Summerfest casts its long shadow from Milwaukee and dominates the summer concert season, but Madison concertgoers don't bury their collective ears with iPod shuffles.

Fests abound locally. And tour routing -- thank you, Chicago and Minneapolis -- aligned just right for Madison promoters to book several fine theater and club shows.

For complete listings and details, go to Coming Attractions online at www.madison.com/wsj/home/entertainment. The online list also includes other music genres and arts activities.

This summary offers a cross section of pop acts with a nod toward critical favorites and big-time blowouts:

GEMS

Sheryl Crow, Wednesday, Dane County Coliseum

Click here to read a related story on Crow.

Ingrid Michaelson, Saturday, Barrymore Theatre

-- Michaelson broke through the club ranks and emerged as a popular singer-songwriter in a crowded field. Despite her success, she stayed with an independent record label. One to watch.

Roy Haynes, Saturday, Union Theater

-- He stays strong at age 83 with his status as a jazz drumming legend well established. Don 't be fooled by age. That was him on Carnegie Hall 's stage last September.

Lyle Lovett & His Large Band, July 13, Overture Hall

-- Lovett brings his band with him and that pretty much guarantees a stellar show.

John Hiatt & The Ageless Beauties, July 17, Barrymore Theatre

-- Hiatt also brings a band with him after several solo gigs here. He 's getting better with age.

Melissa Etheridge, July 30, Overture Hall

-- Once an arena act, Etheridge should rattle Madison 's elegant theater with her triumphant rock.

IN THE CLUBS

The Whigs, June 17, Majestic Theatre

-- For three years now, the Athens, Ga., band Whigs have been a buzzworthy group with loads of potential.

Matthew Ryan, June 20, High Noon Saloon

-- A wide-ranging rocker, Ryan should be a star by now. Instead, he 's pushing his 11th album, the stellar "Matthew Ryan Vs. The Silver State. "

Pete Francis, June 29, High Noon Saloon

-- Former frontman for the much-loved indie rock band Dispatch, Francis has developed his solo career in the last five years.

Robbie Fulks, July 4, High Noon Saloon

-- One of alt-country 's best songwriters, he 's also one of the most entertaining.

The Hold Steady, July 21, Majestic Theatre

-- With well-earned fan support, The Hold Steady will perform in Madison after a short UK tour and an appearance at the Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago.

BEST OF THE FESTS

Middleton 's Big Event, June 14, grounds at Nursery Drive and Deming Way

-- With the crowd-pleasing BoDeans and blues legend Koko Taylor, this multi-act show costs just $10 per ticket.

Madison Blues Society Picnic, June 21, Warner Park

Eight acts keep things cool all day. And it 's free.

Belleville American Music Festival, July 11-12, Community Park

-- Twelve acts over two days lean toward blues rock in this third annual event.

Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival, Aug. 1-2, Lake Farm County Park

-- Most acts are obscure, but they always give various "old-fashioned " styles fresh punch.

Madison Roots Festival, Aug. 2, Willow Island at the Alliant Center

-- This fest landed the impressive double bill of G. Love & Special Sauce and the John Butler Trio to headline the outdoor fun.

SOLD OUT

The Swell Season, June 16, Overture Hall

-- It 's the two stars of the charming Irish music-filled film "Once " recreating movie magic. All 2,200 tickets were gone in a couple of days.

COUNTRY KEEPERS

Eric Church, June 18, Madison Marriott West

-- Radio station Q106 will bring Church, one of contemporary country 's best live acts, and the band Lonestar for a concert to perform and talk about their tunes.

Star Spangled Celebration, June 26-28, Richland Center

-- This non-profit event holds strong despite many bigger (and far more expensive) country fests around Wisconsin. Its June 28 lineup is best with Sara Evans, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Luke Bryan and, ahem, Billy Ray Cyrus.

Randy Travis, July 25, Rock County Fair, Janesville

-- Twenty years since he ruled country music with a traditionalist 's bent, Travis maintains a golden voice.

HARD ROCK

WJJO Band Camp, July 27, Willow Island at Alliant Center

-- Each year, WJJO rounds up a dozen-plus very loud bands and welcomes several thousand fans. If it 's muddy, look out.

OUT OF TOWN

Miranda Lambert, Aug. 14, Dodge County Fair, Beaver Dam

-- She 's 100 percent country, but her rock leanings will appeal to fans not concerned about splitting hairs. An outstanding booking by the Dodge County Fair.

Linkin Park, Aug. 16, Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy

-- At the top of the rap-rock band list, Linkin Park will rattle the hill-covered 35,000-person capacity venue.

RETRO ROCK

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, July 11, Beloit Riverfest

-- Yes, I love rock 'n ' roll and Jett always delivers in concert.

Poison, July 12, Willow Island at Alliant Center

-- Poison plays its catchy pop-rock hits from the '90s with opening acts Dokken and Sebastian Bach to make you feel old.

VINTAGE

Wanda Jackson & the Lustre Kings, June 25, High Noon Saloon

-- A female rocker in the '50s, Jackson still raises a fuss.

Buddy Guy, June 12, Ho-Chunk Casino, Baraboo

-- There are few better at playing the blues and very few better at entertaining with the blues than Guy.

Willie Nelson, June 22, Crystal Grand Theatre, Wisconsin Dells

-- On the road again. He plays hits faithfully and keeps his rebel spirit.

SUMMERFEST

Stevie Wonder, June 26, Marcus Amphitheater, Milwaukee

-- Signed, sealed, delivered, he 's yours.

Alicia Keys, July 1, Marcus Amphitheater, Milwaukee

-- She ranks as one of contemporary R&B 's best singers.