Endless summer, endless music

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BY MOLLY WOULFE
Times Features Writer | Sunday, May 16, 2004 | (No comments posted.)

Here comes the sun ... and gobs of stars. Aretha to ZZ Top and every act in between is chanting "Hit the road, Jack" as a personal mantra.

Think Big Head Todd. Blink 182. Britney. Jimmy Buffett. David Byrne. Eric Clapton. The Dave Matthews Band. Fleetwood Mac. Toby Keith. Madonna. Ozzy. Phil Collins. Phish. Prince. As the summer concert season dawns, enough names are blazing on local marquees to short-circuit the Greater Chicago area.

Most rockers are rolling into the Big Three outdoor amphitheaters: Alpine Valley in East Troy, Wis.; Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Ill.; and Tweeter Center in Tinley Park, Ill.

But Allstate Arena, United Center and wily little Skyline Stage at Navy Pier are grabbing their shares of notables,too.

Karl Adams of media mammoth Clear Channel Entertainment notes that bookings are up 15 percent at Tweeter alone during its 15th season. "We'll be seeing 30 or 31 shows, five or six above average," said Adams, head of Midwest operations in the music division.

Unlike years past, when a handful of superstars ruled the spotlight and box-office receipts, 2004 resembles a bustling democracy. Teen queens du jour like Jessica Simpson are vying for entertainment dollars with hip-hop stars, alt-pop bands and geezer rockers.

Music for all ages

Jockeying is intense at both outdoor and indoor halls, too. For example, under-16s can scream for ex-Disney cutie Hilary Duff (July 30 at Allstate Arena) while college crowds swoon over grassroots folkie John Mayer (Aug. 1 at Tweeter Center).

Meanwhile, material boys and girls of all ages can get into the groove with aging siren Madonna (July 11-12, 14-15 at United Center). The same goes for Phil Collins (Sept. 8 at United).

While the ranks of '80s hair bands are thinning, country headliners are sprouting in their place (Tim McGraw moseys July 3 into Tweeter). No shock, crowd-pleasers Buffett and the Dave Matthews Band are sell-outs weeks in advance.

"It's shaping up as the year of diversity," Adams said.

What's fascinating is how nostalgic boomers -- prized patrons thanks to their discretionary income -- are just one of many target audiences this year. Potential ticket buyers are "really everybody," said John Page, regional vice president of Global Spectrum, a Philadelphia-based firm that manages 17 arenas and five stadiums. "There's such a wide array of talent on the road. People going to concerts are from 15 to their 60s."

One reason for the absence of warhorses like Cher, the Eagles and Aerosmith? These acts, having made repeated swings through primary markets like Chicago, are hitting secondary and tertiary outlets to avoid overexposure. "They're willing to work," Page said. " They understand there are people in these markets who will pay, just like a major market. You'll see them in places like Idaho, Texas, Washington."

Biz is booming

Credit our central location -- and heavy population -- for our status as an act magnet. Despite the uncertain economy, the region remains one of the industry's Top Five markets. And profits are sizzling like slabs of ribs at Taste of Chicago.

Ticket sales overall surged nearly 20 percent last year, the fifth consecutive year to hit record levels, Pollstar reports. The industry generated $2.5 billion, up from $2.1 billion in 2002 and $1.75 billion in 2001.

Business "is very healthy, almost robust," Billboard senior writer Ray Waddell confirmed.

The bigger the name, the bigger the haul, of course. The Top 100 tours reaped nearly $2 billion of last year's revenues.

"All it takes is a superstar on tour and it (profits) go through the roof," Waddell said. "Every year there's someone. There's no U2 or McCartney this year, but Madonna's stepped up to the plate. She'll be close to the top."

Chicago-bound acts ranging from Latin heartthrob Marc Anthony to the punky Vans Warped Tour aren't racking up miles for the fun of it. Hitting the road is the time-honored way to test new material, expand a fan base and support a new album. "More acts are touring because they can control their own destiny," Waddell said.

They also are plugged into fiscal reality.

"When you look back at the Great Depression of the '20s, one of the industry that thrived was the movie theater," Adams observed. "People wanted to escape from the hard times. ... I think there's a lot of similarities to the movies (then) and the concert industry today."

Supply and demand still the rule

Boomers, natch, will lament the absence of superstars like U2 and McCartney, along with Bruce Springsteen (on hiatus) and the Rolling Stones (ditto). But their vacancies allow next-level acts a chance to compete for those coveted entertainment dollars.

