Around the world in how many dates?

SUMMER is pop’s dizzy season, with major players staging extravaganzas and up-and-comers hitting the freeway in rented buses. This summer begins with a choice between icons on June 3: Madonna at Staples Center, or Ice Cube, hyping his first CD in six years, at L.A.’s House of Blues. After that it’s a free-for-all.

Progressive post-punk standard-bearer Radiohead brings new material to the Greek (June 29-30), and Belle and Sebastian, Scotland’s favorite gentle popsters, amplify their usual hush accompanied by the L.A. Philharmonic (July 6). The more ear-damaging Unholy Alliance tour hits the Long Beach Arena (July 22), with metal elders Slayer and a bunch of younger loud rockers such as the risk-taking Mastodon.

For big noise on a smaller scale, catch Australia’s Cream-like Wolfmother at the Music Box at the Henry Fonda Theater (June 14). Other great club dates: British hip-hop movers Lady Sovereign and the Streets at the same venue (June 10), Seattle’s Band of Horses at the Echo (June 30) and local firebrand Carla Bozulich at the Ex Plex (Aug. 22).

There’s a world beyond rock and hip-hop, and it’s coming to the Hollywood Bowl. Senegalese chanteur and bandleader Baaba Maal appears June 17; Sergio Mendes celebrates the 40th anniversary of his fusion project Brasil ’66 with guests including Herb Alpert, India.Arie, John Legend and Q-Tip (June 25); fellow Brazilians Os Mutantes open for the Flaming Lips (July 23); and there’s a Bollywood night (July 16). At Staples Center, Colombian powerhouse Shakira is joined by Wyclef Jean (Aug. 15; Aug 18 at the Arrowhead Pond). And downtown becomes a Giant Village -- as long as it doesn’t rain -- with a July 22 dance party featuring Paul Oakenfold and Crystal Method.

After all that world travel, some all-American country music might feel right. Faith Hill and Tim McGraw bring it to Staples Center (Aug. 17-19).

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-- Ann Powers