Summer Concerts and Performances in the D.C. Area...

It's finally Spring, and what better way to celebrate then to take a look at the upcoming concerts and shows to the D.C. area. Here are some of the highlights coming to the area:

April

5: Robin Thicke & Jennifer Hudson (DAR Constitution Hall)
He sure has come a long way from being known as "the son of the dad from Growing Pains." His soulful and catchy tunes are complemented by American Idol and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson. Tickets: $64-$74; http://www.ticketmaster.com/

8: Death Cab for Cutie (DAR Constitution Hall)
Once a little known indie band, this group has charted numerous hits like "I'll Follow You Into The Dark," "Cath" and many others. Tickets: $39; http://www.ticketmaster.com/

13: Flight of the Conchords (DAR Contitution Hall)
The Grammy-winning New Zealanders Bret and Jermaine from the smash hit HBO comedy show bring their zainy and hilarious songs to DAR. "Business Time," "Freaky" and many other hilarious hits will have you rolling in the aisles. Tickets: $37.50; http://www.ticketmaster.com/

24: Kings of Leon (GMU Patriot Center)
Is your "Sex on Fire?" It will be after you hear this British rock import at the George Mason University Patriot Center! Tickets: $45; www.ticketmaster.com/

25: Fall Out Boy w/Cobra Starship, All Time Low, 50 Cent and Hey Monday
Fall Out Boy continues their climb to one of the best with hits like "America's Suitehearts" and "Sugar, We're Going Down." This is a part of MTV's Movie and Music Tour! Tickets: $36-$150(Meet and Greet Tix); http://www.ticketmaster.com/

May

1: Dane Cook's Isolated Incident Global Thermal Comedy Tour (1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore, MD)
One of the funniest comedians around is back for more as he gives hilarious insight on life and his thoughts on the world around us. Su Fi! Tickets: $30-$100(Gold Circle); http://www.ticketmaster.com/

8: An Evening with IL Divo (GMU Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA)
Simon Cowell's supergroup of Opera singers brings their ecclectic sound to the Patriot Center. Tickets: $59.50 - $409.50(Meet and Greet IL Divo Ticket); http://www.ticketmaster.com/

9: Bill Engvall and Frank Caliendo (GMU Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA)
Blue collared and ready to insult, Bill Engvall brings his uncany brand of comedy to the Patriot Center. Frank Caliendo, the man of many faces, does his greatest impressions that will keep you rolling in the aisles. Tickets: $49.50; http://www.ticketmaster.com/

McDonalds WMZQ Countryfest (Nissan Pavilion, Bristow, VA)
Rodney Atkins, Jason Michael Carroll, Joe Nichols, Keith Anderson and Little Big Town bring the county to Nissan Pavilion with this annual County Music Festival. Tickets: $13.25-$50; http://www.livenation.com/

18: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (Verizon Center, Washington D.C.)
The Boss is back with the E Street Band to rock out the hits including ones off his new album "Working on a Dream." Tickets: $68-$98; http://www.ticketmaster.com/

19: Keane (DAR Constitution Hall, Washington D.C.)
The always enjoyable English import Keane rocks the house with its own brand of music using only a piano and drums. From "Somewhere Only We Know" to "Spiralling," you'll be sure to have a great time at this concert! Tickets: $44-$125(Hot Seat Package); http://www.ticketmaster.com/

21: Coldplay (Nissan Pavilion, Bristow, VA)
The most successful band in the world, besides U2, Coldplay brings their blend of harmonious music to Nissan Pavilion. The third stop in the D.C. Area on the Viva La Vida Tour (two previous stops at Verizon Center last Fall) don't miss your last chance to see them!
Tickets: $35-$97.50; http://www.livenation.com/

26-31: Rent (Warner Theatre, Washington D.C.)
"525,600 minutes." This legendary musical about life, love and the struggle to survive comes to the Warner Theatre. Tickets: $45-$80; http://www.ticketmaster.com/

June

11: Elvis Costello and The Sugarcanes (Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA)
Coming to Wolf Trap is the legendary Elvis Costello. Known for his genius lyrics and toe-tapping rhythms, he's joined by the Sugarcanes. Don't miss a rare opportunity to see him here! Tickets: $25-$45; http://www.wolftrap.org/ or http://www.tickets.com/

13: Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood (Verizon Center, Washington D.C.)
The master of the guitar Eric Clapton comes to Verizon Center with a musical genius in Steve Winwood. Come see these legends of rock play their hits. Tickets: $68-$158; http://www.ticketmaster.com/

14: The Grateful Dead (Verizon Center, Washington D.C.)What's left of "The Grateful Dead" reunites to form "The Dead." Come hear classic hits of this American iconic band that's been around since 1965. Tickets: $68-$98; http://www.ticketmaster.com/

