When it comes to summer in Chicago, you can always count on a few things: (1) The beach will be closed from July – October for e Coli; (2) sudden rise in “extended lunches” around the office when there is a 1:20 game at Wrigley; and (3) outdoor concerts.

All of us here at JACK love music… especially when it’s outside. We looked over the calendar for this summer and pulled out some very special outdoor shows going down this summer around the city by some very awesome JACK artists.

Sytx, Foreigner, and Kansas

June 5th, Charter One Pavilion

A tri-fecta of classic rock along the lake front will kick off the outdoor concert season in Chicago. Styx, Foreigner, and special guests Kansas, will rock out at the Charter One Pavilion. If you’ve never seen a show here, we highly recommend it. One of the newer venues in the city, it sits just across the harbor from Soldier Field and hosts some of the best summer night shows in the city. You can even score FREE TICKETS to this one on JACK if you act quick.

Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival

June 26th, Toyota Park

If you didn’t get tickets to this one, you’re not alone. They went on sale two weeks ago and were nearly sold-out during the Internet Pre-Sale for members of the Eric Clapton Fan Club. The show, returning to Toyota Park after a successful evening back in 2007, is host to some of the best guitarists on the face of the earth. All brought together, for one day, to flat out shred. Including Eric Clapton, Robert Randolph, BB King, John Mayer, Steve Winwood, Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughn, Vince Gill, ZZ Top, and a whole bunch more… it should be no surprise this ticket was a hot item. If you got tickets, we’re jealous.

U2

July 6th, Soldier Field

Because two sold-out nights isn’t enough for Bono, U2 will be bringing the 360 tour back to Soldier Field again this summer for a much warmer evening. We’ve heard that the show is worth checking out for the stage alone. We also heard that JACK might be giving out some tickets closer to July, so be sure to keep checking back for a chance to attend the show for free.

Mystery Rocker

July 7th, Wrigley Field

Is it Phish? Is it Paul McCartney? After Elton John and Billy Joel pulled out, the date is open. Both of those bands are said to be rumored guests to play Wrigley Field in July. The papers have been filed, the ordinances granted. Now it’s just a question of who will take the stage. While Phish would be entertaining, we’re praying for Sir Paul to grace the stage. A Beatle… at Wrigley… that’s what dreams are made of.

Chicago & The Doobie Brothers

July 16th, Charter One Pavilion

If you live in the city by the lake, you sort of have to love Chicago. The band. “Saturday in the Park” is basically your summertime theme song here. Like we said before, Charter One Pavilion is #1 when it comes to summertime shows, so this one has all the elements to be a great night out.

Iron Maiden

July 17th, First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

It’s a good thing this show is already outside, because we’re pretty sure the amount of “rock” coming off the stage would blow the walls right off of any venue that tried to contain it. If you’re looking for a concert this summer where everyone will be wearing black t-shirts and maybe 1% female, Iron Maiden will probably be for you. The show will be incredible.. just don’t expect to meet any chicks here.

Bon Jovi

July 30th, Soldier Field

Bon Jovi is one of the highest grossing touring bands in the history of music. An echelon only attained by a handful of musicians including The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, U2, and Jimmy Buffet. If you want to rock out with JBJ at Soldier Field, we suggest getting your tickets now as 99% of his shows sell out ahead of time. Keep checking back with JACK this summer, as we might have other tickets for this one.

Lollapalooza

August 6-8th, Grant Park

The lineup so far is just rumors. But if Green Day, Soundgarden, and the Strokes end up being on the bill – none of us here at JACK will be disappointed. The 3-day music festival has found a concrete home along Chicago’s lakefront and manages to book some of the biggest acts in rock and alternative year-in year-out. Official lineup will begin to hit the internet in April. We can’t promise any tickets from JACK, but best believe we will be in attendance.

Jimmy Buffet

September 14th, Toyota Park

Jimmy Buffet is the king of outdoor concerts. Every show is a party. Every song is an anthem. The man knows how to do a show and his Parrothead-followers know how to tailgate beforehand. The show will hit Toyota Park for a Saturday in September, but if you just can’t wait that long he’ll be at Alpine Valley on June 26th.  Either way, if you really want to get into the “spirit” of things, we suggest finding someone else to drive you home at the end of the night. Things tend to get pretty crazy.

Dave Matthews Band

September 17th or 18th, Wrigley Field

Like Buffet, the Dave Matthews Band has become a staple to summer concert lineups. They have made a habit of owning Alpine Valley every summer for multiple nights in a row. And while nothing is confirmed, chances are pretty good we’ll be seeing DMB on the marquee at Wrigley in September. They have yet to book a Chicago date which has some people speculating they will share a stage at Lollapalooza. But more likely than not, they will take one of the open spots in Center Field under the “Old Score Board”.

As for the other date – rumors lean towards a country act. But I have also heard rumblings of Pearl Jam which isn’t entirely out of the question. Eddie Vedder grew up in Evanston, is a huge Cubs fan, and the band has no scheduled dates after July 10th this summer. Just saying…

Of course these aren’t the only summer concerts going on around Chicago this year. Throw in all the street fests, Blues & Jazz fests, and Taste of Chicago and you have a whole other batch of great artists filling the streets with music. We will add to our list as things are announced. All we know is we’re tired of looking at snow.