If you’re buying tickets for any MLB 2023 series, you never quite know what you’re going to get. “Like a box of chocolates”, as one movie famously put it. You may be in for the show of a lifetime, or you may just bear witness to a slow-burn drag of a game in which the hot dogs are the most interesting part. It’s part of the charm of baseball, we suppose.

But what if there was a way to game the system? What if you could find MLB matches in 2023 that have the biggest shot at being interesting, exciting, or otherwise a treat to watch?

That’s our mission today. We initially considered listing must-watch series for the season, but that may just be too unpredictable. Instead, we’ll rely on our knowledge of team lineups, results, and playstyles to bring you a list of the best baseball teams to watch in 2023.

Obviously, the rankings are based on “watchability”, which is obviously not an exact science. We’re not ranking teams in terms of form, quality, or the chances of success – merely how exciting we believe they’ll be to watch in the season going forward.

If that’s clear, we can finally move on to the list itself!

New York Mets

We’ll kick things off with an obvious pick. Not only are the Mets one of the favorites to take the World Series, but the ridiculous amount of funding paints them as rather desperate to bring the title back to Queens. Moreover, they’re facing huge expectations – for better or worse. Chairman Steve Cohen made sure that the massive $336 million bankroll goes towards a star-studded roster that is sure to catch a lot of attention.

Despite losing Diaz and deGrom, the path for the Mets going forward is going to be explosive one – one way or another. They’ll either shine brighter than they have in years or crash and burn spectacularly. Either way, we’re in for a show!

Click here to find all available tickets for the New York Mets!

Philadelphia Phillies

Where the Mets are seen as favorites, the Phillies are just widely considered to be fun to watch. Plain and simple.

This has a lot to do with an eclectic lineup made up of players like T. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner. The good news is that all three will still be with the fightin’ fills. The bad news is that their performance in the season so far has been rather lacking.

Still, win or lose, the Phillies always seem to put up a good fight, which is what this list is all about. Beloved by fans and valued by tipsters, the Phillies are a must-watch squad for any true baseball fan.

Click here to find available tickets to see the Phillies in action!

San Diego Padres

The Padres and their ongoing rivalry with the Dodgers are always some of the most-discussed topics among baseball fans. The ball seems to be firmly in LA’s court with a 5-win streak, so most tipsters doubt the Padres will be able to finish ahead. However, in our opinion (and the opinion of many other fans of analysts) they tend to put on a much better show than their more successful counterparts.

Putting aside the divisional rut, the Padres played around with their lineup quite a bit this year. The management made some unexpected calls, limiting their choice of pitchers but investing in picks like Soto and Bogaerts. It will be interesting to see how it will all play out, and we have no doubts the fans are in for a grand old show.

Click here to find available San Diego Padres tickets!

Atlanta Braves

We don’t want this list to just be a rundown of MLB 2023 favorites, but we wouldn’t be doing anyone any favors by omitting the Braves. The fact is that the amount of talent behind the current lineup is simply insane. Would we say Atlanta is more watchable then the Mets? Probably not. But they’re also a uniquely talented squad thanks to big shake-ups in the runup to the season.

We won’t spend too much time analyzing the team’s performance – the divisional success or the World Series slumps. We will just say to keep an eye on Atlanta, the several rising starts in its roster, and the player-driven approach to strategy.

Click here to find tickets to see the Atlanta Braves!

Seattle Mariners

Despite what the previous entries on this list may have you believe, we’re not ranking the best-performing teams here. Our excuse is that better play is better to watch.

Still, we’ll round things off with a team that shines through on sheer likeability. Sure, the M’s aren’t exactly in strong form, boasting the longest drought in World Series appearances in recent memory. Despite all of that, the Mariners regularly appear in some of the most-acclaimed matches in any given MLB season. If you need evidence, we’ll point you towards the closing game of the 2022 post-season. Despite losing to Houston, the bout was a 6-hour spectacle that had the whole house on their feet.

In short, the Mariners have always been a crowd darling, and you need only visit a single game to find out why.

Click here to find Seattle Mariners tickets!

New Madonna Tour – Locations, Dates, and Tickets

As some of you may have heard, living legend Madonna is planning a sort of tour de force. Announced as the biggest production in the singer’s impressive career(which says a lot), this upcoming concert tour is a sort of celebration of her long and prolific career.

