Loads of musical acts pass through Pittsburgh during the course of a year, making it a haven… Loads of musical acts pass through Pittsburgh during the course of a year, making it a haven for concert lovers of all tastes. From small clubs to massive amphitheaters, the ‘Burgh has a size for every band. Here are a few of the venues at which you can expect to see acts during your college career.

The Post-Gazette Pavilion

Located in Burgettstown, about an hour outside of Oakland, the Post-Gazette Pavilion is a huge arena that attracts the most star-powered acts around. With cheaper lawn seating, as well as several thousand seats protected from the elements by a canopy, a canopy that protects several thousand seats from the elements, as well as the Pavilion’s prices are never inexpensive. Vendors sell typical festival food at typical exorbitant prices, so expect an outing to put you significantly in the hole.

Mellon Arena

Another place for major acts, the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team is your standard indoor arena. Concerts are usually huge acts with huge ticket prices, such as Simon and Garfunkel, who will be there in June.

The Peterson Events Center

Pitt’s very own monolithic construction looks to bring in a few more bucks by housing more than just the basketball teams. When basketball’s not in season, the Peterson Events Center brings in big names in pop music. Star of television, film and music Hilary Duff will play the Pete this summer.

The World

The club formerly known as Rosebud is now The World. In an atmosphere cluttered with closing clubs, The World opened as a beacon of light in the Strip District. Already the host of bands like Catch 22 and Suicide Machines, The World will bring in acts just under the radar of the arena-sized level.

James Street Tavern

For real New Orleans jazz the James Street Tavern is a must stop on the North Side. Along with bringing names like Jimmy Ponder, Ken Karsh and Dwayne Dolphin to the area, the James Street Tavern serves up authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, from Seafood Gumbo to Chicken Jambalaya.

South Side clubs

If your buddy and his bluegrass band are going to be playing a gig locally, it’s more than likely going to be in one of the many clubs that dot the South Side’s main drag. These clubs usually ask only a modest cover charge for entrance and can range from the blues-bar feel of both Nick’s Fat City and Blues Cafe, to the intimate, subdued decor of Club Cafe.

The Rex

The Rex Theatre on the South Side evolved from a movie house built more than 90 years ago. Today it plays host to acts of all sizes, including the Supersuckers, Steve Palko and Dick Dale this summer. The Rex also gives plenty of aspiring musicians the chance to perform at any of its many open stage nights

Mr. Roboto Project

If you’re into indie rock and can’t stand the thought of a major label luring your favorite band into “selling out,” this is your place. Local and national indie acts line the esoteric roster of Roboto’s headliners. Needless to say, it’s not too expensive.

Point State Park

Every summer, the Three Rivers Arts Festival brings major acts to town for free. That’s right, free. Possibly the best reason to stay in Pittsburgh during the summer is the chance to sit on a lawn and hear acts like last year’s Wilco, Boney James and Joan Armatrading. And it’s only a short bus ride downtown to the Golden Triangle.

The Quiet Storm

Arguably the most comfortable free venue, this coffee shop-cum-listening room is about as chill as they come. You can bring your own beverage for a $3 corkage fee, or enjoy some of their wonderful coffee or tea. Also, the vegan food served there is among the best available in Pittsburgh. Located in Friendship, it’s a little difficult for the carless to get to, but the 71 A bus can get you pretty close, and it’s well worth the effort.

Bars and smaller venues

If you keep your eyes pealed and your ears to the street, you can often catch a concert at your favorite restaurant or bar in Oakland and its surrounding areas. In particular, the Oakland Cafe and Fuel and Fuddle, in Oakland, have been known to stage live music, as has the Pittsburgh Deli Co. in Shadyside.