Why does it seem like we ALWAYS have to go to the Twin Cities to go and see good live music? Well, that's not always the case anymore as places like Duluth, Rochester, and Prior Lakes Mystic Lake Casino are now offering great live music concerts at sometimes a better price than in the Twin Cities. Here are, in no certain order, 7 concerts outside the Twin Cities that you should go to!

  • John Fogerty and ZZ Top - Treasure Island Amphitheater, Friday 6.29
    • This has to be THE classic-rock double bill of the summer. Ages to attend the show are 12+, with the show beginning at 7 p.m. You can snag tickets for as little as $30! If you haven't seen a concert here yet, do it! It has an awesome vibe.
  • Trampled by Turtles - Bayfront Festival Park, Saturday 7.7
    • If you aren't aware of Trampled By Turtles no big deal. They are a Minnesota based bluegrass band. The group just released their 8th album and this hometown show is the band’s only announced Minnesota performance of the summer, aside from their State Fair gig in August. If you just like good music, this is the band to see! Tickets for the show run a flat $25.
  • Joan Jett & the Blackhearts - Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Friday 8.24
    • Another great classic rock artist and group are coming to Minnesota this year as Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ invade the Island! Their most recent album is from 2013 and titled Unvarnished. Also, don't forget these are Hall of Famers performing as the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll of Fame in ‘15. Added bonus to this show? Eddie Money will also be performing! The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets begin at $55.
  • Jamey Johnson - Mayo Civic Center Dr. CH Presentation Hall, Sunday 7.22
    • The Alabama country singer-songwriter is still in demand live, as he has a busy summer touring schedule which includes a Grand Ole Opry performance this coming Saturday. The show is close by in Rochester and shouldn't go too late as it begins at 8 p.m. Tickets to the show are SUPER reasonable beginning at $32.50.
  • Reba McEntire - Mystic Amphitheater, Saturday 8.11

    • Besides going on tour this summer McEntire is also KFC’s first female Colonel Sanders. The musical icon has released two albums recently with last year’s Sing It Now: Songs of Faith and Hope winning a Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album. This is one of the more expensive shows to go and see, but who can put a price tag on the colonel? Tickets begin at $49 and the show is set to start at 8 p.m. 
  • Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo - DECC Symphony Hall, Sunday 6.10 & Mayo Civic Center Dr. CH Mayo Presentation Hall, Wednesday 6.13
    • Benatar has remained a committed live performer, and you definitely will feel like you belong, as she is stopping not once but twice in greater Minnesota.  In addition to these two Minnesota stops in Duluth and Rochester, Benatar will also play a Music in the Zoo concert on June 13 along with guitarist and husband Giraldo.  The Duluth show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets start at $39.50 and the Rochester show three days later is at the same time with tickets beginning at $69.50.
  • Jerry Lee Lewis - Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Saturday 7.21
    • Goodness, Gracious, Great Balls of Fire! At the age of 82, he is still performing! Lewis has six full decades into his career, and is only semi-retired! Things get underway at 8 p.m. and tickets are either $46 or $56.

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