Finally, summer! The best time of the year, many would say. Summer is a time of memory making with friends, constant fun, and of course, many events. Concerts seem to play a big role in most teenagers’ summer lives.  What would the warm weather and endless nights be without concerts to look forward to?

If your summer schedule is giving you the opportunity to enjoy a few concerts, consider this summer concert list:

Summer concerts 2014:

• July 10th: Gavin Degraw and Matt Nathanson (Cedar Rapids; McGrath Ampitheatre)
• June 20th: Kid Ink (Des Moines; Woolys)
• June 23rd: Neon Trees (Minneapolis; First Avenue)
• July 11th: Lady Gaga (Chicago; United Center)
• July 13th: 3 Doors Down (Cedar Rapids; Paramount Theatre)
• July 15th: 5 Seconds of Summer (Chicago; Bottom Lounge)
• July 17th: Miranda Lambert (Monticello; Great Jones County Fair)
• June 29th: A Great Big World (Minneapolis;
• July 18th: Luke Bryan (Monticello; Great Jones County Fair)
• July 13th: Eli Young Band (Chicago; Windy City Smokeout Festival)
• July 18th: Matt Nathanson (Des Moines; Simon Estes Riverfront Ampitheatre)
• July 10th: Sara Bareilles (Chicago; The Chicago Theatre)
• July 19th: Mike Stud (Des Moines; Woolys)
• July 19th: Kid Rock (Monticello; Great Jones County Fair)
• July 11th: Robin Thicke (Chicago; Petrillo Band Shell)
• July 25th: Jake Owen (Moline; iWireless Center)
• July 19th: Blake Shelton (Chicago; Wrigley Field)

Since most worthwhile concerts are out of Dubuque, it is understandable when it is out of the question to attend a few, if any. If concerts aren’t an option for the 2014 summer bucket list, here are a few summer festivity alternatives:

• Visit the Mines of Spain
• Take a day trip to Finley’s Landing beach
• Take a walk on the River Walk
• Have a water fight with a group of friends
• Spend a day at the Dubuque County Fair (July 22-27)

So why would anyone want to spend the extra money on tickets and travel, just to see a band or artist perform live? According to Dorothy Jo Oberfoell, ‘15, the atmosphere makes it well worth it. “It’s party and relaxing at the same time,” says Dorothy. “Live music is always better than the recording.”