Every year, musical equipment and accessory manufacturer Ernie Ball is charged with the daunting task of finding local bands to fill out the lineup of Vans Warped Tour, the traveling alternative music festival entering its 22nd year this summer.

With 41 total dates on this year’s tour, seeking out local artists for each one is easier said than done. As with previous years, Ernie Ball set up a contest to fill these spots. Bands were invited to write into Ernie Ball’s website, set up a page, and call upon fans to visit, comment, and vote on who they want to see take the Warped Tour stage. To sweeten the deal, those chosen to play their respective city are also put in the running to win a grand prize. Including $10,000 worth of gear, and a three track EP produced by John Feldmann (Blink-182, Sleeping With Sirens, 5 Seconds of Summer.)

The first batch of chosen bands were revealed yesterday and, in case any midwest concert goers missed the news, we’re gonna take a look at the bands coming to a Warped Tour near you this summer.

 

July 18th – Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls, OH

4 DOOR THEATRE

 

July 19th – Riverbend Music Center – Cincinnati, OH

MASCOTS

 

July 20th – Klipsch Music Center – Indianapolis, IN

THE ALMOST HEROES

 

July 21st – The Place of Auburn Hills – Detroit, MI

SILVER AGE

 

July 22nd – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater- Chicago, IL

THE BURST AND BLOOM

 

July 23rd – Canterbury Park – Shakopee, MN

VILLAIN OF THE STORY

 

July 24th – Marcus Amphitheatre – Milwaukee, WI

DREAMHOUSE

 

July 26th – Hollywood Casino – St. Louis, MO

HOLD CLOSE

 

Don’t forget to support your hometown heroes when Warped Tour rolls through your neighborhood this summer. If you’re feeling particularly saucy, take photos and clips of their set and tweet them to us @MidwestMusicCo! We’ll see you there!