The latest Madonna tour plans to incorporate songs from all points in her career – from the early days to the latest Madame X album. All in all, it’s turning out to be one of the most highly-anticipated music events in recent history.

Here’s a short breakdown of the Madonna Celebration tour and what you can expect.

Basic Info

Let’s get the key information out of the way first. The new Madonna tour was announced back in January 2023 with more than 100 dates and venues across the globe.

The tour is divided into three legs, so to speak. The first one is held throughout North America, including the US and Canada. It will start on July 15 in Vancouver, progress throughout most of the US, and end on October 8 in Las Vegas. There are more North American dates available, mind you – bear with us for a second.

The second leg, which features considerably fewer dates, will kick off in London and storm through continental Europe. It starts on October 14 in London’s O2 Arena, goes through the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, and Portugal (not in that order), after which Madonna will loop back around to London.

Finally, the Celebration tour will head back to North America for a victory lap of sorts. The third and final leg of the tour kicks off in Brooklyn on December 27, after which it will progress for another 18 shows, culminating in a 4-show extravaganza in Mexico City.

Listing all of the dates and locations would be a bit overwhelming, but you get the idea. It’s a massive series of events spanning half the globe, and that’s including plenty of return locations.

Venues and Tickets

You can find all available Madonna dates, and venues, as well as purchase tickets HERE. 

Some of the shows are already sold out, so get the tickets while you can!

About the Celebration Tour

Madonna herself announced the tour by saying “I am excited to explore as many songs as possible, in hopes to give my fans the show they have been waiting for”.

So what does that mean for the upcoming concerts?

Well, two things, both of which are a sort of landmark for the acclaimed artist.

First of all, this will be her first tour that isn’t promoting a specific album or release. Considering we’re talking about someone with thousands of shows and more than a dozen world tours, it’s important to note that the set list will be drawn from her entire career.

Secondly, it’s the first tour ostensibly focused on Madonna’s greatest hits. Of course, this doesn’t really narrow the set list down. With more than 63 Top 10 charting hits over the decades, there sure are plenty of options for what fans will be able to see and hear.

Either way, we can expect one thing for certain – the tour will eponymously be a celebration of more than 40 years in the music industry. It will offer a sort of trip down memory lane and a look back at everything Madonna was to different people as her career progressed.

Of course, this does raise a few questions about the actual style and feel of the show. Madonna has continued to reinvent herself time and time again throughout the decades. She was so many things to so many groups that it seems difficult to wrap it all up in a single, digestible experience.

We guess we’ll just have to wait and see how the Queen of Pop will format her great return.

Want to experience an unforgettable summer of music, fun, love, and good vibes? What you need is a good music festival – and we have some ideas about where you might want to go.

Summer is already coming up fast, and many of us are starting to think about how we might want to spend it. If you love live music shows, a festival is a perfect place to spend your well-earned free time.

However, a good festival is so much more than just the stage shows. The best festivals offer an incredible experience both on and off the stage. MEeting new people, enjoying the sights, sounds, and tastes you might not have otherwise – that’s what it’s all about. As such, our list of top festivals for summer 2023 is not just about the lineups and performances. It’s also about a transcendent experience that adds up to more than the sum of its parts.

Without further ado, here are our recommendations for festivals to see in 2023.

Governors Ball Music Festival

New York City’s most acclaimed festival quickly rose through the ranks to become on of NYC’s most highly-anticipated events. That says a lot if we’re talking about the Big Apple. Launched in 2011, the festival features an array of genres and styles of music, including rock, electronic, hip-hop, indie, Americana, pop, folk, and more. Your time there can be further improved by some of New York’s acclaimed food trucks, making the Ball a feast for all senses.

There’s a reason we put the Governors Ball on our list first, too – and it’s not just because we like it. the 2023 lineup for this music fest is truly massive, so we can describe it as the most accessible. Ffeaturing acts like Lizzo and Kendrick Lamar, it brings to bear some of the heaviest hitters in the world. More than 50 acts are set to take the stage this time around, so you best be ready for an incredible experience.

