By Dawn Pearson
Music fans of all genres have a lot to look forward to this summer at Klipsch Music Center, and they can thank themselves for the upgrades and famous artists performing in the open arena in Noblesville.
Country band Rascal Flatts kicks off the summer concert series, which includes acts from country to rock to rap to ’70s groups.
“The country genre continues to become more popular and make no mistake about it, this is not your grandfather’s country music,” said Andrew Newport, General Manager for North American Concerts and Live Nation.
Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Zac Brown Band, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert and Keith Urban will all make stops through this summer, too.
Fans have new country artists to look forward to as well as camping in Klipsch’s campground.
“We’re thrilled to be hosting two nights of Luke Bryan on Aug. 29 and 30 and will open our on-site campground,” Newport said. “We’re also very excited to host Dierks Bently who is headlining Klipsch for the first time on Sept. 27.”
Classic rock also will be alive and rolling in Noblesville this summer.
“A bittersweet date for us this summer is with Motley Crue with Alice Cooper. While we love hosting these guys, we understand that this is their final tour,” he said. “So if you’ve ever wanted to see them, this could be your last chance to rock out with them.”
Jimmy Buffett travels with one the world’s most “enviable tailgate parties,” and Journey will appear with Steve Miller Band and Tower of Power – one of those shows where everyone will sing along every word to every song.
“KISS & Def Leppard will be stopping by on Aug. 22, and if you haven’t seen either of these bands before, you need to,” Newport said.
There are many new artists performing for the first time as well.
“We love seeing artists that are relatively new to the scene and this year will showcase One Republic, Kings of Leon, Fall Out Boy, Wiz Khalifa and the Goo Goo Dolls,” according to Newport. “Fall Out Boy is a Warped Tour alumni which will visit Indy on July 3. We always enjoyed seeing shots of our venue on Warped Roadies show that airs on FUSE TV.”
And it wouldn’t be summer without Klipsch’s staple, multi-night performer Dave Matthews Band. They will be visiting at the end of June.
“We’ll be camping for two nights of DMB,” he said.
Whereas the band has toured with opening acts historically, this year the shows will be an evening with Dave Matthews Band.
“We’re hearing that in addition to the band’s normal sets, there may also be some acoustic songs as well,” he said. “We are excited to see what changes the band will make to their live show this year.”
Newport credits the music lovers for their support.
“We’re fortunate enough to book some incredible artists every season and should thank the fans for coming out year after year. It’s because of the fans that we’re able to continue to bring many of the industry’s hottest acts to Indiana,” he said. “We can’t wait to open the doors to se so many familiar faces and hopefully some new ones as well.”
Klipsch upgrades and changes
Cell service
Over the off-season, there have been some extensive upgrades made to the venue’s cellular network and coverage. The upgrades will be rolled out in phases starting early in the season.
Focus on service
There will be a new bar in the venue’s south plaza. Management is experimenting with a new program as well that provides guests the opportunity to purchase a table for individual shows.
More options
The amphitheatre will be rolling out some new products this year. Additionally, Live Nation teamed up with Hugh Acheson to develop a vegetarian rice bowl option that will be available this year. It will also be continuing to serve locally grown produce and meat from responsibly raised animals.
Summer schedule
Klipsch Music Center is at 12880 E. 146th St. in Noblesville; 776-8120.
May 17 Rascal Flatts, Sheryl Crow, Gloriana
June 7 Tim Mcgraw, Kip Moore, Cassadee Pope
June 13 Backstreet Boys, Avril Lavigne
June 19 Brad Paisley, Leah Turner, Charlie Worsham
June 20 Dave Matthews Band
June 21 Dave Matthews Band
June 26 Jimmy Buffett
June 28 Journey, Steve Miller Band, Tower Of Power
July 3 Vans Warped Tour
July 5 Motley Crue, Alice Cooper
July 9 Fall Out Boy, Paramore, New Politics
July 13 Zac Brown Band
July 19 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival: Avenged Sevenfold, Korn
July 24 Lady Antebellum, Billy Currington, Joe Nichols
Aug. 2 Keith Urban, Jerrod Niemann, Brett Eldredge
Aug. 3 Onerepublic, The Script
Aug. 14 Under The Influence Of Music Tour: Wiz Khalifa, Young Jeezy, Tyga, Rich Homie Quan, Sage The Gemini, Mack Wilds, Iamsu! And DJ Drama
Aug. 10 Chicago, Reo Speedwagon
Aug. 16 Miranda Lambert, Justin Moore, Thomas Rhett, Jukebox Mafia
Aug. 22 Kiss, Def Leppard
Aug. 23 Kings Of Leon, Young The Giant, Kongos
Aug. 26 Goo Goo Dolls,Daughtry, Plain White T’s
Aug. 29 and 30 Luke Bryan, Lee Brice, Cole Swindell
