MVLO XVLOTO MAKES ITS MARK COLDPLAY 2012 US, TOUR REVIEW Teresa Kuhns STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS Unforgettable. Electric, Mind blowing. These are just some of the many adjectives that come to mind when 1 think about Coldplay's recent tour. This year I was fortunate enough to see the British band not once, not twice, but three times. And it goes without saying that each time was even more memorable than the last. Lead singer Chris Martin puts on quite the show and 1 have never been in the presence of a band that possesses such energy and passion on stage. The band’s previous albums “Rush of Blood to the Head’ and “Parachutes' received criticism for having the same sound and lacking any real energy (although, if you ask me, their lyrics are always beautiful and downright chilling). However the band's most recent CD “Mylo Xyloto” has appeared to prove critics wrong. The fresh, new sound has left loyal fans in awe and sparked an interest in many who were beginning to doubt the British group. Say goodbye to entire albums full of heartbreak and depressing love songS; “Mylo Xyloto" is packed with life and color The 2012 Mylo Xyloto Tour will forever be one to remember For each concert, all audience members are given wrist bands called “Xylobands" that light up in various colors in sync with the album’s biggest hits like “Hurts Like Heaven” and “Paradise." The effect is indescribable—an entire arena full of technicolor glowing (or ’glowing technicolor’) lights while Chris, Johnny Guy and Will jam out on stage. Lasers flash while confetti blasts upward from all sides of the stage. Heaving the audience surrounded by vibrant butterflies and hearts. It’s perfection. There is noth ing like a crowd full of people singing the “woah-oh lEADY GAGA I/Mon., Mar. 18 iGreensboro Coliseum I$192 at Ticketmaster.com iThe international pop sensation known for her theatrical performances and racy costumes Jwill be making a stop in IGreensboro. While her concert Imay be on the pricier side, it could Ibe worth the once-in-a-lifetime lexoerience. AEICIA KEYS Iw/ MIGlJhl jsaf.. Mar. 30 jCreensboro Coliseum I$116 at Ticketmaster.com Iwith her chart-topping new single, “Girl on Fire,” and recent album Irelease, Alicia Keys teams up with Ifellow soul singer Miguel. Miguel [released his album, “Kaleidoscope Dream,” in late 2012, including the Isingle “Adorn.” AWOENATION w/ BLONDFIRE & MOTHER MOTHER [rues.. Mar. 19 [Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh I$22 at eTix.com [while alternative Awolnation’s album was released in Marchj [2010, it continues to gain popularity. “Sail” has grown to be| [one of their identifying singles. Blondfire’s EP, “Where the Kids Are,” was released in November 2012 by the siblings [Bruce and Erica Driscoll. The third band featured. Mother [Mother, has not emerged largely on the music scene; their [latest album, “Eureka,” was released in 2011. MA^ COSTA \ |saf., Apr. 20 UCat’s Cradle, Raleigh Ej$15 at Venue Website ' Alternative singer Matt ..jCosta released his latest ; Iself-titled album on February 12, 2013. Past singles that he has been known for have included “Mr. Pitiful” and “Good Times.” PHOTO COURTESY OF M( TCAMpi; -oh-oh’s" to the band’s popular “Viva la Vida.”. nd of course, old classics are still a major part of the show “Yellow" is always a crowd favorite, and when C iris sings it acoustically jaws drop. But let’s be hoi est. anyone who has seen this band live knows wi at I'm talking about. It’s hard to pick the single best lart because the entire concert is pure genius. 1 could go on and on, but you must see it firsthand to truly understand. I promise there s nothing like it. Now go listen to Coldplay’s nev album, and find out what I’m talking about. fCEORGE STRAIT !w/ MAR'IINA McBRIDE t,Sat., Mar 23 igGreensboro Coliseum $108 at Ticketmaster.com (For you country fans, George [strait and Martina McBride [have paired up for their latest [tour. Strait has been producing | [music for decades, and he [released his latest single, “Give] It All We Got Tonight” in 2012. .. ■ V.S' CONCEFnfSl rto look to JASON AEDEAN jw/ JAKE OWEN & THOMAS Rl lETT [saf.. May 18 [Greensboro Coliseum [$68 at Ticketmaster.com [jason Aldean, Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett usher in the [southern-summer country concert circuit in mid-May. Aldean, best known for singles such as “Dirt Road Anthem” and “My Kind Party,” released his fifth album last October. Between Owen, best [known for “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” and the young Thomas Rhett with the single “Beer with Jesus,” this group should be the [perfect way to kick off the summer. Molly Boyce ■STRATEGIC COMMUNI: 26 As the new semester bursts with classes professors, activities and responsibilities, the calendar seems to shift quickly from the ease and escape of fake break to the frenzy of spring. Check out some of the concerts coming to local venues in the North Carolina triad area and get ready to mark up your calendar.