Biggest and best pop concerts of the summer include the Rolling Stones, Olivia Rodrigo, Missy Elliott, and Bruce Springsteen
returns with Jason Marsalis on June 27. Ekep Nkwelle plays on July 25, and Cuban trumpeter Arturo Sandoval on Sept. 3.. The lineup of legends includes Bob Dylan, Mavis Staples, and Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, plus Maren Morris and Celisse. It’s the most in-demand show of the season. Olivia Rodrigo could have sold out arenas when she toured for her 2021 debut, but wisely chose to start out in theaters like the Met Philly. Now that she’s further proved her mettle as an artist with serious pop smarts, and with Taylor Swift out of the country this summer, Rodrigo is the hottest ticket for young female fans. July 19,
Remarkably, Missy Elliott has never headlined her own tour. This first for the innovative “Get Ur Freak On” rapper comes after she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023. She’s joined by Timbaland, Ciara, and Busta Rhymes. Aug. 5,in 2022 and 2023 as his star rapidly rose, but he’s been gone since last year. He’ll be back in his used-to-be hometown for two stadium shows. Aug. 6-7,will return to its familiar setting at the Old Poole Farm.
Philly’s the War on Drugs have grown into a magisterial live band and they are teaming up on this tour with the Sad Dads of Indie Rock — I mean the National — whose members, as any Swiftie will tell you, include Aaron Dessner, now widely known as a collaborator with you-know-who. Sept. 17,