Summertime is a time to have fun and let go of all your cares. What better way to do that than to take in a play? Or jam at a concert? Or see a comedian who will make you laugh until your sides hurt? You can do all that and more if you see the acts profiled in our summer concerts and shows guide. We’ve profiled 20 acts who will be performing either in south Florida, central Florida, or both, this summer.
JULY
Miss Florida USA
Brittany Oldehoff, a native of Oakland Park, made it to the top five at the Miss USA pageant just a few weeks ago. Who will be the next Miss Florida USA and will she go on to represent the United States at the Miss Universe pageant? Find out over the span of two days: the first day is the preliminary pageant round and the final night, the winner will be crowned.
When and Where? Parker Playhouse, Fort Lauderdale, July 11-12
American Idol Live!
American Idol‘s thirteenth season produced many fan favorites, including Bradenton native Sam Woolf, who finished in the final five. Watch Sam, winner Caleb Johnson, runner-up Jena Irene, the first out lesbian contestant MK Nobilette, and the rest of the top thirteen sing for their fans in Florida.
When and Where? Van Wezel Performing Arts Centre, Sarasota, July 17; Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, July 18; Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, July 19
H2OMBRE: Brave the Elements
You’re going to get wet! Each show in this multi-media extravaganza uses over 6,000 gallons of water as electronic music, acrobatics, and of course water all collide into a dream-like alternate universe. The audience is given a hands-on chance to keep the peace in this dream world.
When and Where? Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami, July 17-August 31
Anjelah Johnson
You know her from FOX’s MadTV and her Comedy Central specials. Her character Bon Qui Qui, the nonplussed and put-upon King Burger employee, has gone viral with over 65 million YouTube views. A master of comedy and imitations, Anjelah Johnson will make sure everyone’s laughing.
When and Where? Fort Lauderdale Improv, Fort Lauderdale, July 24-27
Sara Bareilles
This California girl broke onto the scene in 2007 with her top ten pop hit “Love Song” and she continued her hit streak last year with the radio-friendly “Brave.” Sara takes her songbook to south Florida for one special night, as part of her nationwide Little Black Dress Tour.
When and Where? Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, July 25
Fall Out Boy and Paramore
Punk group Fall Out Boy has sold over seven million albums in the United States, and their most recent album last year topped the charts. Pop group Paramore’s most recent album also topped the charts, and produced the top ten single “Ain’t It Fun.” The two bands team up in July for two concert dates in Florida.
When and Where? Cruzan Amphitheatre, West Palm Beach, July 25; MidFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa, July 26
Gavin DeGraw
Gavin DeGraw represents the newest generation of blue-eyed soul. Three of his singles have gone platinum in the U.S. and he has been nominated for two Grammy Awards. He brings his concert experience to two intimate venues in Florida, where he can connect directly with fans.
When and Where? House of Blues Orlando, Lake Buena Vista, July 29; Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, July 30
AUGUST
Maxwell
A smooth R&B and soul crooner, Maxwell has been nominated for twelve Grammy Awards. He is currently producing the second in a trilogy of albums which he’s been working on for many years. With his last album peaking at the top of the Billboard 200, he is back at the top of the game after taking a seven-year hiatus.
When and Where? Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, August 1
Keyshia Cole
A protegee of MC Hammer and Tupac Shakur, this R&B singer-songwriter has charted thirteen singles in the top ten of the R&B singles charts. She is best known for hits like “Let It Go,” which she sang with Lil’ Kim and Missy Elliott, and for her collaborations with Sean Paul, Lil Wayne and Juicy J.
When and Where? House of Blues Orlando, Lake Buena Vista, August 11
The Wayans Brothers
Shawn and Marlon Wayans, the younger brothers of the famed Wayans siblings from In Living Color, became famous in the 1990s with their own self-titled sitcom, followed up by roles in films like the features in the Scary Movie franchise, and White Chicks. Audiences in Tampa loved them in June, now it’s South Florida’s turn.
