With the mercury rising, the spotlight in Metro Detroit shifts onto a diverse cultural palette, kick-starting the golden season of entertainment! This June, the city is poised to serve a potent cocktail of soulful tunes and laughter. The lineup is as vibrant as it gets, featuring country phenomenon Morgan Wallen delivering his Billboard-topping hits, the legendary Santana spinning his classic tunes, and the irrepressible Impractical Jokers promising a night of high-spirited hilarity. Add to this mix Detroit's own comedic gem, John Heffron, and you're in for a whirlwind of a month. So strap in, Detroit – the stage is set for a summer steeped in unforgettable performances!
CONCERTS
Kicking off the month with a bang, country star Dierks Bentley graces the stage at Pine Knob on June 2nd. Since his debut in 2003 with the chart-topping single "What Was I Thinkin'," Bentley has accumulated 20 number one hits and continues to create fresh tunes for his fans.
On June 6th, the rapidly rising star Tyler Childers takes over the Majestic Temple Theatre. Known for his distinctive fusion of country, bluegrass, and folk music, Childers has been dubbed by Rolling Stone as the 21st Century voice of Appalachia. With sold-out shows becoming the norm, this might be one of the last opportunities to catch him before he embarks on stadium tours.
June 7th, rock band Paramore, accompanied by the opening act Bloc Party, will electrify the crowd at Little Caesars Arena. Hailing from Franklin, Tennessee, Paramore has been making waves since their 2004 hit "Misery Business." Despite a few brief hiatuses, the band has returned stronger than ever.
On June 8th, the Rival Sons will command the stage at LCA, boasting a bluesy, rock sound that has captured the hearts of many fans. Their catchy hooks and powerful performances earned them two Grammy nominations in 2020 for Best Rock Album and Best Rock Performance ensure this will be a show not to be missed.
For pop enthusiasts, Taylor Swift is set to perform at Ford Field on June 9th and 10th as part of her highly anticipated Eras Tour. While her music is undeniably catchy, ticket prices for floor seats have soared to a staggering $2,700, sparking controversy regarding ticket sales and Ticketmaster.
On June 9th, Dermot Kennedy brings his unique blend of folk and hip-hop to Meadow Brook Amphitheatre. Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1991, Kennedy's Ed Sheeran-esque vibe led to his signing with Interscope Records, which has represented artists such as Eminem, Lady Gaga, One Republic, Billie Eilish, and Imagine Dragons. A chill and upbeat show, this performance serves as an excellent Taylor Swift alternative, with tickets available for as low as $20 to $30 at the time of writing.
Country music enthusiasts won't want to miss the July 10th show at Freedom Hill, now known as Michigan Lottery Amphitheater. The event features top independent artist Cody Jinks and Michigan native Whitey Morgan, along with his band The 78s. Known for their outlaw-style country music, these artists are credited with preserving the traditional country scene amidst the rise of pop-country since the late '90s and 2000s.
On June 13th, legendary band The Cure, led by frontman Robert Smith, will grace the stage at Pine Knob. At 64 years old, Smith continues to rock the stage with the same energy as when The Cure first formed in 1978. With seven albums that steadily climbed the charts during the '80s, their 1992 hit "Friday I'm in Love" solidified their international success.
Matchbox 20 is set to make a triumphant return on June 14th, performing at DTE. Featuring their debut album, "Yourself or Someone Like You," which was released in 1996, the band promises a fantastic show. Rob Thomas, still the frontman after all these years, has ventured into solo projects and collaborated with artists like Carlos Santana, Willie Nelson, and Mick Jagger.
Also on June 14th, Canadian rock star Bryan Adams takes over Little Caesars Arena. Known for delivering incredible live performances, Adams' show is one not to be missed. As an added bonus, the iconic Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, responsible for chart-topping hits like "I Love Rock and Roll," will be opening for him, promising an unforgettable night of rock 'n' roll.
On June 16th, Pine Knob welcomes Grammy winner and Michigan native Billy Strings. In just a few short years, Strings has gained immense popularity as an accomplished guitar player, blending country and bluegrass seamlessly. His album "Home" took home the Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, and at the 2022 International Bluegrass Music Awards, he was nominated for six awards. Strings won Entertainer of the Year for the second consecutive year, while his song "Red Daisy" claimed Song of the Year. Bluegrass fans won't want to miss this spectacular show.
