Old favorites, new shows set for Gorge concert season

GEORGE - With an array of new acts and returning favorites, the Gorge Amphitheater's 2015 lineup is billed to be one the most entertaining lineups to come to the venue in years.

Situated high above the Columbia River, the Gorge, which is owned by Live Nation, is one of the most profitable and popular tourist attractions in Grant County.

The venue was named the best location in the world to watch an outdoor concert in 2013 by Pollstar, a trade publication for the concert industry.

The kickoff to the Gorge's 2015 concert series started over Memorial Day weekend with the Sasquatch festival, which featured more than 100 musicians, bands and comedians taking the stage.

The next big concert starts at 7:30 p.m. on June 20 with Nickelback performing on their "No Fixed Address Tour," featuring the band Lifehouse.

The next big music festival will take place on June 26 and 27, as Paradiso rolls back into town. Paradiso is an annual electronic dance music (EDM) festival that regularly draws thousands of people.

Popular country band the Zac Brown Band will be returning at 7 p.m. on July 11 on their "Jekyll + Hyde Tour."

Train will be performing at 7 p.m. on July 25 on their "Picasso at the Wheel Summer Tour 2015," featuring The Fray and singer/songwriter Matt Nathanson.

The popular Watershed Festival will return from July 31 through Aug. 2.

The country music festival will feature popular artists such as Carrie Underwood, Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley, Jana Kramer, Parmalee, Sam Hunt, Frankie Ballard, Thomas Rhett, Clare Dunn, Michael Ray, Mark Chesnutt, Easton Corbin, Hunter Hayes, Joe Nichols, Chris Young and Gary Allan.

Grammy award winner Sam Smith will be playing a show at 8 p.m. on Aug. 8.

On Sept. 4, 5 and 6, the Dave Matthews Band will be taking the stage for three shows and draw thousands of fans in the process.

The Foo Fighters will wrap up the Gorge's 2015 concert series at 7 p.m. on Sept. 12 featuring Gary Clark Jr.