Summer is almost here!
Can’t you feel it in the air?
Wait, maybe that’s the cold rain or biting wind. Oh well, at least summer is almost here in terms of the calendar year, if not in terms of weather. So if we can get through the next few weeks of trudging to early-morning classes and chugging Red Bulls to pull all-nighters and finish those final papers, then we can at last sit back and relax in the summertime.
The first thing I plan to do with my summer – other than working my butt off to get in-state tuition and simultaneously maintaining a tan – is catch up on my culture.
I have been trying to read the same book for ages now and, even though it’s great, I just don’t have time to finish a book with so many other things to do. And I haven’t seen a non-Netflix movie in months and the last concert I went to was…well, do sorority lip syncs count as concerts? I think you have a good idea of how excited I am for summer, and to get my arts and culture and entertainment self back on track.
And so, here are the arts and entertainment events I’m psyched for this summer. Grab your calendar and let the cultural rebirth begin!
Books
Though it’s not technically summer just yet, this week marks the release of one book I can’t wait to get my hands on. As an avid believer that there’s a little Carrie in all of us, Candace Bushnell’s The Carrie Diaries will be one of the first things I read this summer. It’s released today and chronicles the life of our favorite Miss Bradshaw before she graced the screen in “Sex and the City.” Was there another Mr. Big in her life then? Did she really wear Candies? I can’t wait to find out.
And though I am quite over the “Twilight” phenomenon now that Kristin Stewart has become its front girl, I feel the need to let the world know that Stephanie Meyer will be releasing The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner on June 5th. The book follows the life of Bree Tanner, a character from Twilight: Eclipse that I do not remember at all. Anyone know who that is?
Movies
Other popular series are releasing follow-ups this summer, especially in the movie world. I will be spending a much-needed date night at “Iron Man 2” on May 7th with Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson. I cannot wait for the return of Tony Stark and his sexy iron suit.
If you’re not into all that futuristic jazz, take a trip back in time with another sexy leading man. Russell Crowe reunites yet again with director Ridley Scott to bring us “Robin Hood.” Set for release on May 14th, this should be an epic of “Gladiator” proportions.
And though I think the plot looks as ridiculous as Kim Cattrall’s “natural face,” there is always “Sex and the City 2.” Look out for the return of the girls (and an appearance by Aiden!) on May 27th.
Fashion
In the spirit of Manolo’s and other fashion favorites, there are some new trends I can’t wait to try out this summer, too. I stand by my love of the fedora, and during the summer, wearing one is even fashionably acceptable. Whether I’m running errands or just lying out in the sun, my unbrushed hair will be topped off by my favorite cap.
Although I’m not normally a fan of metallics, the emerging trend of metallic shoes has caught my fancy. Gold gladiators, silver sling-backs, and even gym shoes with metallic touches can add some spunk to your new pedicure. And in terms of accessories, bright scarves and purses can now finally replace the wools and blacks of the winter.
Music
And in the spirit of that lack of sleet and snow, I can’t wait for my favorite musical events: Outdoor concerts. There is always the Dave Matthews Band concert series that comes to my favorite venue (Alpine Valley in Troy, Wisconsin) over the Fourth of July weekend.
There’s also the often overlooked Bonnaroo festival in Manchester, Tennessee. From June 11–14 the fest will showcase some lesser-known bands in a very Woodstock-esque setting.
Obviously, I should also give a shot out to my hometown of Chicago and Lollapalooza. Everyone from Green Day to B.o.B to Lady Gaga will be rockin’ out in Grant Park from August 6th through the 8th. A great way to end the summer.
So how’s that for a to-do list? Even for me, a.k.a. the “Queen of Ridiculously Long To-Do Lists” and “President of Over-Schedulers Anonymous,” this is going to lead to a jam-packed summer. But a summer of music and movies and fun beats a spring of finals and rain and exhaustion any day of the week.
I can’t wait for summer! But for now, I’ve got a long walk in the rain to look forward to instead.