No Doubt w/ Paramore (Nissan Pavilion, Bristow, VA)After two smash hit solo efforts and two babies with husband Gavin Rosdale, Gwen Stefani gets back to her roots with No Doubt. Hits like "Don't Speak" and "Hella Good" are sure to get you on your feet. Also playing, Paramore, whose fame rose after being featured on the "Twilight" soundtrack and with the success of their latest album. It's a girls night at Nissan Pavilion! Tickets: $10-$80; http://www.livenation.com/

17: Diana Krall (Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA)Elvis Costello's better half comes to Wolf Trap with her sensual style of Jazz. Tickets: $30-$50; http://www.wolftrap.org/ or http://www.tickets.com/

18: Huey Lewis and the News (Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA)The band that brought you "The Power of Love" and "Back in Time" come back to Wolf Trap after a brief hiatus. Enjoy the hits and new music from one of rocks legendary bands. Tickets: $25-$40; http://www.wolftrap.org/ or http://www.tickets.com/

19-20: RAIN - a tribute to the Beatles (Wolf Trap, Vienna VA)One of the best Beatles tribute concerts comes to Wolf Trap for 2 nights of love, peace and Beatles music! Just hope the only "Rain" is on stage! Tickets: $25-$40; http://www.wolftrap.org/ or http://www.tickets.com/

July

2: Tony Bennett (Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA)He might have "Left his heart in San Francisco," but this all-time great crooner is at Wolf Trap to serenade with his classic hits. Tickets: $25-$48; http://www.wolftrap.org/ or http://www.tickets.com/

9: National Symphony Orchestra w/ Leann Rimes (Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA)In a rare treat, Leann Rimes is joined by one of the most elite orchestras in the world. Singing her hits "How do I Live," "Blue" and more! Tickets: $25-$48; http://www.wolftrap.org/ or http://www.tickets.com/

11: Elton John and Billy Joel at Nationals Park (Washington, D.C.)
Even though it's not apparent to them we're in a recession, two classic rockers reunite to tour once again. From "Piano Man" to "The One," don't miss this opportunity to hear from legends! Tickets: $102-$182; http://www.tickets.com/

13: The Jonas Brothers World Tour 2009 (Verizon Center, Washington D.C.)
Unless you've been living under a rock, the Jonas Brothers are the hottest teen group around. Take your screaming teen to see this band do what they do best. Tickets: $29.50-$89.50; http://www.ticketmaster.com/

15: Joe Cocker (Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA)Classic rock legend comes to "get a little help from his friends." Don't miss this one of a kind concert with one of the greats. Tickets: $25-$45; http://www.wolftrap.org/ or http://www.tickets.com/

22: Jackson Browne (Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA)If you're "running on empty," then come see this bluesy rocker to fill you up with musical goodness. Tickets: $30-$48; http://www.wolftrap.org/ or http://www.tickets.com/

25: National Symphony Orchestra - The Music of John Williams (Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA)Playing the music of the greatest Cinematic composer, don't miss this NSO concert honoring John Williams. Tickets: $20-$48; http://www.wolftrap.org/ or http://www.tickets.com/

26: An Evening with Gordon Lightfoot (Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA)This canadian singer brings his classic hits along with new material. From "The Greatest Love of All" to "If You could Read My Mind," this evening is sure to bring back the 70's in a good way. Tickets: $22-$40; http://www.wolftrap.org/ or http://www.tickets.com/

August

1: Kid Rock and Lynard Skynard (Nissan Pavilion, Bristow, VA)Kid Rock gets to tour with a band he idolized his entire life. From "Sweet Home Alabama" to "Cowboy," you know these two southern groups will bring the southern hospitality to Nissan. Tickets: $25-$89.50; http://www.livenation.com/

2: An Evening with Hall and Oates (Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA)"Magic!" Hall and Oates perform their classic hits for all to enjoy under the stars at Wolf Trap. Tickets: $25-$42; http://www.wolftrap.org/ or http://www.tickets.com/

4: Pat Benatar and Blondie w/ special guest: The Donnas (Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA)Get ready to rock with the first ladies of rock with special guests The Donnas! "Heartbreaker" and "Heart of Glass," enjoy these music greats! Tickets: $25-$42; http://www.wolftrap.org/ or http://www.tickets.com/

September

1-6: Disney's High School Musical (Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA)OK, so this isn't gonna be Zac Efron, but the biggest smash of the Disney Channel era comes to Wolf Trap for some High School fun! Tickets: $25-$80

29: U2's 360 Tour w/MUSE @ FedEx Field (Redskins Home)The greatest Rock and Roll band in the world comes to FedEx Field in Maryland, Home of the Redskins, to put on their new 360 tour, where every seat in the stadium is the best in the house! Ticket prices also have the recession in mind with over 10,000 for $30 and $55. Their most affordable tour in a while! Tickets: $30 - $200+; http://www.livenation.com/ or http://www.u2.com/

*TICKET SALE INFO*

* All Wolf Trap Tickets for the Summer Season go ON SALE SATURDAY, MARCH 28 @ 10 a.m.* All Nissan Pavilion tickets can be purchased via Live Nation or in-person.

