MUSIC: A quick look at some of the region’s must-go concerts this spring

Looking out the window, it might not seem like it, but spring is officially here. We promise the snow will melt and the flowers will bloom … at some point. When they do, it will be time to put that cabin fever in the rearview and figure out which shows to attend as the concert season is about to kick into high gear. Here’s some of the biggest and best coming to the region over the next few months:

Wells Fargo Center

The Wells Fargo Center is prepping for hopeful playoff runs by both the Flyers and 76ers, so the schedule is pretty light down there, but some shows do exist and are worth checking out. New Zealand songstress Lorde tops an excellent bill April 2 that includes Mitski and rap duo Run the Jewels. Hometown favorite Pink drops in April 13, and fresh off their April induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Bon Jovi will perform May 3.

Justin Timberlake returns from the forest (his latest album is Man of the Woods) June 2, while Depeche Mode does a victory lap fin support of last year’s excellent LP Spirit. 80s hitmakers Journey and Def Leppard team up for a gig on June 11, and U2 does a two-night stand June 13 and 14. Finally, Paul Simon says goodbye as his farewell tour pauses at the WFC June 16.

BB&T Pavilion

It’s still a bit chilly to venture across the river on the ferry to get to Camden, but the BB&T Pavilion doesn’t disappoint with the small number of shows it has going on. The annual WMMR BBQ has quite the lineup, headlined by Alice in Chains, a revitalized Stone Temple Pilots, Ghost and Korn’s Jonathan Davis May 19.

Dead & Company comes alive for a pair of shows June 1 and 2, and it’s a hip-hop smorgasbord June 8 with Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock and more. Dave Matthews Band crash into town for two nights June 15 and 16, and Radio 104.5 kicks off it’s birthday celebration with a stacked bill featuring Thirty Seconds to Mars, Portugal. The Man, Walk the Moon, Chvrchs and more June 17, wrapping up the season.

Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing

Back on this side of the Delaware, Festival Pier keeps the punk rock flame burning with the Punk in Drublic Craft Beer & Music Festival featuring SoCal legends Bad Religion, NOFX, Mad Caddies and The Interrupter May 13. A few night later, on May 17, it’s a Britpop lover’s dream come true as former Oasis frontman Liam Gallager teams up with legendary Verve singer Richard Ashcroft for a co-headlining show.

HoagieNation Festival: A Celebration of Everything Philly makes its sophomore appearance May 21, once again headlined by Daryl Hall & John Oates, the event also has Train, Fitz and the Tantrums and fellow local rocker Tommy Conwell stepping on the stage to represent. Speaking of hometown heroes, the annual Roots Family Picnic takes over the Pier with rap, rock, hip-hop, comedy and jazz June 2. This year they feature Dave Chappelle, Fabolous, Jadakiss, Dirty Projectors and, of course, The Roots, plus a dozen other artists.

Mann Center for the Performing Arts

The Mann is more of a summer venue, but the spring highlights are some to look into. Yanni brings some New Age stylings May 12, Harry Connick Jr. pounds the keys a month later on June 16, and legendary frontman for The Who, Roger Daltrey, links up with the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia for a rare solo show June 19.

Electric Factory

It’s no shock that the Electric Factory has some stellar shows in store this spring. Ex-Black Crowes leader Chris Robinson embraces his past with As the Crow Flies April 18, 90s indie darlings the Afghan Whigs co-headline with Built to Spill April 21 and Matt and Kim swing through with Tokyo Police Club April 22. Greta Van Fleet bring their Zeppelin-tinged rock and roll May 12, while Canadian punkers Sum 41 roll in two days later on May 14. For a complete list of shows, because it’s always changing, visit www.electricfactory.info

Theatre of Living Arts

Down on South Street, it’s not so much where the hippies meet as it is where the metalheads congregate. Nothing More provide something solid April 4, Cradle of Filth clean up the next night, April 5, and Morbid Angel speed things up April 19. So much more is happening at the TLA, from trip-hop pioneer Tricky on April 30 to English post-punk outfit Editors May 17. Head over to www.tlaphilly.com for a full rundown of gigs at the venue.

The Fillmore

The Fillmore has become one of the more popular spots in recent years, and this spring is no different. Scottish indie-rockers Franz Ferdinand return to town April 13 and Philly’s own jam band Disco Biscuits do three nights April 19, 20 and 21. Folk punk artist Frank Turner raises hell with Lucero supporting on June 5, and Landsdale pop punkers The Wonder Years pull off two nights June 8 and 9. For a complete listing of shows there, check out www.thefillmorephilly.com

Santander Arena

It’s kind of quiet at this spring at Reading’s Santander Arena, but there are two shows of note that should not be missed under any circumstances. The first is Red Lion’s own Halestorm who bring fellow metal act In This Moment to town May 10. Then there’s the farewell tour of Slayer with Anthrax, Lamb of God and Behemoth in tow, providing support for one of the most iconic thrash outfits in history June 4.

Stay tuned to this location to keep up to date on all the upcoming shows in the region and the weekly Seven in Seven for what to see in the nest few days.

To contact music columnist Michael Christopher, send an email to rockmusicmenu@hotmail.com. Also, check out his blog at www.delcotimes.com.