Your guide to can't-miss concerts

Nice packages

True Colors Tour, Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. 6 p.m. June 10. $49-$179. (312) 559-1212.

Cyndi Lauper returns to headline the LGBT-friendly pop jaunt, alongside comedian Rosie O'Donnell, The B-52's, Tegan & Sara, The Cliks and host Carson Kressley ("How to Look Good Naked").

Poets & Pirates Tour, Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive, Chicago. 4 p.m. June 24. $66.50-$99.50. (312) 559-1212.

Named after headliner Kenny Chesney's 2007 megaseller, this summer's biggest country tour welcomes Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes, Gary Allan and Luke Bryan.

Scream the Prayer, Lindner Fitness Center at Judson University, 1151 N. State St., Elgin. Noon July 6. $20, $25. (800) 965-9324.

Veterans Living Sacrifice top a day of Christian extreme metal and hardcore which also includes Haste the Day, Sleeping Giant, Impending Doom, War of Ages, Blessed By a Broken Heart, With Blood Comes Cleansing and more.

Crüe Fest, First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park. 5 p.m. July 16. $29.50-$95. (312) 559-1212.

Motley Crüe climbs back onto its sleazy throne with help from fellow strip club rockers Buckcherry, Papa Roach, Trapt and Crȯˆ¿Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ˆ½e bassist Nikki Sixx's side project, Sixx: A. M.

Rock the Bells, First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park. 12:30 p.m. July 19. $40-$75. (312) 559-1212.

A Tribe Called Quest and The Pharcyde reunite for this alternative hip-hop showcase. Overqualified support comes from Nas, Mos Def, De La Soul, Method Man and Redman, Dead Prez, Murs and more.

Warped Tour, First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park. 11 a.m. Aug. 2. $27.50, $30. (312) 559-1212.

Still the best band-per-dollar deal around. Among many punk, emo, ska, hip-hop and metal performers are Angels and Airwaves, The Academy Is..., Gym Class Heroes, Reel Big Fish, Pennywise, Every Time I Die, Against Me!, Story of the Year, All That Remains, MC Chris and Protest the Hero.

Mayhem Festival, First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park: 2 p.m. Aug. 10. $26.50-$52.25. (312) 559-1212.

Slipknot and Chicago's Disturbed headline an attempt to fill the mainstream metal void left by the defunct Ozzfest and Sounds of the Underground tours. Others include DragonForce, Mastodon, Underoath, Machine Head, Walls of Jericho, The Red Chord and more.

Projekt Revolution, Alpine Valley Music Theatre, Highways D and 120, East Troy, Wisc. 2 p.m. Aug. 16. $24.75-$70.75. (312) 559-1212.

Radio rawk, new wave and screamo converge at Linkin Park's annual trek, which also features Chris Cornell, The Bravery, Atreyu, Hawthorne Heights, Armor for Sleep and more.

Caravan of classics

R.E.M., United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. 7 p.m. June 6. $37.50-$85. (312) 559-1212.

College rock legends R.E.M., now a trio plus ex-Ministry drummer Bill Reiflin, promote "Accelerate," an album many consider a return to form. Hip opening duo Modest Mouse and The National add further relevance.

Iron Maiden, Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. 7 p.m. June 11. $39.50-$59.50. (312) 559-1212.

The sextet focuses on songs from their height of popularity in the mid-to-late '80s, complete with the elaborate stage sets that defined the Brits as the epitome of stadium metal spectacle.

Stevie Nicks, Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island, 1300 S. Linn White Drive, Chicago. 8 p.m. June 14. $35-$125. (312) 559-1212.

Mystical pop icon Nicks whirls her way through Fleetwood Mac and solo hits in support of her forthcoming live CD/DVD, recorded in Chicago last October as part of PBS' "Soundstage" series. Shawn Colvin opens.

Emmylou Harris, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. 6 p.m. June 14. $42, $50. (630) 725-2066.

Enjoy the outdoor setting along with country icon Harris, whose first solo album in five years, "All I Intended to Be," hits stores four days before this suburban show.

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. 8 p.m. June 18. $20-$80. (847) 266-5100.

Rock king Plant and bluegrass queen Krauss recreate the magic of last year's lauded collaboration "Raising Sand" alongside producer T-Bone Burnett. Cool... but where's that Zeppelin reunion, Bob?

