Springsteen, NiN lead pack

The 2006 season at the Verizon Wireless Music Center was announced Tuesday night, with Bruce Springsteen and Nine Inch Nails being the biggest acts scheduled to play.

The Boss will perform on May 3 and Nine Inch Nails will play the Noblesville amphitheater on July 3.

While the schedule below represents all the shows currently announced, sources at Live Nation, the operators of VWMC, caution that several big-name shows have not yet been confirmed. Look for major announcements in the next few weeks.

For more information about the shows, including ticket pricing and directions to the venue, check out verizonwirelessmusiccenter.com.

May 3, 7 p.m.
Black Eyed Peas with the Pussycat Dolls and Flipsyde

Once an underground hip-hop sensation, the Black Eyed Peas have become one of the mainstream successes of the 21st century, with massive radio play, smash singles and constant video play.

May 18, 7:30 p.m.
Gretchen Wilson & Trace Adkins with Blaine Larsen

The new first lady of country, Wilson is not only popular but a critical favorite as well. Adkins is sort of a male counterpart to Wilson’s heartfelt, emotional material.

May 27, 4:30 p.m.
May Day (Staind, 10 Years, 3 Days Grace and more)

X103’s annual spring concert features some of the top acts in alternative music as well as up-and-coming stars.

May 31, 7:30 p.m.
Bruce Springsteen

In his first Indianapolis appearance in quite some time, Springsteen is just as influential and popular as he was 30 years ago, when “Born to Run” burst from radio speakers across the nation. This tour is reported to be one of his final cross-country jaunts.

June 2 and 3, 7 p.m.
Dave Matthews Band with G Love and Special Sauce

It wouldn’t be summer in Noblesville without two shows from the Dave Matthews Band, one of the most popular touring acts in America. Reserve your camping spot early if you want to take in both shows.

June 17, 7:30 p.m.
Montgomery Gentry

The up-and-coming country act has matured enough to take on a nationwide headlining tour. Nine Inch Nails

July 3, 7 p.m.
Nine Inch Nails with Bauhaus

Trent Reznor’s group usually doesn’t play massive outdoor venues, so this is a rare chance to take in one of the most successful and heavily influential groups of the 1990s.

July 8, TBD
Counting Crows/Goo Goo Dolls

A good old-fashioned rock and roll show with two groups who are veterans of the road. The Counting Crows seemingly never stop touring and the Goo Goo Dolls are following in their footsteps.

July 14, 7 p.m.
Sammy Hagar and The Wabos

Former Montrose and Van Halen frontman Hagar puts on one of the most energetic and entertaining shows in all of rock and roll. On top of that, he’s a tequila mogul, so expect plenty of icy margaritas to be sold and consumed at the show.

July 18, TBD
Poison with Cinderella

This is your show if your goal is to party like it’s 1989. Both groups are hair-metal gods, full of guitar poses and riffs.

July 21, 7 p.m.
Brooks & Dunn with Sugarland

Proof positive that nice guys sometimes finish first, Brooks and Dunn have enchanted all of country music with their ponderous, well-written songs of love’s ups and downs.

July 22, 8 p.m.
Def Leppard and Journey

Two bands which evoke all that is good (and not so good) about 1980s music. Both are kings of the power ballad but can still rock out with the best of them.

July 23, 9 a.m.
OzzFest 2006

OzzFest signifies the hottest day of the summer, most years. While the Indy lineup hasn’t been confirmed yet, expect 14 hours or more of metal’s newest bands on the second stage and plenty of superstars on the main stage. Also expect plenty of passed-out metalheads by the end of the show.

July 25, TBD
Kelly Clarkson

The first and most successful of American Idol champions, Clarkson has transformed herself from the girl next door to a sexy superstar and has the platinum records to prove it.

July 28, noon
Vans Warped Tour

The annual extreme sports and music show always features the newest and best artists in rock. Expect to see some awesome skateboarding stunts as well.

Aug. 8, 8 p.m.
Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band

This show is always sold out, but you may be able to get lucky with a scalper. Margaritaville never stops on this tour, and Buffett’s gentle songs seem to bring out the Parrothead in all of us.

Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m.
John Fogerty/Willie Nelson

The Creedence Clearwater Revival founder joins forces with the king of country music in what looks to be one of the best shows of the season.

Aug. 25, TBD
KC & the Sunshine Band with Gloria Gaynor, Sister Sledge and Tavares

Noblesville will become a disco for one night as three of the biggest stars of the 1970s tour together on a nostalgia package.

Aug. 31, 7 p.m.
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals with Damian Marley

Harper has come a long way since his humble beginnings. The singer/ songwriter is now one of music’s biggest stars.

Sept. 3, 7 p.m.
Kenny Chesney with Dierks Bentley and Carrie Underwood

The ex-Mr. Renee Zellweger is a leading force in contemporary country music, dominating the airwaves over the past 10 years. Underwood is yet another American Idol champion.

Oct. 1, TBD
Toby Keith with Joe Nichols

Another country icon, Keith’s flag-waving songs have made him one of the favorite artists of President George Bush and millions of others, besides.