the season where they can be held outside so they suddenly become bigger venues."

Live festivals also become prominent in the summertime, as many of them focus on a theme or goal to inspire fans. Music For Relief, a non-for-profit group educating the pubic on natural disasters, is one of Warped Tour's sponsors this year.

"I think this accomplishes many things [besides] just seeing artists live," Steven McDonald, assistant professor of music, said. "It lets them know the money they're paying is going to good worth."

Having many organizations at one place can open concert goers up to new opportunities.

  "I think organizations at concerts get more people involved," Meagan Kearney, first- year education major, said.  "Those who are from smaller towns and not exposed [to non-for-profits] can discover new ways to help."

Music Saves Lives and To Write Love On Her Arms have also partnered with bands this summer and will tour with them to make concert-goers aware of their life-saving causes.

"I'll be playing the harpsichord in a benefit concert for the Lawrence Chamber Orchestra this summer," McDonald said. "It also says something about the bands [or places] when they're willing to sponsor a cause."

It could also be said that the atmosphere of summer concerts could bring in bigger crowds. Without classes and sometimes a few days off work, many may choose to check out live shows.

"I went to see Say Anything a couple summers ago and went crowd surfing for the first time," Fenton said. "The crowd was crazy, I got punched in the face and my lip got cut but it's was a great show."

But, if time doesn't permit for a live show, summer may just be about buying a new CD or pulling out an old favorite.

"I'll be listening to symphonic music from the 18th century to prepare myself for a class I'm teaching in the fall," McDonald said.  "I'll also be listening to some big band music and Duke Ellington."

Others may be in search of that perfect summer song, or advancing their current music collection.

"I think Jack's Mannequin  and 311 are good summer bands," Fenton said.  "You always want good music to listen to on road trips."

Fenton relies on older bands and some past summer hits to regain the music's number one spot.  

"I think Weezer will come back and surprise everyone with a big hit."