The following day, on June 17th, John Mellencamp takes the stage at the Masonic Temple. At 71, Mellencamp's career has been nothing short of extraordinary, with over 30 million records sold and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. Some of his top hits include "Hurts So Good," "Jack and Diane," "Crumblin' Down," "Small Town," and "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A."
Also on June 17th, rock legends Kansas will perform at the Fisher Theatre on their 50th Anniversary Tour. Prepare for a nostalgic evening filled with classic hits like "Dust in the Wind" and "Carry on Wayward Son." Kansas guarantees an incredible night of epic guitar riffs, soaring vocals, and cosmic keyboards that will transport attendees to the zenith of progressive rock euphoria.
Mark your calendars for the show of the month on June 18th, as Modest Mouse opens for Weezer at Pine Knob. Though Modest Mouse isn't known for their live performances, Weezer has stood the test of time, both musically and in their stage presence. Originally thought to be a one-hit-wonder after the release of their hit "Buddy Holly" from the Blue Album, Weezer has since defied expectations. With over 35 million record sales, 13 million active listeners on Spotify, and hundreds of millions of streams, Weezer continues to captivate audiences with their catalog of smash hits.
On June 21st, get ready to relive the early 2000s as 3 Doors Down and Candlebox rock Freedom Hill. With hits like "Kryptonite" and "Here Without You" dominating the airwaves back in the day, they may have become overplayed, but their live performances should not be underestimated.
Eric Church takes over Pine Knob on June 23rd, known for his captivating shows and his status as the only country artist to have played at Lollapalooza. With hits like "Springsteen," "Drink in My Hand," "Hell of a View," and "Record Year," Church has garnered a diverse audience and an impressive array of accolades, including seven ACM Awards, four CMA Awards, and 10 Grammy nominations.
On June 27th, the Dave Matthews Band returns to Pine Knob for a performance you won't want to miss. Nearly three decades into their career, they continue to deliver smooth, laid-back concerts filled with classic hits.
June 28th sees reggae rock sensation Rebelution take the stage at The Fillmore. Hailing from Isla Vista, California, and formed in 2004, the band is known for their unique blend of reggae, rock, and roots music. With successful albums and a strong reputation for live performances, they've played at epic festivals and embarked on extensive tours both domestically and internationally.
June 29th, the legendary Carlos Santana makes his triumphant return to Pine Knob. At 75 years old, this may be your last chance to see the iconic guitarist, who first gained fame playing at the original Woodstock in 1969. With a mix of classic hits like "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va," as well as newer hits such as "Smooth" featuring Rob Thomas and "Maria Maria" with Wyclef, this is a must-see show that promises not to disappoint.
Morgan Wallen, the chart-topping American country music singer and songwriter, takes the stage at Ford Field on June 29th and 30th. After competing in the sixth season of The Voice, Wallen has seen tremendous success. His second album, "Dangerous: The Double Album," spent a record breaking 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and his third studio album, "One Thing at a Time" (2023), topped the chart for seven consecutive weeks. Breaking another record, all 36 tracks from the album entered the Billboard Hot 100, with "Last Night" reaching the top spot, marking Wallen's first No. 1 single.
COMEDY
As June comes to a close, the month is rounded out with a couple of comedy shows. Impractical Jokers Live is heading to the Fox Theater for a one-night event on June 4th. Known for their hit hidden-camera show where they compete to embarrass each other with outrageous pranks and challenges, these lifelong friends also deliver a hilarious live show that's nothing short of a hilariously good time.
On June 17th, John Heffron takes the stage at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. A Detroit local (well, Eastern Michigan University, but close enough), Heffron has appeared on the Late Show, Tonight Show, and Comedy Central Presents after a run on 95.5. Tickets for this show are expected to sell out quickly, so be sure to snag yours while they're still available!
So there you have it, Metro Detroit - a summer symphony of diverse beats, lyrical legends, and chuckle-inducing comedic talent ensuring a vibrant tapestry of unforgettable performances. This season, your passport to a world of joy and excitement is just a ticket away. So lace up those concert shoes and prepare for a wild ride through the very best of music and comedy. We'll see you there, front row and center!
To keep up with exciting events in Metro Detroit each month be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel!
Posted by Michael Perna on
Leave A Comment