Governors Ball Music Dates & Tickets

June 9 – June 11, Flushing Meadows – Corona Park, New York NY

Three-day runtime with options for daily tickets

Get your Governors Ball tickets here!

Pitchfork Music Festival

Pitchfork is a world-renowned music publication that has been at the forefront of pop culture for as long as the internet has been around. Back in 2006, the publication organized its own live music festival, spearheaded by chart-topping acts and a promise to do things differently. Specifically, PMF is billed as all about the music. The lineup is decided by critics and audiences, not a bunch of suits in a grey conference room. That’s the pitch, at least – we’ll leave it up to you to agree or not.

Either way, the 2023 iteration of the Pitchfork Music Festival managed to bring to bear a worthwhile lineup that fans of indie and alternative jams are going to adore. Names like Big Thief, Killer Mike, and Bon Iver should give you an idea about the kind of music you can expect. These are just the headliners, though, and many would agree that the Pitchfork Music Festival is all about the underground.

Pitchfork Music Festival Dates & Tickets

July 21 – July 23, Union Park, Chicago IL

Three-day runtime with options for daily tickets.

Click here to buy Pitchfork Music Festival tickets!

When We Were Young

Pop Punk is going through a sort of renaissance. Bands like Green DAy and Blink 182 used to be consistent chart-toppers in the 90s and early 2000s, and they still hold a special place in the hearts of millions of fans. If you’re one of us millenials who would like nothing better than a chance to revisit the glory days, well, someone made a festival for us.

The above pitch kind of makes it sound like When We Were Young is a gathering of once-great acts, but nothing could be further from the truth. Although the ‘scene’ is no longer with us, these performers are still at the top of their game. The aforemetnioned Green Day and Blink 182 are headlining the second anual festival, along with The Offspring, 30 Seconds to Mars, Good Charlotte, and many more!

That said, this event is a bit outside the scope of “summer.” Still, it hit us in the nostalgia so hard that we just had to include it!

When We Were Young Dates & Tickets

October 21 – October 22, LAs Vegas Festival Grounds, Las Vegas NA

Two-day runtime with options for daily tickets.

Remember what things were like When You Were Young – get your tickets now!

Lollapalooza

A few months back when all the big-ticket US festivals were announcing their lineups, one major ferstival stood out with it’s incredible yet ecletic roster. Lollapalooza is an event that needs no introduction, so we won’t waste your time with one.

The 1975, Kendrick Lamar, Red Hot Chili Pepers, Karen G, Billie Eilish… Have we caught your attention yet? No? Well how about more than 70 other acts covering almost every major genre and style under the sun. From folk and pop to punk and hip hop, Lollapalooza has a something for everyone – which is how it caught our attention in the first place.

Lollapalooza Dates & Tickets

August 3 – August 7, Hutchinson Field Frant Park, Chicako, IL

4-day runtime with options for daily tickets.

Click here to buy tickets while they’re still available!

Every season is the perfect time to enjoy some musical theatre. And with the holidays slowly winding down Valentine’s Day just around the corner, a musical show is just what the doctor ordered to stave off those winter chills.

From Broadway to London’s East End, great musical theatre can be found anywhere you look. However, the best musicals to see in February 2023 are not always on the big, famous stages. It takes a little digging sometimes, and we’re here to help you decide what, where, and when to see.

Here’s our list of top musicals in 2023.

Phantom of the Opera

We’ll start with a timeless classic that has been a staple musical in theatres across the globe for decades now. If you’ve never seen the Phantom on the big stage before, you’ll be doing yourself a favour if you get your tickets on time. Even if you have, it never hurts to freshen up – especially with the incredible productions we’ll have a chance to see throughout early 2023.

If you’ve (somehow) not familiar with it, the Phantom of the Opera follows the story of a young soprano and her obsession with a mysterious stranger. The piece holds the record for being the longest-running show in Broadway history. However, it first premiered in 1986 at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London. Which is exactly where you’ll be able to see it.

Missing it will be heard, too – shows are scheduled to continue until September! Click here to see which dates are available and purchase tickets on time.

If you happen to live across the pond – no worries. New Tork’s Majesty Theater has also scheduled regular showings of Phantom of the Opera until mid-April. Get your tickets here!