* U2 Tickets go on sale Monday, April 6. Fan Club Members get earlier dates. (There is another show in Charlottesville as well a few nights later Thursday, Sept. 31)

So there you have it. These are just the concerts listed so far so be sure to visit http://www.wolftrap.org/; http://www.ticketmaster.com/; http://www.tickets.com/ or http://www.livenation.com/ to find out where your favorite band will be playing!

The Season from Big Blue Hell

Not even the sexiest UK alum Ashley Judd can save the Kentucky Basketball season

Now before everyone starts calling for the head of Billy Gillespie, let me set the story. Ever since I can remember, I have bled Kentucky blue. Through the good times (national champs in 1996 and 1998) and the bad (probation in the late 1980's -1991), I have never given up on my team. Number one winningest program in all of NCAA basketball (in jeopardy with each losing season and North Carolina keeping on a winning track), seven national championships in 14 appearances, the list goes on and on. But this season, the Wildcats are stuggling and it's leaving UK fans wondering what to do.

Billy Gillespie took over the Wildcats in 2007-08 and led them to the NCAA tournament for a 17th consecutive year and an 18-13 record (12-4 in the SEC). He earned co-coach of the year honors and looked to be the right fit even though the Wildcats got ousted in the opening round by Marquette 74-66. This season, the Wildcats and the SEC for that matter have struggled mightily.

Currently, the Wildcats are 19-11 (8-7 in the SEC; T-3rd place in East) and have seen signs of brilliance (Tennessee) and signs of disorganization (Georgia, LSU). With Patterson and Meeks, this is the best the Wildcats could do? Don't get me wrong, these are spectacular players but will they get drafted high if they left early? With how mediocre this team is, probably not. After last nights loss to Georgia, the Wildcats 17-year NCAA Tournament streak looks to be snapped as they will be lucky to inherit an NIT bid.

Most fans are crying for Billy Gillespie to be fired. I don't blame them. He has the team to do some damage in the SEC East but for some reason, he has the reverse effect that did Tubby Smith in: he can recruit but can't coach! Defense is a foreign subject to this team. Granted he has "Tubby players" until next season when his recruits come in but still, you can't keep using that as an excuse for this team. When you wear the blue and white it represents the state of Kentucky as well as Lexington. It symbolizes college basketball greatness. Sometimes I wonder if any of these players really get it.

My conclusion after thinking about it is this: let Billy coach one more season. His recruits start coming in so if he can't do anything with them, he needs to be shown the door. UK's going through growing pains and needs to take its lumps before it becomes a powerhouse again. Whether its with Billy G or someone else remains to be seen. But fear not Kentucky fans. Big Blue will once again stand loud and proud as the best of the best in the NCAA.

'Life on Mars' latest high profile casualty of the TV season

"Life on Mars" is the latest casualty of the TV season

The 2008-09 TV season has seen its share of casualties but none more prominent than "Life on Mars." The sci-fi/action paced drama about Detective Sam Tyler getting hit by a car in 2008 only to be sent back to 1975 will never see completion. The show that started off Thursdays at 10 p.m. quickly moved to Wednesday at 10 p.m. in January and saw its ratings slip away.


I for one am shocked at the cancellation of a critically acclaimed show. Harvey Keitel and Jason O'Mara were stellar in this perfect following to "Lost." It made O'Mara's career as he was seen in TV shows like "The Closer" in guest starring spots. I wish someone could make a cop drama this good. It was fresh, original and deserves to stay on given its acclaim. "Friday Night Lights" is a show that NBC sees some ratings for but they've stuck by it and it is critically acclaimed year in and out. Why not give this show it's due?


Well fans of the show don't need to fret. They are finishing its 17-episode run with closure. Series finale is April 1.


Here's a list of the TV shows cancelled so far this season


ABC: Pushing Daisies, Dirty Sexy Money, Eli Stone, Life on Mars CBS: The Ex List NBC: My Own Worst Enemy, Knight Rider, Lipstick Jungle FOX: Do Not Disturb, Prison Break FX: The Riches USA: The Starter Wife Fox Family: Kyle XY


LIKELY CANCELLATIONS


FOX: 'Till Death, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles CBS: The New Adventures of Old Christine, Gary Unmarried, The Unit NBC: My Name is Earl CW: Privileged