Tried and true, or ‘try it’

Trying to decide what concerts to attend this summer is a bit like picking a vacation destination. Do you return to places that you’ve loved before or do you take a chance on something new?

The argument for sticking with the proven is that you want to make sure you have a good time. Yet the chance to discover something is always tempting. So a mix of old and new may be the best philosophy.

This summer’s pop lineup offers lots of both proven and promising attractions, including some old favorites that did so well on recent stops here that they are genuinely returning by popular demand.

Can’t-go-wrongs

At the forefront is Simon & Garfunkel in July at the Hollywood Bowl. Besides offering the chance to hear lots of those great Paul Simon songs again, the ‘60s duo’s concert at Staples Center last November was a knockout because of the warm interaction of the performers.

Simon and Art Garfunkel have had their differences over the years, but they seemed respectful of each other’s talent and thrilled to be making music together again. That spirit should make the return visit equally enchanting.

Prince, who begins a return visit here Friday, was an even bigger revelation in March at Staples Center. He not only was as dynamic as ever as a performer (playful, sexy, inspiring), but he showed he has regained his touch as a recording artist.

The funk marvel opened with a blistering rendition of “Musicology,” the title track of his new Columbia album, which he’s giving away to ticket-holders on his current tour. That’s a brilliant marketing move: Prince’s recent albums have been so unfocused that few of his fans probably would have bought it, but the music is so strong that word of mouth among fans will likely help convince doubters that they should buy the CD.

Al Green, who you can see outdoors at the Greek Theatre, may just be the greatest soul singer ever, and certainly one of the most dynamic stage performers.

He whetted our appetite with a cameo at Willie Nelson’s recent “Outlaws & Angels” concert at the Wiltern LG, all but stealing the show with his improvised touches during two duets with the country star.

Then there’s John Fogerty, also outdoors, at the Pacific Amphitheatre. As the leader of Creedence Clearwater Revival and on his own, Fogerty is one of the greatest singers, writers and guitarists in rock history. His admirers have ranged from John Lennon to almost everyone in the “No Depression” movement, including Ryan Adams and Wilco. Fogerty has been on the sidelines for a while, but he always brings a killer instinct to the stage.

Tickets to try

As alluring as those shows sound, reserve space on your schedule for some adventure.

Start by checking out “Return to Sin City: A Tribute to Gram Parsons” on July 9 in Santa Barbara and the next night at Universal Amphitheatre. Parsons, who mixed the sentimental side of country music with the seduction and wariness of rock, was 26 when he died in 1973, but his music, from “Sin City” to “Hickory Wind,” continues to be both vital and affecting. Among the artists who’ll be saluting his legacy in these shows: Steve Earle, Norah Jones, Lucinda Williams and Dwight Yoakam.

Another adventurous step is Franz Ferdinand, around town next month. This Scottish rock quartet’s show last March at the Troubadour was one of the most delightful L.A. debuts since the Hives’ Roxy concert last year.

Influenced by such arty outfits as Roxy Music and Talking Heads, Franz serves up songs filled with the drama of tortured relationships, but injects most of them with a wink and a dance frenzy that leave you exhilarated rather than discouraged.

Among other acts that have generated enough of a buzz to make them worth checking out: a powerhouse double bill of the Shins and the Fiery Furnaces at the Wiltern LG on June 4 and the Glass House on June 5. You’ve got to embrace a rock band that’s as melodic and witty as the Shins, and the Furnaces are a brother-sister duo whose earthy, intense style adds a marvelous contrast to the bill.

Also recommended: the Mountain Goats on Friday at Spaceland -- moody alt-rock with a smart, melodramatic edge; Keane at the Troubadour -- England’s latest hitmakers, who specialize in sweeping, melodic ballads; and the Detroit Cobras at the Troubadour, with manic, punk-accented, fun-filled versions of mostly obscure R&B;, rockabilly and pop-rock tunes.

Of course, for the hardy, braving summer festivals can lead to musical discovery. Among the promising possibilities are the revved-up lineup at Lollapalooza in July; the 10th anniversary Warped Tour, also in July; and the powerful local offerings that August’s Sunset Junction Street Fair figures to offer.

Finally, keep an eye out for a wild card. Many of the most promising new acts book club dates at the last minute. So if something sounds refreshing on the radio or appears intriguing in reviews, take a chance. There’s nothing like the thrill of discovery on a summer night.

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The hot list

Simon & Garfunkel, Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., L.A. July 1. $58.50 - $504.50. (323) 850-2000.

Prince, Staples Center, 111 S. Figueroa St., L.A. Friday and June 5. $49.50-$80. (213) 742-7340.

Al Green, Greek Theatre, 2700 Vermont Canyon Road, L.A. July 31. $25.50-$70.50. (323) 665-1927.

John Fogerty, Pacific Amphitheatre, 100 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. July 28. $55.50. (714) 708-3247.

“Return to Sin City: A Tribute to Gram Parsons,” Santa Barbara Bowl, 1122 N. Milpas St., Santa Barbara. July 9. $47-$107. (805) 962-7411. Also, Universal Amphitheatre, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. July 10. $40-$150. (818) 622-4440.

Franz Ferdinand, Avalon Hollywood, 1735 Vine St., Hollywood. June 5. $15. (323) 462-8900. Also, Wiltern LG, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. June 6. $18.50. (213) 380-5005.

The Shins, Fiery Furnaces, Wiltern LG. June 4. $19. Also, the Glass House, 200 W. 2nd St., Pomona. June 5. $17.50. (909) 629-0377.

Also: Mountain Goats, Spaceland, Friday; Keane, Troubadour, June 4; Detroit Cobras, Troubadour, July 3; Lollapalooza, Ventura County Fairgrounds, July 22-23; Warped Tour, Cal State Fullerton, July 1-2; Sunset Junction, Silver Lake, Aug. 21-22.