Vans Warped Tour, July 30, Vinoy Park

The Vans Warped Tour features more than 60 bands, nearly two-thirds of which you’ve probably never heard. Some of modern rock’s heavy hitters, such as Alkaline Trio, Bad Religion and New Found Glory, are headlining this year’s festivities.

How many tours give audiences a choice between numerous mediocre pop-punk bands? Only one. That’s right — the Vans Warped tour subscribes to the notion of quantity over quality, with a ratio of one decent band for every dozen. No matter what side of the fence you stand on, Vans Warped tour is still the best value in a market of constantly increasing prices. — Pablo Saldana

Ozzfest, Sept. 2, Ford Amphitheatre

Hell has broken loose and this time it’s being held at the Ford Amphitheatre. The demons of metal are back in Florida and their loyal disciples will undoubtedly rush the two stages in a wave of black leather and silver chains.

Leading Black Sabbath on the main stage will be Ozzy Osbourne, and joining the elders of metal will be Judas Priest and Slayer, among others. Leading the second stage will be Slipknot, and both stages combined will offer 20 bands all attempting to make you deaf.

Metalheads will need to wake up early; the show starts at 9 a.m. Be prepared to shell out some money, however. Lawn tickets are $50.00, and reserved seats go up from there. — Chris Wagenheim

Crosby, Stills & Nash, Aug. 22, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center

Crosby, Stills & Nash is a group that your parents or even grandparents may be more familiar with, but don’t dismiss these elderly strummers.

Crosby, Stills & Nash are responsible for such folk hits as “Southern Cross” and “Ohio,” a politically charged ballad about the shootings at Kent State University during the Vietnam War.

The band even graced the stage at Woodstock back in 1969, proving they cannot be compared to anything that has come out of Nashville. Despite a heavy price of anywhere from $55 to $85 the show will be an excellent lesson in classic rock. — C.W.

Rush, July 30, Ford Amphitheatre

For 30 years the trio of Rush has been laying down tracks and touring the world with its original lineup.

The Canadian group is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a United States and European tour, which will stop in Tampa on July 30. Rush has been known throughout the years for its skillful drummer John Rutsey as well as the unique vocals of Geddy Lee.

Rush will release its 29th album, Feedback, a day before the Tampa concert, giving fans a chance to absorb the new material, which the band will undoubtedly play at the show. — C.W.

Dave Matthews Band, July 31 & Aug.1, Sound Advice Amphitheatre

Dave Matthews Band proves once and again that in order to sustain popularity a band must put on an amazing live show. And somebody must think the show is amazing, because anywhere DMB goes its stadium appearances sell out.

Variety is the spice of life, and it happens to be the spice that makes DMB a must-see live band. Improvisational musical interludes, scat and old material played like you have never heard it await those who shell out the dollars.

Even though DMB will be in the Tampa Bay area at the Ford Amphitheatre on July 29, more likely than not, you won’t get to see him; the show is sold out. Never fear, however — the West Palm Beach show still has tickets available. — C.W.

311 with The Roots, Aug. 1, Ford Amphitheatre

On the heels of a recently released greatest hits collection, 311 is hitting the road with one of rap’s most critically acclaimed groups, The Roots.

The concept of a rock/reggae outfit headlining over an innovative rap group that focuses on more than the usual game of girls, money and cars is unique. This is a concert that should make for an interesting show. Mixing a poorly recycled cover of the Cure’s “Love Song” with the sounds of “The Seed 2.0” is just asking for trouble. — P.S.

Contact Pablo Saldana and Chris Wagenheimat oraclescene@yahoo.com