The Midwest is a culture built around musical performance. Indianapolis concerts, Chicago festivals, and Milwaukee jam-bands make an interesting mix. For those interested in great concerts, especially in Indianapolis, it pays to know a little about the most impressive local venues, namely, the Verizon Wireless Music Center, White River State Park, and the Murat Centre.

One large outdoor amphitheater is the Verizon Wireless Music Center located in Noblesville, Indiana. It is the last outdoor music venue in central Indiana. There are 6,000 seats under the pavilion and 18,000 general admission lawn seats. It is mainly used for live, high-profile concerts. In 2006, the Center was ranked 5^th in the nation for ticket sales. This summer fans can expect to see concerts for No Doubt, Rascal Flatts, Toby Keith, New Kids on the block, Kid Rock & Lynyrd Skynyrd, Dave Matthews Band and Jimmy Buffett just to name some.

Another venue to see Indianapolis concerts is the White River State Park. It is considered America's only urban cultural state park. Within Indianapolis it is designated as one of six of the cultural districts. Restoration on the area began in the 1980's based around the Indiana Central Canal. The Governors Lawn is where you can experience live entertainment with seating for 5,000. The lawn seating overlooks the White River and is the perfect place to enjoy one of the more than 10 music concerts each summer. The Lawn has been named one of the top 100 outdoor concert venues in the world by Pollstar Magazine for the last three years. This summer concert-goers can expect Fall Out Boy, 311, Incubus, The Fray, Bonnie Raitt and the Indianapolis Symphony performs The Music of Led Zeppelin: A Rock Symphony. The Lawn continues to be growing venue for summer Indianapolis concerts.

The Murat Centre, beginning as the Murat Shrine Temple in 1909 with the first opening in 1910, is an Indianapolis downtown favorite for live entertainment with acts ranging from comedy shows to Broadway musicals to family productions to rock concerts and more. The addition to the temple occurred in 1922 when there was an increase in interest for live performances. Even with all the changes and updates, 85% of the historic fabric was maintained and columns, sconces, chairs and stained glass windows were untouched. There is a full service concession facility at the Centre with a wide variety of snacks, juices and soft drinks. Alcoholic beverages are available with identification. Some shows that are expected this summer include Riverdance, The Killers, James Taylor, Jim Gaffigan, Wicked, Kathy Griffin and the Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker.

Whether you are looking for an extravagant show like New Kids on the Block, Toby Keith, or Jimmy Buffett, a more mellow medley like the Indianapolis Symphony or Bonnie Raitt, or a relaxed celebration like The Killers or James Taylor, Indianapolis concerts have enough to offer you whatever it is you are looking for in spectacular venues like the northside's Verizon Wireless Music Center, the canal's White River State Park, or downtown's Murat Centre. Come join the fun.