You begin to wonder why you even dream of sunny days or why you even hope for the summer months. Then a spark hits your brain and reminds you that warm weather is the inevitable sign of another entertaining year at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater. So, whats new this year?

The SFX-owned venue has undergone some noticeable changes over the last year. For one, last years sponsor GTE, after a merger with Bell Atlantic, has now transformed into Verizon Wireless, but has continued their sponsorship with the venue. This year the amphitheater will be known as the Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater. (Ill give you a second to catch your breath.)

Also new this year is the man at the helm, Ken MacDonald, the new Executive Director of the amphitheater. Replacing former General Manager Mike Tabor, MacDonald is also President of the SFX Music Group of Virginia. SFX purchased Cellar Door in 1999, and is the countrys largest live entertainment promoter, producer, and venue operator.

Last years line-up included sold out shows for Dave Matthews Band, Britney Spears, and Jimmy Buffet, as well as performances from top bands such as Pearl Jam, Kiss, Creed, Don Henley and many others. Although only fourteen shows have been announced so far, the venue is expecting up to thirty-nine possible shows for the 2001 season. Shows that have been announced include the following:

Brooks and Dunn on Sunday, June 3; Poison with Warrant and Quiet Riot on Thursday, June 7; James Taylor on Tuesday, June 12; Chicago on Friday, June 15; STYX with Bad Company on Sunday, June 24; Journey and Peter Frampton on Wednesday, June 27; Rod Stewart on Sunday, July 8; Dave Matthews Band on Friday, July 27; Barenaked Ladies with Vertical Horizon on Monday, July 30; the Vans Warped Tour on Wednesday, August 1; Phil Lesh and The Allman Brothers on Thursday, August 2; and Aerosmith on Tuesday, September 11. Recently added to the already impressive line-up is the Big Day Off show headlining aggro-shock rockers Slipknot with Papa Roach, Linkin Park, and newcomers Mudvayne. Also announced is the Teen-A-Palooza Last Class Bash with Shaggy, Sisqo, Dream, Edens Crush, Lil Bow Wow, City High, and S Club 7. This event, taking place on Thursday, June 14, is scheduled for a national television taping for the Teen Choice Awards.

Also new this year is the Flonase Lawn Pass. Actually, in past years the amphitheater has offered the grass pass of ten lawn vouchers for a particular price. The idea is the same except that this year the program is sponsored by Flonase and the name has been changed to the lawn pass.

The Flonase Lawn Pass gives concertgoers the opportunity to attend a variety of shows for a small price. For $100.00 you can purchase a lawn pass with ten vouchers. These vouchers can then be traded in for lawn tickets for shows. The number of vouchers that can be used for one lawn ticket will be different for each show. For example, one lawn ticket for Dave can be traded for three vouchers while James Taylor can be traded for only two vouchers. Having a lawn pass does not guarantee a ticket in case of a sell out so it will still be important to trade in your vouchers for tickets as soon as possible.

With the first show still slated for June 3 with the Brooks and Dunn, Neon Circus and Wild West Show, the season looks to have a late finish, possibly with shows through October. So far the latest show seems to be Aerosmith in September but shows are being announced continuously over the next month. So keep your ears open and well see you there.