The Airborne Toxic Event // The Majestic / July 29
by Mary Simkins

Formed in 2006, The Airborne Toxic Event is a Los Angeles-based indie band that derived its name from a section of the book “White Noise” by Don DeLillo. Even if the name doesn’t sound familiar, chances are you’ve heard their critically acclaimed single, “Sometime Around Midnight” on the radio. The band’s newest album, “All At Once” was released on April 26, and the single “Goodbye Horses” is available for free download on the band’s website (www.theairbornetoxicevent.com). Many of the band’s first songs were written by vocalist / guitarist Mikel Jollett during a particularly emotionally traumatic period in his life, so if you’re more of a mindless happy-pop fan, I’d steer clear (and read a different magazine). However, if you enjoy thoughtful lyrics with a melancholy slant backed by strong instrumentals, you’d probably have a great time at the band’s concert on July 29 at The Majestic in Detroit. Tickets are $15 ($20 if purchased online). Doors are at 8 p.m.

Gun Lake // Woodruff’s / July 29
by Mary Simkins

If you like folk music with a catchy beat, you’ll love Gun Lake. The currently unsigned Ann Arbor band has been steadily gaining a fan base, playing at events such as the Taste of Ann Arbor and appearing on Matthew Altruda’s 107.1 show Tree Town Sound. With a sound reminiscent of Fleet Foxes combined with their own original poetic lyrics, Gun Lake is a great addition to the local music scene. Check them out on July 29 at Woodruff’s in Ypsilanti. The show starts at 9 p.m. and tickets are $5. Gun Lake will also be performing at the Michigan Roots Jamboree, which will be held in Ypsilanti on August 5 and 6. See www.rootsjamboree.com for more details.

Wiz Khalifa + Big Sean // Phoenix Plaza Amphitheater / August 5
by Aimee Mandle

Michigan Taylor Gang members can rejoice once more as Wiz makes his way back to the metro area on his Rolling Papers tour.  This Pittsburgh native got his start in 2005, with his debut release “Show and Prove.” Over the years, Wiz has put out multiple mixtapes that have circulated underground and garnered attention for his catchy beats and smooth flow, as well as three studio albums. His latest album, “Rolling Papers,” was released earlier this year and debuted at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. But it was the first track from “Rolling Papers,” “Black and Yellow,” that launched Wiz as a mainstream artist. Wiz Khalifa will be performing on August 5 at the Phoenix Plaza Amphitheater in Pontiac. The show kicks off at 7:30 with ticket prices starting at $25.

Cold War Kids // the Majestic / August 6
by Amanda Slater

They’re a little bit eccentric, enigmatic and quite talented. The Cold War Kids have been a crowd favorite since the band’s humble beginnings in guitarist / vocalist Jonnie Russell’s downtown Fullerton apartment in 2004. Now based out of Long Beach, California, the Cold War Kids have released three full-length studio albums—each of which has been well-received by critics and fans. They have toured with bands like Death Cab for Cutie and have recorded with producer Jacquire King. Their most recent album, “Mine is Yours,” was released in January 2011 and reached no. 5 on the U.S. alternative charts. Check out their captivating live performance at 7 p.m. on August 6 at the Majestic in Detroit. Tickets start at $25.

Bob Dylan // Meadowbrook Music Festival / August 7
by David Nassar

More than four decades ago, Bob Dylan famously wrote, “He not busy being born is busy dying.”  It’s obvious that even at the age of 70, Dylan has no intention of quietly enjoying his twilight years. Indeed, it seems that each time Dylan hits the road these days, it’s followed by a chorus of, “Well, you’d better see him while you still can.” And yet the apprehensive “voice of a generation” continues to tour, relentlessly exposing new generations to his music.  In what has become an at-least-yearly event, Dylan returns to Metro Detroit to play at the Meadow Brook Music Festival on August 7 at Oakland University. Joining him on the road is legendary musician and 2011 Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Leon Russell. The show starts at 7:30 and tickets are still available starting at $47.

Foster the People // the Majestic / August 7
by Amanda Slater
Los Angeles-based indie pop band, Foster the People, are relatively new to the music scene. Twenty-somethings Mark Foster, Mark Pontius and Cubbie Fink formed the band in 2009—and now they are selling out shows across the United States, Europe and Australia. As the story goes, Mark Foster originally named the band Foster and the People, but due to several people mis-hearing it as “Foster the People,” the name was changed. The group recently performed at South by Southwest, and their single “Pumped Up Kicks” has climbed up Billboard’s Alternative chart, eventually reaching the no. 1 spot and also landing the no. 4 spot on the Rock Songs chart and reaching no. 73 on Billboard’s Hot 100. Their debut album, “Torches,” was released in May of 2011 and met with critical acclaim. Don’t miss your chance to catch these rising stars live at 8 p.m. on August 7 at the Majestic in Detroit. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.

My Morning Jacket // Meadowbrook Music Festival // August 16
by Paul Kitti

Since releasing their major-label debut in 2003, My Morning Jacket hasn’t had a chance to catch their breath. From a legendary four-hour set at Bonnaroo in 2008 to performances on Conan, Letterman and Saturday Night Live, this constantly-evolving rock band truly lives to enthrall audiences. They recently followed up their 2008 Grammy-nominated album “Evil Urges” with “Circuital,” which debuted at number 5 on the Billboard 200. Recorded in a church gym in their hometown of Louisville, their latest offering combines jam-band, funk and experimental rock styles into something that should translate wonderfully on-stage—especially given the band’s history of triumphant live shows. My Morning Jacket will be performing on August 16 at Meadowbrook Music Festival in Rochester Hills.

Lil Wayne // DTE / August 20
by Aimee Mandle

After re-emerging from his stint in jail, Louisiana born and bred Lil Wayne is gaining momentum once again. With his ninth studio album, ‘Tha Carter IV,” about to be released at the end of August, the rapper has shown that there is little in this world that can hold him back. Considering his past achievements including collaboration with other big names in the business, a 2008 bestselling album, a Grammy for the best rap album (“Tha Carter III”) and dominating President Obama’s iPod, Weezy’s new music will most likely be well received by critics and fans alike—especially if his latest releases, “How to Love” and “John,” are anything to go by. Lil Wayne will be performing at 7 p.m. on August 20  at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.