Madonna's four sold-out shows at United Center were the priciest at press time, commanding a top ticket price of $300.

For his part, the Purple One is saying no to gouging. Seats start at $49.50 for Prince and the New Power Generation Band's "Musicology" tour, marking the 20th anniversary of "Purple Rain. A $75 ticket is as steep as its gets for the Hall of Famer's upcoming five-night stint here (June 25, 26, 28, 29, 30 at Allstate Arena). Biggies like Collins, Clapton and Sting are staying within this bracket.

According to Pollstar, the average ticket price for last year's top 100 concerts was $50.35, up $3.79 (8 percent) from the $46.56 average for 2002. But those oh-so-chic "inner circle" seats cost double and triple.

Money matters

It's too early to predict this year's average fee. But, as the evidence suggests, both promoters and artists seem wary of alienating fans. A move toward cut-rate lawn seats -- one reason why Ravinia, celebrating its centennial, has flourished for 100 years -- is slowly gaining momentum. Bargain hunters once again can bag $10 to $15 tickets at the Highland Park venue.

Last year Clear Channel launched $10 tickets to Ozzfest and select concerts at Tweeter shows and the program "was very successful," Adams said. "To a certain extent, we're rolling that out again. We actually had some $10 tickets that didn't sell. We'll be developing $15 tickets this year."

Another strategy to rein in costs is offering double bills. Sometimes two or three small or mid-sized acts add up to one full house. This year's combos include 3 Doors Down, Nickelback and Three Days Grace (July 10 at Tweeter), Sting and Annie Lennox (July 18 at Tweeter) and Barenaked Ladies and Alanis Morissette (July 21 at Tweeter). Not to be outdone, Ravinia is teaming George Thorogood and Big Head Todd and the Monsters (Aug. 10).

No surprise, all-day festivals are proliferating as fast as you can say "Lollapalooza," coincidentally returning to the region with Morrissey, Sonic Youth and more (July 29-30 at Tweeter). Other rambunctious if cost-efficient packages include the venerable Ozzfest (Aug. 14 at Alpine and Aug. 21 at Tweeter); Loopfest 2004 with ZZ Top, the Doors of the 21st Century and more (July 4 at Tweeter); and the Projekt Revolution Tour featuring Linkin Park, KORN, Snoop Dog and pals (Aug. 7 at Tweeter and Aug. 27 at Alpine).

And expect more to come. Billboard's Waddell, who has tracked tours for 17 years, predicts several high-profile bands will announce tours in upcoming weeks, nudging peak on-the-road season beyond October.

While this year should be another record-breaker in revenue, the slate's too top-heavy to send every act home rich, he noted. An early casualty is pop princess Christina Aguilera, blaming her scrapped tour on strained vocal chords. (Rumors pinpoint low ticket sales).

"There are always some losers," Waddell said. "You can only go to so many shows. It taps some markets a little. In the winter, if you play indoors, you have to juggle shows around hockey games, too."

Molly Woulfe can be reached at mwoulfe@nwitimes.com or at (219) 852-4329.

Here is a sampler of concert events in the Chicago area this summer. Dates are subject to change and prices do not include service and handling fees. Call box offices or Ticketmaster to order tickets, (312) 559-1212 or www.ticketmaster.com.

ALPINE VALLEY MUSIC THEATRE
2699 Highway D
East Troy, Wis. 53120
(262) 642-4400
wwwalpinevalleymusic.com

