The Ataris are set to perform Aug. 10 at the Plea for Peace Center in Stockton, promoter Middagh Goodwin announced on Facebook today. It should be the biggest show in the venue’s short history and one of the top concerts in a year that’s shaping up to be among the best for live music locally.
A pop-punk act originally from Indiana, The Ataris scored a huge hit in 2003 with its cover of Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer.” The band expects to release its sixth full-length album, “The Graveyard of the Atlantic,” this year and is touring nationally this summer with Gasoline Heart and Don’t Panic. (Photo of lead singer Kris Roe in 2009 by Liz Garrett via Wikipedia Commons.)
The Ataris will be the best-known band to perform at the Plea for Peace Center since Dec. 21, 2009, when Against Me! packed the venue. On June 23 the venue will host Authorities, a well-known Stockton punk band that recently reunited and has since been performing around the world.
The following day Pavement will play its first-ever hometown show, at the Bob Hope Theatre, with Authorities opening. Other well-known artists who have already played or are set to play the 209 this year include Carrie Underwood, Aventura, Casual, Warren G, Canibus, Too Short, Chevelle, Sick Puppies, Lupe Fiasco, The Grouch, E-40, Pep Love, Eligh, Scarub, Ying Yang Twins, Indigo Girls and the Fabulous Thunderbirds.
As a footnote, I did not get my Concerts and Nightlife Around the 209 post done this week. Short weeks and other assignments have been killing me lately. I’ve gotta figure something out.