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. 7:30 p.m. July 2. $55-$99. (312) 559-1212.

Petty just put out an album with his pre-Heartbreakers band Mudcrutch, but he's touring with the same collective with which he appeared during this year's Super Bowl halftime show. Steve Winwood opens.

George Michael, United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. 8 p.m. July 9. $65-$250. (312) 559-1212.

In 2006, Michael began his first concert tour since 1991. American fans had to wait before he brought the career retrospective show here, but now can revel in the roughly-shaven former Wham! crooner's soulful pop for the first time in 17 years.

Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band, Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island, 1300 S. Linn White Drive, Chicago. 8 p.m. July 13. $35-$235. (312) 559-1212.

One day, Ringo will be the last living Beatle, and he'll demand ridiculous ticket prices because of it. See him now and you'll also get tourmates including Billy Squier, Edgar Winter, Men at Work's Colin Hay and Average White Band's Hamish Stuart.

Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band, Alpine Valley Music Theatre, Highways D and 120, East Troy, Wisc. 8 p.m. July 19. $36-$136. Also 7 p.m. July 24 and 26 at Toyota Park, 7100 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview. $36-$136. (312) 559-1212.

Dust off the Hawaiian shirt and rum goggles for Buffett's aptly-named "Year of Still Here Tour." There's no new album, but everyone's favorite tropical/country rocker just released his latest novel, "Swine Not?"

John Mellencamp, Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island, 1300 S. Linn White Drive, Chicago. 7:30 p.m. July 22. $36-$121. (312) 559-1212.

The 2006 Chevy truck anthem "Our Country" was recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Mellencamp's biggest hit in decades. The heartland rocker maintains momentum with a new album, "Life, Death, Love and Freedom," and a tour featuring opener Lucinda Williams.

Poison, First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park. 7 p.m. Aug. 3. $9.79-$55.50. (312) 559-1212.

Singer Bret Michaels rekindled interest in Poison with his VH1 reality megahit "Rock of Love." Relive the era of huge hair and tight spandex with Michaels and gang, who get support from Dokken and ex-Skid Row screamer Sebastian Bach.

Rod Stewart, Sears Centre, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. 7:30 p.m. Aug. 5. $52-$227. (888) 732-7784.

Rod the Mod took a break from mining the Great American Songbook in 2006, releasing an album of classic rock covers that delved into his roots. Bryan Adams opens this tour, so he probably hasn't gone back to the cocktail standards just yet.

Keeping current

Death Cab for Cutie, Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, Columbus Drive and Randolph St., Chicago. 7 p.m. June 3. $10-$45/sold out. (312) 559-1212.

Indie/emo superstars Death Cab for Cutie help kick off Chicago's summer with a quickly sold-out outdoor show supporting their new "Narrow Stairs." Rogue Wave opens.

Dave Matthews Band, Toyota Park, 7100 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview. 7 p.m. June 6. $65-$75. Also 7 p.m. Aug. 9 and 10 at Alpine Valley Music Theatre, Highways D and 120, East Troy, Wisc. $40-$75. (312) 559-1212.

Trustafarian icon Matthews continues to avoid Chicago proper since 2004's infamous waste dumping incident. Instead, get your inoffensive groove on in Bridgeview, where Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings open, or at two Alpine dates with The Black Crowes.

Alicia Keys, Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. 8 p.m. June 7. $49.50-$125. (312) 559-1212.

"As I Am," last year's album by classically-trained siren Keys, cemented her as one of neo-soul's major forces, buoyed by her most popular single to date, "No One." Support for this trek comes from rapper Ne-Yo and last season's "American Idol" champ, Jordin Sparks.

The Swell Season, Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. 8 p.m. June 15, 17 and 18. $32.50-$40/sold out. (312) 559-1212.

The "Once" soundtrack by the indie film's stars Glen Hansard (of The Frames) and Markéta Irglová was 2007's least-predicted success story. Also a romantic couple with an 18-year age difference, the duo performs three sold-out gigs here as The Swell Season.

Jack Johnson, Alpine Valley Music Theatre, Highways D and 120, East Troy, Wisc. 7 p.m. June 21. $29-$43.50. (312) 559-1212.

