While many people go to Six Flags New England for the action on roller coasters, water rides, and other amusements, there is often just as much excitement on the venue's concert stages. After all, the park has featured numerous breaking (or about to break) artists over the past few years, including Katy Perry in 2008, Lady Gaga and Justin...
Carly Rae Jepsen While many people go to Six Flags New England for the action on roller coasters, water rides, and other amusements, there is often just as much excitement on the venue's concert stages.
After all, the park has featured numerous breaking (or about to break) artists over the past few years, including Katy Perry in 2008, Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber in 2009, Ke$ha and Bruno Mars in 2010, LMFAO in 2011 and Adam Lambert last summer. That's quite a track record.
"We feel like we are a stepping stone for major artists," said Six Flags Communications Manager Jennifer McGrath. "We usually get those artists with one hit under their belts who are about to get hot."
This year seems no different as the park's summer concert season begins on June 2 with its annual Summer Kick Off Concert. The lineup includes such hot acts as Carly Rae Jepsen ("Call Me Maybe"), Cher Lloyd ("Want U Back") and Hot Chelle Rae ("Tonight Tonight"). Little Mix, Chris Wallace, Kat Graham, and Sky Blue from LMFAO are also on the extensive bill. The concert is sponsored by Hartford radio station WKSS-FM, KISS 95.7 and is free with admission to the park. The gates for the outdoor show will open at 2:30 p.m.
McGrath said that working with local radio stations such as KISS 95.7, helps them scout up-and-coming stars.
"We also keep an eye on social media to see who's hot," she added.
McGrath also noted that with the exception of the Rock the Flags show on July 6, all shows are free with park admission.
Some other acts coming this summer include:
• John Brodeur, an indie-pop troubadour and “one-man rock 'n' roll band,” plays the Splash Water Stage on June 8. Since his debut with 2001′s "Tiger Pop," the NYC-based singer-songwriter has released a series of critically praised solo LPs, fronted two bands, and toured the nation extensively, both on his own and as a member of several bands.
• Connor Fischelis, a recording artist born and raised in Boston who began his career in the entertainment industry as a dancer, starting at the time he could walk. He went on to choreograph for one of Boston’s largest dance companies, DanceWorks Boston, and has been co-choreographer for all of his shows and music videos. He plays the Splash Water Stage two days, June 21-22.
• Noche de San Juan Concert, featuring various Latin artists such as Yomo (Reggeaton), N’Klabe (Salsa), Maffio (Merengue Urbano), Yeyro, Domenic Marte (Bachata). June 22, 3 to 9 p.m.
•O’hAnleigh: Irish-American music that hits home all over the world. Performing traditional Irish/Celtic music on Splash Water Stage also on June 22.
• Hoot, a country cover band from southeast Massachusettsplaying, music from bands such as Sugarland, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, and more. June 29.
•Graham Alexander. Just 23, Alexander began way back in 2000 with his backing band "Roadrunners" while in still in school. While building a following in the Philadelphia/New York club circuit and touring with the group for half a decade, he wrote and recorded two albums of original material. He plays the Splash Water Stage on July 5.
• Rock the Flags concert, on July 6, featuring Christian rock acts Third Day, Switchfoot, Thousand Foot Krutch, & Matt Maher. Six Flags Season Passes and Gold Passes are not valid for this festival.
• Bridgit Mendler on Tuesday, Aug. 20 and known best as Teddy Duncan in the Disney Channel Original Series Good Luck Charlie