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Best Summer Concert Lineup In Orange County

imagine dragons
(credit: Mark Venema/Getty Images)

One of the great things about summer is that you get some great concerts — particularly at outdoor venues. This summer offers shows with some legendary artists, some of which have been performing for 40 years or more. If you enjoy making concerts a part of your summer, but don't know which shows to put on your radar, try out these great options.

Steve Miller Band
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Steve Miller Band at Pacific Amphitheater
100 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 708-1500
www.pacamp.com

If you've been touring for as long as the Steve Miller Band, you must be doing something right. What this band does right is put on a show that will have you singing along, just like you do when his songs come on the radio in your car. Steve Miller Band plays Friday, July 24, at Pacific Amphitheatre as a part of the Orange County Fair (you will most likely be able to buy a whole turkey leg right outside the venue). Get a group of your friends and head to this show that just might feel like one big sing-along. Tickets for this show range from $30 to $80.

"The Night That Changed America: A GRAMMY Salute To The Beatles" Imagine Dragons "Revolution"
(credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Imagine Dragons at The Honda Center
2695 E. Katella Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 704-2400
www.hondacenter.com/default.aspx

If you've been a fan of this band since the word go, you probably remember what it was like when they just got started. However, the band has graduated quickly to arena shows and festivals, and it's easy to see why. The band puts on a show that is made for big venues and big audiences. You need only look at the band's performance at Lollapalooza in Brazil to see the huge audiences this band can draw. Imagine Dragons plays on Monday, July 20. Tickets for this show range from $39 to $86.

verizon wireless amp.
(credit: yelp.com)

Rush at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
8808 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 855-8095
www.concerts.livenation.com

Rare is the band that stays together for 40 years. In fact, most bands are lucky to make it 40 months, and they don't play anything nearly as technically amazing as Rush. Still, Rush is celebrating 40 years together this year, and you can be a part of the celebration when the band comes to Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on Tuesday, June 30. Tickets for this show range from $45 to $175.

Related: Best Places For Outdoor Yoga In Orange County

foofighters770getty.jpg
Foo Fighters (Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Foo Fighters at Honda Center
2695 E Katella Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 704-2400
www.hondacenter.com/default.aspx

Dave Grohl is certainly a guy that doesn't need any introduction. Last year he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Nirvana, and he is likely to be voted in again with Foo Fighters. This is truly one of the great rock bands of this generation. Not only that, but when the band recently played in Los Angeles, a parade of guests joined the band on stage. Foo Fighters play Honda Center in the waning days of summer on Friday, September 18 and Saturday September 19. Tickets range from $31 to $92.

Willie Nelson
Apparently paying taxes wasn't always on the mind of Willie Nelson: the country crooner was forced to pay the U.S. government $16 million after they seized his assets in 1990 over an allegedly fraudulent tax shelter. (credit: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT)

Willie Nelson and Family at Pacific Amphitheatre
100 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 708-1500
www.pacamp.com

Seeing a legend like Willie Nelson is always a good thing. It's even better when the show is on a warm summer night at an outdoor venue. Willie Nelson is still going strong at age 81, and when you watch him, you realize that the list of people who have done it better than him is pretty short. While Willie Nelson is definitely a great reason to go to this show, he's not the only one. Alison Krauss and Union Station is also on the bill for this show on Sunday, July 19. This is sure to be an unforgettable show.

Related: Best Outdoor Venues in Orange County

Gary Schwind is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
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