When the lights dim in a Carolina arena and the first beat drops, it's more than just a concert—it's a celebration of sound and spirit. In the close-knit community of Buies Creek, North Carolina, Campbell University students may seem far removed from the pulse of major entertainment hubs. But music is alive here, carried in the voices echoing from amphitheaters in nearby Raleigh, Fayetteville, and beyond. Whether you're into edgy indie ballads, booming hip-hop, or soaring pop choruses, this guide showcases the most electrifying performers making waves today, along with venues where Camels can catch them live. To top it all off, you'll find an exclusive promo code to help you score great seats for less.
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The Black Keys Tickets
The Black Keys, a blues-rock duo from Akron, Ohio, began making music together in 2001. Their gritty garage-rock sound found commercial success with the 2011 album "El Camino," featuring the smash hit "Lonely Boy." The band has earned four Grammy Awards and played major venues around the globe, including festivals like Coachella. Their "Dropout Boogie Tour" brought stripped-down rock back to sold-out arenas.
Shakira Tickets
Shakira, a Colombian singer and global pop sensation, started her career in the 1990s and gained international fame with "Whenever, Wherever." She's known for fusing Latin pop with world music, creating hits like "Hips Don't Lie." Her "El Dorado World Tour" was a massive commercial success, drawing fans from across the globe. She's won three Grammy Awards and twelve Latin Grammy Awards.
Post Malone Tickets
Post Malone exploded onto the scene in 2015 with "White Iverson" and quickly became a genre-bending phenomenon. His blend of hip-hop, rock, and pop has produced hits like "Circles," "Rockstar," and "Sunflower." He has headlined massive tours, including the "Twelve Carat Tour," and has won multiple Billboard Music Awards. His music is often reflective, emotional, and infectious.
Lainey Wilson Tickets
Lainey Wilson is a fast-rising star in country music, best known for her breakthrough single "Things a Man Oughta Know." Her "Country With A Flare Tour" drew acclaim for its raw, roots-driven performances. Wilson has earned awards from the CMA, including Female Vocalist of the Year. Her blend of modern and classic country makes her a standout in Nashville.
Beyoncé Tickets
Beyoncé began as the lead singer of Destiny's Child before launching her solo career in 2003 with "Dangerously in Love." Her "Renaissance World Tour" in 2023 became one of the highest-grossing tours ever, earning over $580 million. With 32 Grammy Awards, she is the most decorated artist in the award's history. Her shows are known for empowering themes, intricate choreography, and unmatched spectacle.
Oasis Tickets
Oasis, a defining Britpop band of the '90s, captured hearts with timeless anthems like "Wonderwall" and "Don't Look Back in Anger." They rose to international stardom with albums like "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" and played historic shows at Knebworth in 1996. Despite disbanding in 2009, their legacy endures. Oasis won multiple Brit Awards and remains a staple in rock history.
SZA Tickets
SZA emerged in 2017 with her acclaimed debut album "Ctrl," blending alternative R&B with soulful introspection. Her 2023 "SOS Tour" featured fan favorites like "Kill Bill" and "Good Days," bringing poetic vulnerability to the stage. She has received BET, Billboard, and MTV awards. SZA's music connects deeply through themes of love, self-worth, and growth.
Kesha Tickets
Kesha took the pop world by storm with her 2009 debut single "Tik Tok." Known for her high-energy persona and fearless lyrics, she evolved with deeper, more introspective work like the album "Rainbow." Her "Rainbow Tour" won praise for its emotional resonance and theatrical flair. Kesha has earned Billboard and MTV honors and several Grammy nominations.
Katy Perry Tickets
Katy Perry burst onto the scene in 2008 with the infectious single "I Kissed a Girl," soon followed by pop classics like "Firework" and "Teenage Dream." Her tours, such as the "Prismatic World Tour," have dazzled fans with elaborate stage designs and dazzling visuals. She's been nominated for 13 Grammys and has won numerous MTV and Billboard awards. Perry's music is empowering, playful, and endlessly catchy.