June 25    Phish, 7 p.m., $42.50
June 26    Phish, 7 p.m., $42.50
July 10    Jimmy Buffett, 8 p.m., $36.50-$75
July 24    The Dead, 7 p.m., $42.50-$52.50
Aug. 07    Dave Matthews Band, 6 p.m., $38.50-$56
Aug. 08    Dave Matthews Band, 6 p.m., $38.50-$56
Aug. 13    Michael W. Smith, 7:30 p.m., $20-$43
Aug. 14    Ozzfest (featuring Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest, Slayer, Slipknot, more), 9 a.m., $39.25-$79.25
Aug. 27    Projekt Revolution Tour (featuring Linkin Park, Korn, Snoop Dogg, more), 2:30 p.m., $50.50
*****
TWEETER CENTER
Interstate 80 and Harlem Avenue
Tinley Park, Ill.
(708) 614-1616
www.TweeterCenter.com
May 22 Extreme Night out with Godsmack/Tantric, Drowning Pool, Soil, 6 p.m., $18-$23
June 5 Rush, 7:30 p.m., $33-$88.50
June 12 Fleetwood Mac, 8 p.m., $37-$88
June 13 Blink 182/No Doubt/Living End and more, $48.50
June 18 Dave Matthews Band/Of A Revolution, 7 p.m., (SOLD OUT)
June 19 Chicago/ Earth, Wind & Fire, 7:30 p.m., $22.50-$75
July 3 Tim McGraw/Big & Rich/Warren Brothers, 7:30 p.m., $30.75-$62.75
July 4 Loopfest 2004 featuring ZZ Top, Doors of the 21st Century, Tesla, Blue Oyster Cult, 3:30 p.m., $20-$50
July 6 Jessica Simpson, 7:30 p.m., $40-$45
July 9 Kiss/Poison, 7 p.m., $25-$78
July 10 3 Doors Down/Nickelback/Three Days Grace, 6:30 p.m., $23-$45.50
July 17 Britney Spears/JC Chasez, 7:30 p.m., $25-$79
July 18 Sting/Annie Lennox, 7 p.m., $35-$130.
July 21 Barenaked Ladies/Alanis Morissette, 6:30 p.m., $20-$50
July 24 Vans Warped Tour, with New Found Glory, Coheed & Cambria, Taking Back Sunday, Flogging Molly and more, 1 p.m., $29.50
July 29 Lollapalooza 2004 (Day 1), featuring Morrissey, Sonic Youth, Modest Mouse, Le Tigre, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Von Bondies and more, 2 p.m., $44, two-day lawn tickets $61.
July 30 Lollapalooza 2004 (Day 2), featuring String Cheese Incident, Flaming Lips, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Gomez, Polyphonic Spree and more, 2:30 p.m., $44.
Aug. 1 John Mayer/Maroon 5/DJ Logic, 7 p.m., $35.50-$48.50
Aug. 7 Projekt Revolution Tour with Linkin Park, KORN, Snoop Dogg, The Used, Less Than Jake, 2:30 p.m. Tweeter Center, $50.50
Aug. 8 Josh Groban, 7:30 p.m., $28-$88
Aug. 20 Rod Stewart, 8 p.m., $25.25-$98.25
Aug. 21 Ozzfest 2004 featuring Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest, Slayer, Slipknot, & Black Label Society, 9 a.m., Tweeter Center, $39.25-$79.25
Aug. 26 Jimmy Buffett, 8 p.m., $36.50-$69.50 (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 28 Jimmy Buffett, 8 p.m. Tweeter Center, $36.50-$69.50 (SOLD OUT)
Sept. 9 Kenny Chesney/Uncle Kracker/Gretchen Wilson, 7:30 p.m., $27.75-$59.75
***
RAVINIA FESTIVAL
200 Ravinia Park Road (West Lot)
Highland Park, Ill.
(847) 266-5100
www.ravinia.org

Pop Music Calendar
June 14 The Beach Boys, 8 p.m., $15-$50
June 15 Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Chicago Children's Choir, 8 p.m., $10-$40
June 16 Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Chicago Children's Choir, 8 p.m., $10-$40
June 18 Rufus Wainwright and Ben Folds, 7 p.m., $10-$30
June 29 Mary Chapin Carpenter w/ special guest Jim Lauder, 8 p.m., $15-$40
June 30 An Evening with Lyle Lovett, 8 p.m, $15-$60
July 6 "ABBA: The Music," 8 p.m., $15-$35
July 11 k.d. lang w/the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, 7 p.m., $10-$60
July 13 John Hiatt, solo acoustic, 8 p.m., $15-$40
July 20 "There'll be Another Spring: The Tribute to Miss Peggy Lee," 8 p.m., $15-$40
Aug. 4 Creedence Clearwater Revisited, 8 p.m., $15-$40
Aug. 10 George Thorogood and Big Head Todd and the Monsters, 8 p.m., $15-$40
Aug. 11 Neil Sedaka w/ special guest the Klezmatics, 8 p.m., $10-$30
Aug. 20 Aretha Franklin, 8 p.m., $15-$60
Aug. 21 Aretha Franklin, 8 p.m., $15-$60
Aug. 22 Peter, Paul and Mary, 7 p.m., $10-$30
Aug. 24 Perla Batalla/Jose Feliciano, 8 p.m., $10-$40
Aug. 25 Peking Acrobats w/the Ravinia Festival Orchestra, conducted by John Mauceri, 8 p.m., $10-$50
Aug. 26 The BoDeans, 8 p.m., $15-$50
Aug. 27 The BoDeans, 8 p.m, $15-$50
Aug. 28 Tony Bennett, 8 p.m., $15-$75
Sept. 11 Jimmy Wayne, Trace Adkins and Kris Kristofferson, 7 p.m., $10-$40