Johnson's gentle acoustic pop makes snoozers like Dave Matthews seem lively, even if the former surfer says his recent "Sleep Through the Static" is darker and more political. Maybe openers Mason Jennings and Money Mark will raise the energy factor?

Feist, Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. 8 p.m. July 11. $15-$40. (847) 266-5100.

Approved by both NPR and TV ad staffs, Leslie Feist has stepped beyond the confines of Canadian indie rock collective Broken Social Scene and become a bona fide pop star. One hopes Ravinia is prepared for what will probably be its youngest crowd this season.

John Mayer, First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park. 7 p.m. July 18. $25.50-$54. (312) 559-1212.

Mayer's recent efforts to transform himself from garden variety singer-songwriter to modern blues rocker are documented on his forthcoming DVD, "Where the Light Is." Support acts Colbie Caillat and Brett Dennen should pick up the pop slack.

"American Idols Live!," Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. 7:30 p.m. July 19. $42.50-$68.50. (312) 559-1212.

Seventh season ratings for the TV singing contest are down, which is hopefully a sign of its eventual end. For now, the phenomenon rolls on as the top ten finalists including David Archuleta, David Cook and Syesha Mercado perform this showcase.

Umphrey's McGee, Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island, 1300 S. Linn White Drive, Chicago. 7 p.m. July 19. $37.50. (312) 559-1212.

Two of the jam scene's current favorites team up for a groovy tour, as prog-influenced local sextet Umphrey's get a trance-inducing lead-in from jamtronica wizards STS9.

Toby Keith, First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park. 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1. $25.77-$65. (312) 559-1212.

"Big hat" country doesn't get more blustery than Keith, who's touring behind a new compilation of tunes about women, alcohol and patriotism called "35 Biggest Hits." Talk about doing it big: Keith has four opening acts, including Montgomery Gentry, Carter's Chord, Mica Roberts and Trailer Choir.

Jonas Brothers, First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park. 7 p.m. Aug. 24. $25-$75. (312) 559-1212.

Like three male Hannah Montanas who play their own instruments, the Jonases (aged 15 to 21) are tween superstars. But considering that the title song from their upcoming "A Little Bit Longer" is inspired by youngest Jonas Nick's experience with diabetes, they're growing up.

Reunion station

Swervedriver, Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., Chicago. 9 p.m. June 14. $20. (773) 549-4140.

If you can't wait until My Bloody Valentine returns in the fall, get your shoegaze fix with this British quartet, back playing shows after nine years. The Life and Times opens. Now, we wait for a Slowdive reunion...

Return to Forever, Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. 8 p.m. June 20. $35-$85. (312) 559-1212.

Keyboardist Chick Corea's legendary jazz fusion group hits the road for the first time since 1983 with its classic '70s lineup, including bassist Stanley Clarke, guitarist Al Di Meola and drummer Lenny White. If all goes well, the quartet might make a new album after the tour.

Yaz, Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. 8 p.m. July 14. $50-$75. (312) 559-1212.

The duo (known as Yazoo everywhere except the U.S.) broke up in 1983, and both members found other successes, Vince Clarke with Erasure and Alison Moyet as a solo artist. Still, this reunion tour comes at a time when Yaz's brand of synth-pop seems increasingly influential.

At the Gates, House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. 6 p.m. July 14. $28, $30. (312) 559-1212.

Swedish quintet At the Gates split mere months after releasing 1996's melodic death metal classic "Slaughter of the Soul," a disc which inadvertently blueprinted the next decade's metalcore scene. All five members return for the "Suicidal Final Tour," with young American acolytes Darkest Hour, Municipal Waste and Toxic Holocaust in support.

Dru Hill, House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago: R&B. 9 p.m. July 29. $34.50, $37. (312) 559-1212.

In a YouTubed incident during March, the group appeared on a Baltimore radio station to promote its comeback, only to have vocalist Woody announce he was out. Thong enthusiast Sisqȯˆ¿Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ˆ½ stormed out as Woody, Nokio and Jazz scuffled. Despite this, the R&B hitmakers are indeed back. New singer Tao joins Sisqȯˆ¿Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ˆ½, Nokio and Jazz for their first tour since 2003, plus a new album, "InDRUpendence Day," intended for release on July 4.