Music: Best Bets

Welcome summer with the final Live After Five for spring, happening June 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. with the summer party jams of Island Fever.

The Varsity Theatre plays host to two local favorites: the funky brass band Michael Foster Project on June 1 and ’80s cover band The Molly Ringwalds on June 15.

LSU School of Music’s popular concert series, Hot Summer Nights, runs June 14-15 and 28-29. Expect a different theme for each show at the School of Music’s Recital Hall, featuring guest collaborators. For more information, visit music.lsu.edu.

The Baton Rouge River Center is one of the stops for the Gang of Outlaws tour, featuring headliners ZZ Top with 3 Doors Down and Gretchen Wilson. The concert is set for June 22.

The Spanish Moon has two great acts lined up for the end of the month: Seattle’s shiny electro-pop duo Beat Connection on June 23 and the Texas family band of emo rockers Eisley on June 29.

Over in New Orleans, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah plays the House of Blues June 8. Van Halen hits the New Orleans Arena June 26. And start planning now for the ever-growing Essence Music Festival July 6-8 with Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Estelle and plenty more.