Allstate Arena
6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont, Ill.
(847) 635-6601
www.allstatearena.com
May 21 Dashboard Confessional/Thrice/The Get Up Kids/Motion City Soundtrack, 7 p.m., $23.50-$26
June 25 Prince, 8 p.m., $49.50-$75 (SOLD OUT)
June 26 Prince, 8 p.m., $49.50-$75 (SOLD OUT)
June 28 Prince, 8 p.m., $49.50-$75 (SOLD OUT)
June 29 Prince, 8 p.m., $49.50-$75
June 30 Prince, 8 p.m., $49.50-$75
July 9 Marc Anthony, 8 p.m., $39-$85.
July 14 Incubus, 7:30 p.m., $32.50
July 30 Hilary Duff/Haylie Duff, 7 p.m., Allstate Arena, $40.50
Aug. 27 Metallica, 7:30 p.m., Allstate Arena, $55-$75
***
UNITED CENTER
1901 W. Madison St., Chicago
(312) 455-4500
www.united-center.com

July 11 Madonna, 8 p.m., $45-$300 (SOLD OUT)
July 12 Madonna, 8 p.m., $45-$300 (SOLD OUT)
July 14 Madonna, 8 p.m., $45-$300 (SOLD OUT)
July 15 Madonna, 8 p.m., $45-$300 (SOLD OUT)
July 17 Eric Clapton, 7:30 p.m., $49.50-$85
July 19 Van Halen, 7:30 p.m., $40-$95
July 24 And 1 Mix Tape Tour, 7:30 p.m., $15-$75
Aug. 5 "American Idols 2" Tour, 7 p.m., $45
Aug. 28 Gloria Estefan, 8 p.m., $41-$126
Sept. 8 Phil Collins, 8 p.m., $45-$95
Aug. 31 Sarah McLachlan, 7:30 p.m., $45-$65
Sept. 20 London Symphony Orchestra, "The Music of Hollywood," 7:30 p.m., $29-$250

*****
SKYLINE STAGE
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
Phone: (312) 595-PIER
www.navypier.com
June 6 Mayfair Academy Annual Dance Recital, 2 p.m. & 5 p.m., $27.50
June 17 David Byrne, 7:30 p.m., $40
June 18 WNUA Summer Series presents "An Evening with Boney James," 8 p.m., $60-$75
June 19 WNUA Summer Series presents "An Evening with Boney James, " 8 p.m., $60-75
June 25 Dark Star Orchestra, 7 p.m., $20 (18 years up)
June 26 North Mississippi Allstars, 7:30 p.m., $25
July 16 JVC Jazz presents Natalie Cole, 8 p.m., $75
July 23 WNUA Summer Series presents Dave Koz and Friends with Wayman Tinsdale, Jonathan Butler and Rick Braun, 8 p.m., $60-$75
July 24 WNUA Summer Series presents Dave Koz and Friends with Wayman Tinsdale, Jonathan Butler and Rick Braun, 8 p.m., $60-$75
July 31 Hanson - "The Underneath Tour, " 6:30 p.m., $30-$32.50
Aug. 20 WNUA Summer Series presents Brian Culbertson and Steve Cole, 8 p.m., $60-$75
Aug. 21 WNUA Summer Series presents "Guitars and Saxes," featuring Warren Hill and other artists, 8 p.m., $60-$75
*****
MISCELLANEOUS
May 22 Ginuwine/Avant, Joe, Jagged Edge, 8 p.m., Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago, $55.75-$65.75, (312) 902-1500.
July 9 Miller Rock' n' Racing presents Puddle of Mudd, time TBA, during NASCAR Nextel Cup Tropicana 400, Expo Village at Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, Ill., $15 (includes track admission), (815) 727-7223.

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