Keith Urban Tickets
Keith Urban, known for his crossover appeal, began his solo career in the late '90s with hits like "Somebody Like You." His "Graffiti U Tour" highlighted his virtuosic guitar playing and mix of country and pop influences. Urban has won four Grammy Awards and multiple CMA accolades. His live shows are heartfelt and high-energy.
Lady Gaga Tickets
Lady Gaga debuted with "Just Dance" in 2008 and quickly became a global pop icon known for her theatrical flair and versatility. Her "Chromatica Ball Tour" dazzled fans with futuristic staging and stunning visuals. She has won 13 Grammy Awards and an Oscar for her work in film. Gaga's music spans pop, jazz, and even rock, making her one of the most diverse performers of her generation.
Wu-Tang Clan Tickets
Wu-Tang Clan, a legendary hip-hop collective from Staten Island, emerged in the early 1990s with their gritty debut "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)." They are known for pioneering East Coast rap and launching successful solo careers. The group continues to tour and influence new generations of hip-hop artists. Wu-Tang Clan has been honored with BET awards and a cult following that spans decades.
Metallica Tickets
Metallica, founded in 1981, is one of heavy metal's most enduring acts, with iconic albums like "Master of Puppets" and "The Black Album." Their "M72 World Tour" featured a dual-night format, drawing record-breaking crowds. Metallica has won nine Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. Their shows are powerful, fast-paced, and thunderous.
Tate McRae Tickets
Tate McRae gained fame from viral videos and dance performances before transitioning into music with the 2020 hit "You Broke Me First." She blends melancholic pop with stunning choreography, creating an emotional and visual concert experience. McRae has been nominated for MTV, iHeartRadio, and Juno Awards. Her upward trajectory marks her as one of pop's most promising young stars.
My Chemical Romance Tickets
My Chemical Romance, formed in 2001, became the voice of a generation with songs like "Welcome to the Black Parade." Their theatrical approach to emo-rock made them icons, and their 2019 reunion tour rekindled passion among fans. They've earned accolades from MTV and Alternative Press. MCR's concerts are emotional journeys through cathartic anthems.
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CONCERT VENUES NEAR BUIES CREEK, NORTH CAROLINA
PNC Arena (Raleigh, NC)
PNC Arena, opened in 1999, seats around 20,000 and has hosted artists such as Beyoncé, Metallica, and Post Malone. It's known for its state-of-the-art acoustics and large-scale production capabilities. The arena is a central hub for music fans across eastern North Carolina.
Red Hat Amphitheater (Raleigh, NC)
This open-air venue, opened in 2010, is nestled in downtown Raleigh and accommodates up to 6,000 guests. Acts like Hozier and Wu-Tang Clan have performed here. It's ideal for summer concerts with scenic city views.
The Ritz (Raleigh, NC)
Originally built in the 1970s and renovated in recent years, The Ritz is a mid-size venue holding up to 2,000. It offers a more intimate experience and has hosted performers like Blackpink, SZA, and Kesha. The venue combines modern lighting with an edgy, underground vibe.
Crown Complex (Fayetteville, NC)
The Crown Complex, opened in 1997, includes a 10,000-seat coliseum and multiple performance spaces. Artists like Brad Paisley and Lady Gaga have appeared here. It's a short drive from Buies Creek and a great venue for seeing national touring acts without the crowds of larger cities.
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A TicketSmarter Exclusive for Campbell Camels
There's nothing like experiencing your favorite artist live—and now it's even more affordable. Campbell Camels can enjoy exclusive savings on concert tickets through TicketSmarter. Just enter promo code
CAMELS5 at checkout and unlock discounts to make your night out even more memorable. Whether you're catching a legend or discovering a new favorite, let TicketSmarter help you get there, front row and center.
