Summertime concerts and the livin's easy...

By Anna Williams, Staff Writer

May 21, 2007 | 4:06 p.m.

Instead of dreading Spring Quarter finals or returning home this summer just to work, have something to look forward to and check out these upcoming concerts and music festivals.

Below is a list of a few local and statewide events worthy of notice.

Athens is home to some great music. With most local concerts either free or barely costing more than a couple 40s, they are some of the town's most affordable entertainment. They are also a perfect way experience the local arts scene.

Four Fest (May 19): From 11 a.m. until midnight, local bands will take over Big Red Barn for Athens County's fourth installation of this music festival. Last year, 7,000 people attended Thre3 Fest to celebrate one of the town's biggest parties. Even more people are expected this time around. There will be kegs, flip cup fields and plenty of live music to keep the crowds busy. The line-up includes B.Yonest, a talented MC from Columbus; The One-Eyed Show, a reggae/rock/alternative band from Saint Marys, Ohio; and Miss Meghna of Columbus, who belts out soulful lyrics with a pop-influenced R&B sound. Buses will be making trips from the Atheneon/Courtside area to the Fest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 for presale and $20 at the door. Pick them up at Courtside, the Atheneon and various sponsors around town. 18+ / 21 to drink.

Lobsterfest (June 1-June 3): Twenty-six bands from all over the States will come together at the Baker Center for this alternative music fest. Hosted by Ohio University’s student-run radio station, ACRN, this festival will be free for all. After finishing their tour with Minus the Bear, Chicago natives Chin Up Chin Up will take the stage and captivate audiences with their toe-tapping alt-indie tunes. The New Amsterdams, headed by ex-Get Up Kids' member Matthew Pryor, will perform its relaxed indie melodies on Saturday (June 2). Athens' own beloved band Southeast Engine will also be there. For more information and the rest of the lengthy line-up, check out www.ACRN.com.

The university also hosts a number of concerts at the Front Room on most weekend nights. Check out the Ohio Calendar of Events for dates, bands and times.

There will be music festivals and concerts throughout Ohio this summer to keep all music tastes satisfied within a three-hour drive.

Bright Eyes (May 20, Columbus): The Ohio State University’s Wexner Center for the Arts will host this praised folk-rock band Sunday night. Bright Eyes is on tour to promote the release of their new album "Cassadaga." The opening bands are Gillian Welch and Oakley Hall. Tickets are $25/+ surcharge.

Cursive/Against Me! with Mastodon and These Arms Are Snakes (May 21, Columbus; May 22, Cincinnati): This quad of alternative punk and rock bands will tear up the stage at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion in Columbus, then Bogarts in Cincinnati the following night for just $18/+ surcharge.

Fall Out Boy (May 20, Cuyahoga Falls; May 21, Cincinnati): This pop-punk band will be performing with the likes of +44, The Academy Is…, Paul Wall and Cobra Starship for the Honda Civic Tour. In Cuyahoga Falls, they will play at the Blossom Music Center and then head to Riverbend Amphitheatre in Cincinnati.

Buckeye Country Jam (June 16, Columbus): For just $5 for the lawn or $15 for the pavilion, WCOL is hosting the event at Polaris' Germain Amphitheater. The acts include Sara Evans, Tracy Byrd and Josh Gracin.

Comfest (June 22-24, Columbus): This free music festival is celebrating its 34th anniversary this year. Over 200 local bands will take the stage during this three-day festival, all for the benefit of the community.

Tool (June 29, Cincinnati; July 1, Youngstown): On the road for the first time in three years, this band is back on the road for a world tour. They will be at the US Bank Arena in Cincinnati and then continue on to the Chevrolet Center in Youngstown.

Vans Warped Tour (August 1, Cincinnati; August 2, Cleveland): Check out this tour for a day of non-stop punk, rock, hip-hop and pop-punk. This extremely affordable (just $29) event features some of the biggest names in the business, including Coheed and Cambria, Yellowcard and The Used. Riverbend Music Center will be its venue in Cincinnati, while the Tower City Amphitheater will be in Cleveland.

Music festivals are the best way to kick off the summer. Loud music, hot sun and great bands also make a perfect excuse to go on a small road trip.

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Visit TicketMaster for ticket information on concerts and festivals around Ohio.