Roar on the Shore will return this summer to Erie, but in a new month -- July instead of August -- and with many events also taking place at Perry Square in addition to Liberty Park.
The event, scheduled from July 17-19, will feature Blue Oyster Cult as headliner on the final night at Liberty Park. BOC, a classic-rock mainstay, is best known for such songs as "Godzilla, ""Don't Fear the Reaper," and "Burnin' For You." They still feature original members Buck Dharma, Allen Lanier, and Eric Bloom.

Roar on the Shore will kick off July 17 in Perry Square with music by Earthquakers and Rick and Roadhouse Rockers. Long-running blues band the Nighthawks will headline on July 18, with Matty B and the Dirty Pickles, and Felix and the Hurricanes also playing in Perry Square.

BOC headlines the final show at Liberty Park on July 19, preceded by an extreme motorcycle stunt team. Mans Room Band will play Perry Square earlier that day.

Michelle Smith, host of Speed Channel's "American Thunder" and Rhett Rotten," with his "Wall of Death" stunt show, will also appear.Smith will host the event's bike contest; Rotten will defy gravity by riding his motorcycle inside a barrel.

Roar also includes merchandise and bike vendors, as well as lots of food and drink options. Tickes for the BOC show will go on sale Feb. 22.

More details are located at www.roarontheshore.com

Billboard reports Alicia Keys and 2007 "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks will tour together. Area dates include Pittsburgh's Petersen Events Center (April 22) and Cleveland's Wolstein Center (June 5). On-sale dates have not been announced.