Phantom of the Opera London Dates:

February 6 – September 30

Shows take place in irregular intervals – almost every day, but with some exceptions due to conflicting schedules. Check the available tickets for more info.

Funny Girl

We’ll carry on our list with another 60s classic that you don’t want to miss. Based loosely on the biography of a vaudeville entertainer, Funny Girl is an iconic tale of a star’s rise. It includes hits such as ‘Don’t Rain on My Parade’ and ‘People’, which have gone on to find acclaim far beyond Broadway.

We could go on to wax poetic about Funny Girl’s many successes and accolades. We really don’t see much need, though. If you’re into musicals, you know of Funny Gitl, and the Micheal Mayer-led production is well worth your attention. If you’re just getting into the world of the Great White Way, the show is even more of a must-see. Click here to find out what your ticket options are!

Funny Girl Broadway Dates

February 5 – May 28

Performed every day barring Mondays.

Standing at the Sky’s Edge

If you’re looking for something a bit more modern, Londoners have a great chance to see the acclaimed Standing at the Sky’s Edge.

Hailing from Sheffield and created by Richard Hawley and Chris Bush, this musical follows the stories of three generations of Sheffield Park’s Hill Estate. Its premiere had critics and fans clamouring for more, and it was scheduled to transfer to the Royal National Theatre back in 2020. The lockdown killed any hopes of that at the time, but it seems the transfer is finally happening.

This means that this is a unique two-month opportunity to see one of the best musicals in 2023. Get your tickets now and find out why the rave reviews are right.

Standing at the Sky’s Edge Dates

February 9 – March 25

Only shown at the National Theatre.

The Lion King

Diesney’s iconic tale is about to see a return to the theatres across the US. Following the release of the long-awaited live-action film remake, Disney decided to follow it up with a series of musical shows throughout the country. If you haven’t had the chance to see it since the original premiere in 1997, now’s your chance!

Backed by the undeniable allure of the original animation’s story and with music written by none other than Elton John, the Lion King was a rather unsurprising success story. In the two and a half decades since it premiered, it has gone on to win the record for the highest-grossing musical play in history.

And while some may indignantly scoff at Disney taking over yet another area of art, the quality of the production is undeniable.

The Lion King musical in 2023 will be shown in theatres from New York to Hollywood! Click here to find your nearest theatre!

The Lion King Musical Dates

February 5 – May 2

The Academy of Music in Philadelphia, Minskoff Theatre in New York, Hollywood Pantages Theatre in LA, and many other locations are available.

The 2023 New Year and the holiday season are already behind us, and everyone is winding down and recapping their thoughts and resolutions. If you’re lucky enough to have that special someone in your life, though, it’s probably time to start thinking about the next big day that’s just around the corner. Valentine’s Day is certainly a special day, so why not celebrate it with a special occasion?

Valentine’s Day concerts are a great way to show your love and appreciation for the most important people in your life. Flowers and chocolates are great and all – but an amazing musical event is a memory that will last for a lifetime.

All you need for a romantic evening of celebrating love is a great act. One who can deliver the love-tinged passion that a Valentine’s Day concert deserves.

And if you need ideas for the best Valentine’s Day concerts in 2023, we have a few suggestions! Just remember that February 14^th is one of the busiest days of the year for venues and musical acts. If you see an event you like, act quickly and get some tickets with TicketCenter before others snatch them up!

Anita Baker – Atlanta, GA

Let’s start with some evergreen classics. Few songstresses in the world are as famous for love ballads as Anita Baker. Her classy, powerful voice and refined jazzy melodies defined the so-called Quiet Storm era of the 80s. In fact, the term ‘quiet storm’ perfectly expresses what Anita is all about. Although most of her repertoire consists of ballads, the underlying passion with which she delivers every line has captured the hearts and minds of millions.

After a string of farewell performances and issues regarding the rights to her master recordings, many fans were worried that they’ll never get a chance to hear Baker perform live. Thankfully, though, the R&B master is going on a tour that will kick off in February 2023. The tour is slated to last throughout 2023, so you’ll have plenty of chances to hear her hits.

She’ll grace the State Farm Arena in Atlanta right on the 14^th, which marks it as one of the most sought-after dates on a very popular tour.

