Concerts sure to rock this year

Hillsong will perform at Cedar Park Center Sept. 20. Image from Flickr.

We all know that San Antonio isn’t New York City, or Los Angeles, but there is still definitely a lot going on when it comes to music. South Texas is the breeding ground for some of the best live acts out there today. Since San Antonio is so close to Austin, it is easy for Trinity students to be a part of the music scene there as well. Musicians, bands, artists and famous people who lip sing into microphones will all be making their way to southwest Texas this year. Here are a few from various categories that may spark your interest.

Hillsong
Sept. 20
7 p.m.
Cedar Park Center
(tickets start at $59)

If you are into contemporary Christian music, and some of you might be judging by the large number of professed Christians we have on campus, then you should know that Hillsong always puts on a really good show, and this performance should be especially good because Hillsong recently came out with a new album. Their new album, “Together as One”, is really unique because it is almost all a live recording — which means it includes the thousands of people that were at the concerts when they were recording. You definitely don’t want to miss this concert, because you never know when they might be recording their next album … you might get to be a part of it.

2 Chainz
Sept. 27
8 p.m.
La Zona Rosa, Austin, TX
(tickets start at $50)

Tauheed Epps, better known as 2 Chainz, or Tity boi … though he no longer uses that name because apparently it is derogatory to women … go figure, will be a show for rap connoisseurs/appreciators. The drive to Austin from San Antonio will definitely be worth it for those who want to see one of the best rappers out there right now. 2 Chainz has singles with both Ciara and, recently, one with Drake: “No Lie.” He’s kind of a big deal which we saw on twitter when Kanye West said: “2 Chainz is charging 100k for a verse now cause he’s G.O.O.D!!!!!”

Red Hot Chili Peppers
Sept. 29
7:30 p.m.
AT&T Center
(tickets start at $50)

You’ve probably been listening to Red Hot Chili Peppers for a long time … and you probably still listen to them. They’ve still got a kick to them. Pun intended. Jamming out with thousands of other people to “Californication” in the AT&T center is probably exactly what your middle school self pictured you doing when you got to college.

Austin City Limits
Oct. 12 – Oct. 14
Zilker Park, Austin, Texas
(one day passes start at $170, and a three day pass starts at $475)

If you are new to Texas, than you may not know about Austin City Limits. ACL is a three day music festival in Zilker park in Austin every October. This year the line up is pretty sick. It includes Florence + the Machine, Jack White, Iggy & The Stooges, Rufus Wainwright, The Black Keys, NEEDTOBREATHE, The Civil Wars and many other names too choose from. Having been to ACL, I can tell you, it is well worth every penny for multiple reasons. One, the music is awesome, and since it is a festival and not a typical concert you can get a great spot without paying extra. Two, you can meet some crazy awesome people at ACL who generally have some crazy awesome stuff and are willing to share if you know what I mean. Three, there is always awesome food to be bought at ACL!

Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan
Oct. 25
7:30 p.m.
AT&T Center
(tickets start at $27.50)

Both Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan are big names in country music right now. Not to mention, they are major heartthrobs. Jason Aldean has spent more weeks as number one on the radio charts in the past year than any other country singer. He also has a new album, Night Train, that is going to be in stores on Oct. 16. Luke Bryan will be performing his song “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye” from his platinum-selling album Tailgates & Tanlines on the “Good Morning America” show on Sept. 5. If you want to get a little sneak peak than I suggest you wake up early and watch it. If someone were to count the number of cowboy boots at this concert, they would out number Cowboys Dance Hall one pair to 20.

Regina Spektor
Nov. 5
7:30 p.m.
Bass Concert Hall, Austin, TX
(tickets start at $59)

A lot of Regina’s fans felt offended by her album “Far.” They said it was too straight edge, too normal. However her latest album “What we Saw From the Cheap Seats” has done a lot to bring her back into favor with her fans. Her anti-folk, eclectic lyrics and vocal stylings are something that I definitely want to see live. She is truly a master when it comes to the piano, and it is well known that though she is nothing like one, Regina Spektor can put on a show like a true rock star.

Carly Rae Jepsen and Justin Bieber
Jan. 12, 2013
7 p.m.
AT&T Center
(tickets start at $155)

It would be impossible for me to conclude this article without mentioning that Justin Bieber and Carly Rae Jepsen, two massively successful teeny-bop darlings, are coming to San Antonio early next year. I definitely have friends who are going, and I kind of wish I could say I was too, but tickets are currently going for $155 (yikes!) and I would never spend that much to see Jbiebz and hear “Call Me Maybe.” Though, let’s be honest “As Long as You Love Me” is a good song. There was a solid three days last week when I was listening to it on repeat … but live … I don’t know. You can go and let me know how it goes…”Call me Maybe?” That pun was totally intended.