The South Bay is alive and kicking with good news when it comes to the concerts it is gearing up to host in 2014. From punk rock to country and a little in between, the artists and music coming to amphitheaters and small digs nearby should keep you on your toes with anticipation for months to come. From household names like Justin Timberlake, Cher (the one and only) and The Pixies, these concerts are coming in hard and fast and will whip you and your concert-going friends into an overdosed frenzy of musical glee.
George Strait & Martina McBride
SAP Center (formerly HP Pavilion)
525 W. Santa Clara St.
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 287-7070
www.sapcenteratsanjose.com/george-strait-1
Date: Jan. 30, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
For country music fans, it doesn’t get much better than George Strait. But it does. When you add another country super star by the name of Martina McBride, the whole world might seem like one big unbelievable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Fans will be thrilled to witness two music mavens in all of their glory. Strait has implied that this tour might be his last, so find a way to see this concert, and don’t let the chance pass.
Paul Simon and Sting
SAP Center (formerly HP Pavilion)
525 W. Santa Clara St.
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 287-7070
www.sapcenteratsanjose.com/paul-simon-and-sting
Date: Feb. 17, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.
When Live Nation announced that Sting and Paul Simon would embark on a North American tour, fans flocked to be a part of this full-blown, legendary musical event. These legends will perform on stage together, and combine some popular ballads and tunes to a sold-out crowd. Tickets are $253, $128, $83 and $43 for reserved tickets plus applicable service fees.
CHER Dressed to Kill Tour
SAP Center (formerly HP Pavilion)
525 W. Santa Clara St.
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 287-7070
www.sapcenteratsanjose.com/cher
Date: July 2, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.
Cher – yes, THE Cher – is set to hit the road after an eight-year hiatus. The Dressed to Kill Tour will promote her 26th studio album, “Closer to the Truth.” With more than 40 years of show business under her jeweled and bedazzled belt, Cher is an adored performer who has withstood the test of time and public tastes in music. She has carved herself into the hearts of all of her fans and pop culture enthusiasts. Ticket information, including general public sales, will be announced on Cher’s website: http://www.cher.com. RSVP on Facebook for an exclusive Pre-Sale Code and early access to VIP Tickets.
Related: Bay Area’s Top Outdoor Music Venues
Justin Timberlake 20/20 Experience World Tour
SAP Center (formerly HP Pavilion)
525 W. Santa Clara St.
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 287-7070
www.sapcenteratsanjose.com/justin-timberlake
Date: Aug. 11, 2014 at 7 p.m.
San Jose is the final stop of this worldwide tour for this award-winning artist of pop and R&B. Recently nominated for five categories in the American Music Awards, Justin Timberlake is, you might say, on FIRE. Now you have the chance to see him, while he’s still ablaze, during the 20/20 Tour – which is a show full of incredible vocals, sounds and unending energy. These tickets are hot and will not last, since Justin is sure to be a huge draw for fans and concert goers.
Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber
San Jose Center For The Performing Arts
255 S. Almaden Blvd.
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 295-9600
www.sanjosetheaters.org
Date: May 27 – June 1, 2014
This show is a medley of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most famous productions. You’ll be entertained with some of Webber’s biggest hits and show tunes from these spectacular Broadway shows. Songs from “Evita,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Love Never Dies,” “Sunset Boulevard” and “Requiem” are among tunes you’ll be able to enjoy in one amazing night. Webber is one of the world’s most illustrious and talented composers in the history of Broadway performances. The show dates run from May 27, 2014 until June 1, 2014. See the website for various show times, dates and pricing.
Pixies
San Jose Civic Auditorium
135 W. San Carlos St.
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 792-4111
www.sanjosetheaters.org/pixies
Date: Feb. 22, 2014 at 7 p.m.
This jagged, iconic, direct and forceful 80s Indie Rock band does not play around when it comes to holding a one-of-a-kind concert for its most intense fans in the South Bay. Buying tickets to this event will be tricky, since ticket sales will be restricted only to lucky residents living within a 200-mile radius of San Jose. Orders by residents outside a 200-mile radius of San Jose will be canceled without notice and refunds given. No – the Pixies do not mess around. This group wants to wail and bash out its famous lyrics to those who admire and understand its punk rock ethics and ingenuity. Playing favorites is the Pixies cup of tea. So, Bay Area fans that happen to hold the cherished zip codes to attend this event, it’s time to take advantage and get those tickets for a delightful grunge fest.
Related: Copycats: The Best Cover Bands In The North Bay
Journey and Steve Miller Band
Shoreline Amphitheatre
1 Amphitheatre Parkway
Mountain View, CA 94043
(650) 967-3000
www.journeymusic.com
Date: July 26, 2014 at 6:45 p.m.
Rock your night away with two of the most celebrated, enduring and multi-talented bands that have emerged from the Bay Area. Journey and The Steve Miller Band are banding together for a major 2014 North American tour. Also joining in the tour as opening act will be another native San Francisco band, Tower of Power. “It’s going to be a San Francisco musical delight, from past and present, moving full speed ahead into the future,” say Journey band members. Adding coolness to an already cool night, donation options will be available at the time of ticket purchases to support typhoon victims in the Philippines.
Kelly Gullo is a freelance writer in San Francisco, CA. Kellys topics are about music and nightlife. Kelly has also written a variety of articles on health and dieting and topics related to the environment. Kelly has a degree in journalism and public relations from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