It’s the quintessential Valentine’s Day 2023 event you don’t want to miss. Secure your Anita Baker 2023 tour tickets here.

Anita Baker Tour Dates:

US Tour: February 11 – December 23

Valentine’s Day show: February 14, State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA

Elvis Costello – New York, NY

We’ll carry on our list of top Valentine’s Day music events with something a bit more eclectic. Declan Patrick MacManus, better known as Elvis Costello, boasts a discography that ranges from new wave to punk. Arguably, however, he is best known for heart-string-pulling hits like ‘She’ and ‘I Want You’.

Unlike some other acts known for ballads, though, Costello’s shows are filled with ups and downs. Songs that will melt your heart stand right next to those that will make you dance, which is what makes his act a perfect Valentine’s Day experience.

The Elvis Costello 2023 tour will kick off with an incredible string of 10 shows in New York’s Gramercy Theatre. In other words, even if you miss tickets for the Big Day, worry not – you’ll have plenty of chances to make it up to your favorite person. The tour will then move on to a series of cities across the US and Australia.

Click here to check out available Elvis Costello tickets.

Elvis Costello Tour Dates:

Us and Australia Tour: February 9 – May 28,

Valentine’s Day show: February 14, Gramercy Theatre, Atlanta, GA

Portland Symphony Orchestra: The Romantics – Rachmaninoff & Schumann – Portland, ME

The acclaimed Portland Symphony Orchestra can enrich your Valentine’s Day with a truly special selection of classical pieces. Pulling from great composers who defined the term ‘romantic’, the special show features time-tested compositions performed by pianist George Li.

The full Valentine’s Day 2023 concert features pieces such as:

• Overture in C major by Hensel
• Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, op. 43 by Rachmaninoff
• Symphony No. 4 in D minor, op. 120 by Schumann

It’s a true feast for any fans of classical music, and a perfect occasion to celebrate the day to the soothing sounds of piano keys. Don’t spend too much time thinking about it, though – The Romantics is a one-off special event performed in Portland’s Merrill Auditorium.

The venue houses just under 2,000 seats – get your tickets now while they are still available!

Portland Symphony Orchestra: The Romantics – Rachmaninoff & Schumann:

Valentine’s Day Show: February 14, Merrill Auditorium, Portland, ME

Journey & Toto – Lexington, KY

Journey, one of the most famous rock bands to come out of the 70s and 80s (which says a lot), will be celebrating their 50-year anniversary with a special tour. The half-century milestone is not the only thing that makes it special, though. Joining them on stage will be none other than Toto, the musical geniuses behind hits like ‘Africa’, ‘Rosanna’, and ‘Hold the Line.’

Dubbed the Journey & Toto Freedom Tour 2023, the string of concerts kicks off on February 4. On the 14^th, however, the two giants will bring a special night full of rockin’ good memories to Lexington.

Though both bands are considered rock icons, it would be hard not to see their music as a very fitting backdrop for an evening full of romance. The songs are energetic, sure, but they’re also universally committed to the little thing that makes the world go ‘round.

With big names like these, we wouldn’t be surprised to see tickets sell out as soon as they become available. So don’t risk it – get your Journey & Toto tickets now!

Journey and Toto Tour Dates:

US Tour: January 27 – April 25

Valentine’s Day show: February 14, Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY

Chris Brown – London, UK

It’s only fair that our list shows some love to our friends across the pond. This time, we’ll be going to one of the defining voices of 21^st-century R&B – Chirs Brown!

Brown’s accomplishments are too long to list – and honestly, we don’t really feel there would be much point. Needless to say, he’s not known as the ‘King of R&B’ for nothing. With a long lineup of songs detailing love and desire, his performances are the perfect choice for any couple looking for an unforgettable experience.

The latest Chris Brown tour kicks off on February 11 in Dublin. Between the 14^th and 17^th of February, however, he’ll perform every night in the massive O2 Arena in London. In other words, if you miss Chris Brown on Valentine’s Day 2023, you can catch him the day after that. And the day after that.

To no one’s surprise, tickets are selling like crazy, so make sure to get yours as soon as possible!

Chris Brown Tour Dates:

Under the Influence tour: February 11 – March 19

Valentine’s Day show: February 14, O2 Arena, London