#29 Counting Crows @ Universal Studios

Band - Another one of those bands that I wasn't sure if I knew who they were, but my friend Carloline was a huge fan, and said we MUST go! This pop/rock band was popular back in the 90's and were known for their melodic, lyrical songs.

Performance - I did recognize a few of their songs: "Mr. Jones", "Hanging Around" and "Round Here". Although I'm not a huge fan and their musical style is not my taste, they did put on a great show.

Venue - Universal Studios has an excellent outdoor stage with great acoustics and decent standing only views. We were able to get fairly close to the stage! Their winter & summer concerts are included free with a season pass!

Overall - I love going to the free concerts at Universal. It gives me a chance to see a band I may not otherwise buy a ticket to see. So overall, it was a fun time and the Counting Crows delivered to their fans!

#30 - Stone Temple Pilots @ St Pete Times Forum

Band - I love Stone Temple Pilots! One of the great rock bands of the 90's with so many great songs: Plush, Interstate Love Song, Creep, Vasoline & my favorite Sex Type Thing. Oh so many more! They did release a new ablum in 2010, but I'm not real impressed with the new music.

Performance - The big question for all Tampa fans was, will they or will they not show up? The last time they had a show in Tampa, they cancelled last minute. Scott Weiland (lead singer) flat out didn't show up. Well, they did show up this time. The band sounded great, but Scott definately didn't appear to be sober. The majority of the concert was decent, but he did forget/repeat/ramble through the lyrics at times.

They started out with a few old favorites, then played alot of songs from their new album. Again, I'm not impressed with the new stuff and the crowd seemed to lose interest as well. I know bands tour to promote their new albums, but the majority of the crowd was there to see classic 90's STP. Of course they ended with all their biggest hits.

Venue - St Pete Times Forum is so huge. If you don't have a seat in the lower level or floor you are sitting pretty far from the band and the acoustics flat out suck. We were in the 2nd (club) level. Our view was okay, sound could have been better, but at least our seats were comfy & cushioned in this section.

Overall - My friend Ingrid got our tickets for $25, which was an excellent price for the club section. Although I don't really like this venue, and the band's performance was sub par due to Scott W and all the boring new songs, it was defintely worth the price of the ticket. And I got to see a band that was on my "must see" list.

#31 - Toots & the Maytal @ Jannus Live

Band - I had never heard of them, but was invited to a "reggae concert" for a friend's birthday celebration. So why not? I had never seen a reggae band in concert before. I googled info about the band prior to seeing them. Apparently this band has been around FOREVER and have been very influential in the reggae/ska genre for nearly 50 years.

Performance - The lead singer "Toots" has to be in his mid 60's but was very talented & energetic. The band was very enjoyable. Although I didn't know most songs, there were a few cover tunes they sang with the reggae twist!

Venue - I love Jannus! Small, outdoor venue. All general admission standing, but not a bad view anywhere. And they have little beer vendors set up all around, so you never miss a song!

Overall - My first reggae concert: no angry mosh pit here, these folks were all about peace, love & harmony - and peacefully stoned out their minds! I've never seen so many folks "lighting up" all at once at a concert. The smoke got a little intense and we actually had to move back a little to get fresh air, as my voice was getting hoarse because of the smoke. It was a nice, feel good kind of evening though (maybe a little 2nd hand smoke high? he he) and it was cool to see a different type of concert.

#32 - Dashboard Confessional @ House of Blues

Band - I wasn't sure if I knew who Dashboard Confessional was, but my friend Caroline was a huge fan. She assured me I would know a few of their songs. They were good, but not one of my favs.

Performance - All I can say is this dude has a HUGE following. The crowd was mostly female and everyone but me knew every word to every song! Ha Ha! I did recognize Vindicated and Stolen. And I enjoyed their remake of Bryan Adams' Summer of '69 that they recorded for the Superman 2 movie.

Venue - House of Blues in Downtown Disney is one of my favorite concert venues! Great stage & acoustics and it's small enough that every spot is a good spot. Only downside is its general admission/standing. But I still love the place!

Overall - It was a great venue & show for Dashboard. They have roots here in Florida so it was pretty much a sell out crowd of their die hard fans. Caroline bought my ticket, so who am I to complain about a free concert!

#33 - Ryan Weaver Charity Concerts in Tampa

Band - I'm not a country music lover, but got the chance to see up & coming country artist Ryan Weaver & his band twice this year at charity fundraisers. Ryan is a Florida native but lives in NC now and seems to have a good following in the southeast!

Performance - Ryan's infectious energy, gorgeous good looks and huge heart made me an instant fan! His band is a lot of fun to watch!

Venue - The first time I saw him was at the Round Up - a local country bar in Tampa. The 2nd time was on an outdoor stage by a car dealership. Both events were for charity & Ryan definately pulls in the local crowd!

Overall - Great show both times! And looking at him makes country music tolerable (Yeehaw!)

#34 - Tornado Rider @ Market on 7th

Band - I had never heard of Tornado Rider before this, but the recommendation came from a coworker who had seen them last Spring during the Tropical Heatwave concert in Ybor. Not sure if I could even describe the type of music they played!

Performance - Tornado Rider is hilariously entertaining! The lead singer plays the cello (yes the cello!) while dressed in spandex & an elf hat. The band was a riot & the crowd loved them as did I!

Venue - Market on 7th is really a pizza joint/dive bar on 7th Avenue in Ybor. Just a small little place, but proved to be perfect for this band.

Overall - This little band from California has been performing & touring for the past 3 years, mostly on the West Coast. I think the tickets were about $10 for this show & totally worth it! Plus, my friend & I were right in front, and the lead singer seemed to taking a liking to us!

#35 - Train @ Tropicana Field

Band - Train isn't really a favorite of mine. The band is a bit too "pop" for my taste. They do have a few songs I don't mind listening to: Drops of Jupiter, Calling All Angels, and their new hit Hey Soul Sister.

Performance - The concert was decent. Train entertained the after-the-game crowd, which included many families with their tweens & teens. I could have done without their cover of Rihanna's "Umbrella" (ella, ella, ella).

Venue - The venue also factored in with me ranking this concert at the bottom of my 35. Tropicana Field just doesn't have the best acoustics and if you don't spend extra to purchase the armband, you end up sitting really far from the stage. Thank goodness for the Jumbotron.

Overall - Can't complain for a free concert after the baseball game!