While Justin Bieber’s “My World” tour is expected to sell out all 17,500 seats of HP Pavilion, the real musical talent will be playing at other venues. Some venues provide for a cultural feel, some offer the great outdoors, and some provide a place for more fans than HP can hold. For those who don’t crush over buttery-soft blond hair and blue eyes, check out where the real music will be playing this year.

The Greek Theater

The Fillmore in San Francisco is associated with showcasing the great rock bands of the 70s and 80s while the preferred venue for today’s best indie, alternative and rock bands has passed to the 107-year-old Greek Theater at UC Berkeley. Though not quite as old as ancient Greece, the Greek Theater is very much a true classic Greek amphitheater, from the architecture to the seats, or lack of them. Built into the curvature of a hill, it is an outdoor venue where all tickets are general admission. Every spot in the intimate 8,500-seat theater is part of just one long slab of stone encircling the ring of the upper theater. There are no armrests, so couples shouldn’t have trouble getting comfortable.

Upcoming Artists: Band of Horses, Vampire Weekend, Train, Arcade Fire and Jack Johnson.

The Catalyst Night Club

It wouldn’t be wrong to assume that any musical venue in Santa Cruz would only allow the grooves of Reggae and Ska to be played inside its doors. However, the Catalyst Nightclub in Santa Cruz holds no such restrictions, and enthusiastically embraces the rap community of the Bay Area. Despite its main occupancy as a night club, the Catalyst opens its doors to those 16 and older for nearly all of their concerts. But the experience is still definitely not for kids. Heavy smoke is constant around the enclosed night club, and concert goers are expected to stand. However, the club has its perks, such as a cheap $3 for a slice of pizza. Ticket prices are always reasonable, so if you’re down for saving money and extra sweat on the dance floor, check out some of the acts coming soon to the Catalyst.

Upcoming Artists: Ice Cube, Atmosphere, OAR + Dirty Heads, Tech N9NE, Wiz Khalifa, Switchfoot, Sublime With Rome and Zion I.

Treasure Island Music Festival

Many Los Altos teenagers have experienced the chaos and fun of Live 105’s BFD. However, it pales in comparison to a true festival like Treasure Island on October 16 and 17.
Treasure Island, the large island between Oakland and San Francisco, is in its second year of bringing the best electronic and rock music to the Bay Area in a giant mash of lights, sound, shopping and food with the pristine San Francisco skyline serving as a backdrop.

Saturday: LCD Soundsystem, Deadmau5, Miike Snow, Die Antwood and more.
Sunday: Belle and Sebastian, The National, Broken Social Scene, Ra Ra Riot and more.