How I'll Spend My Summer Vacation

Takay, via Keane official site

Along with reading the pile of books that builds over the course of the school year—the pile that mocks me while I am grading papers—I am hitting these two shows in the Philly area.

Keane with Ingrid Michaelson: For a night of feel-good summer rock, check out Keane with Ingrid Michaelson on a what we only guess will be a hot summer night in August. The Brits three who compose Keane have sold over three million albums, and are sure to have an avid following in PA. Michaelson is the quintessence of the girl and her guitar performer. Keane and Ingrid Michaelson will play at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia on August 7. Tickets and information available online.

Joan Armatrading: The serious kick-ass rocker and blues performer has been in the business longer than Lady Gaga has been alive. An amazing guitarist with a deep voice that carries the listener to shadowy places, Armatrading puts on a show that is worth traveling to the suburbs for. Joan Armatrading will play with the openers the Jamie McLean Band at the Sellersville Theater on July 19. Tickets and information available online.