When and Where? Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, August 15
Tori Amos
Tori Amos has always been an artist who marches to the beat of her own drummer. Her most recent album Unrepentant Geraldines is perfect evidence of that free spirit. She started her career performing in gay bars, and she has been a gay rights supporter for decades, which has earned her a loyal fan base.
When and Where? Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, August 22; Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, Orlando, August 23; The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater, Miami Beach, August 24
Blake Shelton
Blake Shelton is a strong force in today’s country music scene (he has lots of hits solo and with singing partner Miranda Lambert, who’s also his wife). When he isn’t recording new music or spending time mentoring his team on NBC’s hit The Voice, he’s touring the country, and he’s coming to Florida this August.
When and Where? Amway Center, Orlando, August 30
SEPTEMBER
3 Doors Down
Mississippi-born and raised, the rock band 3 Doors Down went multi-platinum with singles such as “Kryptonite,” “Here Without You” and “When I’m Gone,” carving their distinct soulful sound into the rock scene. They unplug and bring their 100% acoustic sound to Florida for three different tour dates.
When and Where? House of Blues Orlando, Lake Buena Vista, September 3; Hard Rock Café, Tampa, September 5; Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers, September 6
Disney on Ice: Frozen
Frozen became the highest-grossing animated feature of all time this year because it related so well not just to children, but to adults as well. Now Elsa, Anna and the rest of the cast will be acting out the tale on ice — how apropos! Orlando’s Amway Center kicks off the Frozen nationwide tour.
When and Where? Amway Center, Orlando, September 4-7
Kings of Leon
Rock band Kings of Leon, with four #1 U.S. alternative hits, has found widespread appeal and fans almost everywhere. (Remember when Pepper MaShay sang a cover version of their hit “Use Somebody”?) This tour brings them to Florida to sing to their fans out in the summer sun.
When and Where? MidFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa, September 5; Cruzan Amphitheatre, West Palm Beach, September 6
Lily Allen
Known for being fearless and taking risks with her music (mixing pop, reggae and ska?), Lily Allen has massive staying power — so much so that she took four years off to start a family and came back on top as if nothing happened. She is on tour promoting her newest album, Sheezus.
When and Where? The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater, Miami Beach, September 9; House of Blues Orlando, Lake Buena Vista, September 10
Ira Glass
If you’re a fan of National Public Radio, this is for you. Ira Glass hosts the long-running series This American Life and he comes to Tampa Bay with a wildly eclectic show that combines the stories you love from This American Life, alongside irreverent music and dancing numbers, complete with confetti.
When and Where? Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg, September 13
Erasure
Andy Bell and Vince Clarke of Erasure are venturing out on another tour, ahead of the release of their sixteenth album, set to drop in September just as their Florida concert dates approach. These new songs will be a great addition to their repertoire, which already includes sixteen Top Ten U.S. dance club hits.
When and Where? The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater, Miami Beach, September 12; House of Blues Orlando, Lake Buena Vista, September 13; Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg, September 14
Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato has had a lot of success very early in life. By the age of 22, she logged three seasons as judge of the American version of The X-Factor, and can boast recording multi-platinum songs like “Give Your Heart a Break” and “Heart Attack.” Now she’s touring in Florida again for the second time in as many years.
When and Where? American Airlines Arena, Miami, September 14; Amway Center, Orlando, September 15
Mo’Nique
Mo’Nique has done it all. She was an Original Queen of Comedy, she’s had her own weekly sitcom, she’s won an Oscar for Precious…and she taught the Flavor of Love girls manners at charm school. Now she’s coming to South Florida for a no-holds-barred comedy show where she says whatever she wants!
When and Where? Fort Lauderdale Improv, Fort Lauderdale, September 19-20
To read our other recent summer previews, such as our summer TV and movie guides, visit hotspotsmagazine.com, or download the Hotspots Magazine app for free at the iTunes Store or at the Google Play Store.
