Cosculluela

When: June 3
Where: Echostage
Why: Appearing with Justin Quiles for the first time ever at Echostage, Cosculluela is sure to put on a great show. His beats are known to get people dancing and leave them wanting more.

_________________________

Benny Benassi

When: June 4
Where: Echostage
Why: He never fails to disappoint. This isn’t Benny’s first rodeo at Echostage (or in general, obviously) and those years of dropping bass has honed his DJ skills to the ultimate level. You’ll be sure to get some satisfaction out of attending this show (I’m sorry, I had to).

_________________________

Twenty One Pilots

When: June 10
Where: Merriweather
Why: These guys came through Echostage a few months ago and blew the roof off two nights of sold out shows. Their showmanship as well as talent are a sight to be seen and one that is well worth seeing on Merriweather’s stage.

_________________________

Barenaked Ladies

When: June 15
Where: Wolf Trap
Why: Because.. IT’S BEEN a long time since you heard that song and it’s about time you revisit this band.

_________________________

Above & Beyond

When: 4th of July weekend
Where: Echostage
Why: Yet another powerhouse is gracing the Echo stage. A&B have sold out so many double-header shows that odds are by the time you finish this line, their tickets are already sold out. (You totally checked, didn’t you?)

_________________________

The Cure

When: June 22
Where: Merriweather
Why: The OG emo group is coming to our backyard and playing their new songs as well as, hopefully, some of the pioneering angst of their 80s hey-day. We know it’s Summer, but black is definitely the suggested attire.

_________________________

DC101 Kerfuffle

When: June 26
Where: Merriweather
Why: Blink-182 is headlining. If you need further reasoning, get out.

_________________________

Modest Mouse/Brand New

When: July 12
Where: Merriweather
Why: Because these alt-rockers will alt-er your world after just a few songs. Chances are you know a few of each bands’ songs separately already, but to hear these two playing together? In the same event? Fantastic.

_________________________

Moonrise

When: August 6-7
Where: Pimlico Race Course
Why: Mother of god, did you see phase ONE of the lineup? Based on that alone this will be nothing if not epic.

_________________________

Paul McCartney

When: August 9 – 10
Where: Verizon Center
Why: It’s such a great opportunity to see Sir McCartney in person, and it’s not every day that he comes so close to home. You haven’t heard “Hey Jude” until you’ve heard 50,000 people soulfully sing along with him.

_________________________

Drake

When: August 19-20
Where: Verizon Center
Why: Anyone who takes Meek down the way Drake did deserves an audience. Lucky for you, he’s got two shows planned for Verizon so your chances of getting a ticket are twice as good.

_________________________

Miranda Lambert

When: August 25
Where: Merriweather
Why: It’s the last country concert of the season, send the Summer off on a high note (literally)!

_________________________