PNC Bank Arts Center

It's going to be a great summer!

Review By Krys Longan

If you love listening to some of the biggest names in music in a comfortable outdoor setting, then PNC Bank Arts Center is definitely a venue that you should visit this summer. Right off of exit 116 on the Garden State Parkway, this concert arena is not only conveniently located, but offers some of the biggest names in the industry in an environment that is set up to embrace music-lovers of all ages.

"Nothing says summer more to me than going to a concert at PNC," said Jim Steen, who works as a promoter for the Arts Center. "And this year we have a large number of concerts that will have lawn tickets available at $20 or less. That's a really good entertainment value when you consider it costs more that $10 bucks to see a movie." And, as Steen pointed out, "When was the last time you felt so passionate about a movie that you bought a t-shirt of it?"

Over the years, the Arts Center has hosted some of the biggest names in musical history, and Steen has been lucky enough to view many of them. "Every year we have huge names play, and they are all great in their own way," Steen said. "But the biggest of all time? I would have to say Frank Sinatra." Spoken like a true Jersey boy!

Being a promoter also allows Steen to see plenty of the backstage action, including the mischief that musicians get into. "Name a show, any show, and I have a story about it," he laughed. "But honestly, a great PNC story happened at one of the K-Rock shows when Sharon Osbourne pulled the plug in the middle of Limp Bizkit's set! They were running too long and she didn't want them to cut into Ozzy's time on stage."

This season, there are too many great bands playing to list them all here, but we can give you a taste. New Wave fans will be happy to hear that Depeche Mode will be playing at PNC on Sunday, May 14th, with opening act She Wants Revenge. Country music fans can enjoy Rascal Flatts on Friday, May 26th, and baby boomers will be excited to hear that Styx and Foreigner perform a double bill on Sunday, May 28th. Perhaps you're a fan of 80s pop? The New Cars will be performing with Blondie on Saturday, June 10th, and Nine Inch Nails will be playing on Friday, June 16th. And of course, you'll definitely want to get your tickets early for The Boss: Bruce Springsteen will be performing two nights at PNC, on Saturday June 24th and Sunday June 25th.

PNC Bank Arts Center welcomes kids and adults of all ages and musical preferences, but hard-core concertgoers can take advantage of their V.I.P. season pass, which guarantees access to all shows...even the sold-out ones. Prices start at $3,250 and go up to $12,725 per seasonal seat, depending on the location. The cost may be hefty, but the perks are many, including at-your-seat service, and a private restroom for V.I.P. ticket holders only.

Buying tickets for one or more shows is a breeze, as is transportation and parking. And to enhance your concert experience, audience members are even allowed to bring food and lawn chairs. For a full schedule of summer events_-along with information on public transportation, ticket availability and prices, and any other information you could possibly need_-visit the website at www.pncbankartscenter.com.