Summer Concerts – Near and Far
Summertime is not complete without at least one day or night enjoying the beautiful weather while listening to music with friends or family. Lucky for us, there are countless venues (some near and some far) who offer live music all year long. Check out this list of places, each of which promise to put on great concerts during the summer season. Even the ones further away are definitely worth a road trip!
The Turning Stone Resort Casino, approximately forty-five minutes outside the city, offers entertaining acts throughout the year. This year’s list includes Boston, Brantley Gilbert and the Custom Taylor Band.
CMAC in Canandaigua, NY (one hour away) was opened on the Finger Lakes Community College campus in 1983 and was recently renovated in 2006. This summer it features names such as Phish, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Luke Bryan, Hunter Hayes, Josh Groban and Lady Antebellum.
Darien Lake Amusement Park in Darien Center, NY (two hours away) is the perfect place for a day trip. Enjoy thrilling rides during the day, cool off in the water park and end the night with a concert. Offering an unbeatable lineup this summer, artists include Fall Out Boy & Paramore, Vans Warped Tour 2014, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, OneRepublic, Kings of Leon, Linkin Park. The Goo Goo Dolls & Daughtry and many, many more.
The First Niagara Center in Buffalo, NY is a bit of a longer drive (two and a half hours) but features show stoppers such as Lady Gaga and Justin Timberlake.
The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is about the same distance as Buffalo, but also offers an unbeatable summer lineup, including Phish, The New York City Ballet, James Taylor, Lionel Richie, Rascal Flatts, Luke Bryan, Drake and Lil Wayne and The Moody Blues.
All of the above are pretty unforgettable concert experiences, but what if you do not have time to travel? Syracuse also offers some great musical entertainment. This website gives a complete list of events in the area. My personal recommendations are the NYS Blues Fest, K-Rockathon and of course the concerts at the New York State Fair. The Grandstand Concert Series is always phenomenal, but make sure you don’t overlook the Chevy Court Series (free concerts are always a plus!)
