Web exclusive: Summer concerts

We can credit the fact that a Pittsburgh summer resembles the Arctic Circle much less than the… We can credit the fact that a Pittsburgh summer resembles the Arctic Circle much less than the rest of the year for the abundance of great concerts hitting the region this season.

And abundance, I assure you, is an understatement. Already this summer, ‘Burghers have been privy to see such highly acclaimed acts as Modest Mouse, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Yonder Mountain String Band and Immortal Technique, let alone big-time arena shows by touring juggernauts like The Dave Matthews Band, Jimmy Buffet and Linkin Park. But that’s just the beginning – the real treasures of the summer’s concert schedule lay in its second half. Here is a rundown of what we can expect to be the best, not biggest, shows of the summer.

1. Foo Fighters, July 26, Petersen Events Center.

Dave Grohl and his Foo collective have consistently been one of the most respectable mainstream rock bands in the past 10-plus years, balancing strong songwriting and artistic achievements with a knack for banging out monstrous hooks that get everyone from indie know-it-alls to pre-teen boys more than a little excited. The band hits the gigantic Petersen Events Center Saturday, but rest assured, even this cavernous venue can’t swallow the gravel-road rasp of a good Grohl scream.

2. The Police with Elvis Costello, July 28, Post-Gazette Pavilion.

Talk about a double-stacked bill. These two post-punk era survivors tackle the huge Post-Gazette Pavilion stage ready to play for a assuredly multi-generational crowd including the 30- and 40-somethings who grew up with the acts and the younger fans who’ve adopted them as some of the cooler leftovers of a later wave of now-classic rock. Plus, you’ll get to see Sting croon about Roxanne just after Costello wails about Allison. How cool is that?

3. Radiohead with Grizzly Bear, Aug. 4, Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga, Ohio.

Ready for a roadtrip? At just more than two hours outside Pittsburgh, this near-Cleveland venue is hosting arguably the most beloved live act of this century with one of the most exciting up-and-coming indie bands in years. Whew! If the idea of Thom Yorke writhing and twisting in front of an audience of thousands doesn’t get you hot already, maybe this will: Lawn seats can be found for less than $50. That’s $50 for Radiohead. Some people would sell their children for these tickets.

4. Dr. Dog, Aug. 5, Club Cafe.

Dr. Dog is a hippie band for indie kids, mixing the complex instrumental layering and obscure lyrics that the latter loves with the sheer good-time vibes that the former gets off on. Put together, this band that calls Philadelphia home play a rollicking fun show. If you’ve got a pulse, you’ll find something to love here. But then again, tonight’s a tricky night. Should you go to Dr. Dog? Or