Five to see live

USA TODAY, May, 2008

The road will be jammed with tour buses this summer as pop icons, country favorites, hip-hop acts and rock stars of every stripe come to a venue near you.

The Police are still the biggest name out there, but Celine Dion is touring again after a five-year Vegas stint. Other top acts: Dave Matthews Band, Kenny Chesney, Neil Diamond and Coldplay, which is expected to announce a slate of dates.

If you prefer one-stop shopping, there are more fests than ever, most with major headliners.

At a time when a tank of gas costs as much as a concert ticket, these dollar-stretching events with dozens of bands have become a preferred way to see live music.

"You can't beat it," says Billboard touring editor Ray Waddell. "The big stars fit these festivals...