To slip away from the stress that often comes with keeping up with assignments and extracurriculars while maintaining a social life in college, checking out a show nearby is the perfect getaway. From concerts to comedy shows, the surrounding cities of Amherst provide students a refreshing break from campus life. While anxiously awaiting UMass’ annual Spring Concert, check out these comedy and musical acts coming to local venues.
If you don’t mind traveling a bit further than around the corner, or about an hour, Elton John’s show in Hartford, Connecticut is not one to miss and worth the trip. John will be performing on his final tour, starting in September, titled the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour. The pianist and vocalist is an icon, with Rock Pop tracks like “Benny And The Jets” and “Tiny Dancer.” John himself says the finality of this tour is needed so he can “fully embrace the next chapter of [his] life.” This farewell tour will bring you to your feet and infuse a touch of nostalgia into your night on Sept. 19 at the XL Center, Hartford, Connecticut.
Massachusetts native and comedian Bill Burr, born and raised in Canton, will crack you up in Springfield this October. With frequent comedy specials, like “I’m Sorry That You Feel That Way,” and a series on Netflix titled, “F is For Family,” an adult cartoon comedy about a family living in the ‘70s, Burr’s humor has led him to big things. Find a preview of his work before heading to the show Oct. 4 at the MassMutual Center, Springfield with his Monday Morning Podcasts on SoundCloud.
Some of the greatest musical shows are those that stray from household names or lavish theatrics. The Bottle Rockets, for example, are a group based in Missouri with indie rock and country-folk tunes. Their newest album, “Bit Logic,” is set for release just days before the show, destined to be an exciting one with fresh tracks of Southern soul and rock and roll. NPR Music defines their music as “heartland epics,” which you can witness for yourself at Northampton’s Iron Horse Music Hall on Oct. 16.
Singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson is The Tallest Man on Earth—well, not literally. The Swedish artist’s newest venture, titled “When the Bird Sees the Solid Ground,” is an EP in unique format. The collection of tracks, each accompanied by a video produced by Matsson, have been produced in installments throughout the spring and summer, which will conclude with five releases in total. The Tallest Man on Earth performs with an indie folk style, with sounds of love and self-discovery. For a night of breezy tunes and passionate lyricism, see Matsson perform as The Tallest Man on Earth at Northampton’s Academy of Music on Nov. 12.
Another Boston-based group, Lake Street Dive’s jazzy soul tunes are set to explode at Northampton’s Academy of Music. The group formed at Boston’s New England Conservatory of Music in 2004, and continued a career with performances on sidewalks in the city and eight studio albums. Lake Street Dive’s blues-infused tracks add a vintage style to popular sounds of today. Their newest album, “Free Yourself Up,” combine danceable tunes with mellow moments and songs of loss and heartbreak. The band’s ability to produce a spectrum of sounds, and not to mention lead singer Rachael Price’s killer vocals, will bring down the house without a doubt during their two dates in Northampton, Nov. 14 and 15 at the Academy of Music.
For another household name, look no further than Bob Dylan’s show in Springfield. Dylan’s five-decade career includes folk hits such as “Like a Rolling Stone” and “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” The artist has released over 50 albums in his extensive career, the latest in 2017 titled “Triplicate.” Dylan’s impressive resume in the music industry includes 10 Grammy Awards wins, the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature for his influence on the traditional American song and even the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in 2012. Dylan is a gem in American music to witness yourself at Springfield’s Symphony Hall on Nov. 18.
Whether you’re into laughs or lyricism, UMass’ surrounding areas have plenty to offer for a night out and away from campus. Try out a show or two to explore different options for a touch of culture in college.
Lauren Crociati can be reached at [email protected].
