For music lovers,

For music lovers, it's shaping up to be one great summer. The healthy economy, the diversity of the current pop-music scene and the opening of Experience Music Project at Seattle Center have all contributed to a concert schedule that's bursting at the seams.

Tickets are already on sale for most events at the Gorge, Summer Nights at the Pier and the Puyallup Fair. Tickets go on sale 10 a.m. tomorrow for Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery's annual "Summer Festival on the Green" series of outdoor shows at the winery's grounds in Woodinville. Tickets will be available at Ticketmaster outlets and at the winery's wine shop, which is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Also tomorrow, Western Washington Starbucks stores begin selling tickets to WOMAD, the international music festival set for July 28-30 at Marymoor Park in Redmond. WOMAD tickets are already on sale at Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.womadusa.org.

The full Bumbershoot lineup will be announced in July, and tickets will go on sale July 14 on its Web site and Aug. 4 at Ticketmaster and Western Washington Starbucks stores.

While EMP is on track for its June 23 opening weekend including several concerts, another planned music venue has stalled. The White River Amphitheatre, a 23,000-capacity facility partly constructed near Auburn on the Muckleshoot Indian Reservation, has been held up since 1998 because of environmental and crowd-control issues. There is no resolution in sight.

Here's a rundown on the many venues offering pop concerts from now through September. For specific details on each venue or event - driving directions, venue rules (i.e. can you bring coolers, chairs, etc.?) - we've included phone numbers and Web sites. For the summer's lineup of events, just turn the page.

Bumbershoot at Seattle Center

Seattle Center's big summer blowout marks its 30th birthday this year, with a celebration set for Sept. 1-4. Among the acts are Ani DiFranco, Iris DeMent, Zap Mama, Mark Isham, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Bad Livers, Boukman Eksperyans and Kelly Joe Phelps.

Seattle Center

206-281-8111

www.bumbershoot.org

"Summer Festival on the Green" at Chateau Ste. Michelle

Lets face it, the best thing about seeing shows at the chateau is the wine. You can imbibe on wines from the winery during shows. The food service is also many cuts above most concert fare, although most people seem to prefer bringing their own picnic spreads. A most civilized concert experience.

14111 N.E. 145th St.

Woodinville, WA 98072

425-415-3300

www.ste-michelle.com

The Gorge Amphitheatre

The top outdoor venue in America, it's in Grant County, about a three-hour drive from Seattle. Spectacular natural amphitheater with a sweeping view of the Columbia Gorge. Some of the high-end ticket packages are worth checking out, because they include close-in parking, food and beverage service and other perks. The schedule is highlighted by three shows from the Dave Matthews Band.

754 Silica Road N.W.

Quincy, WA 98848

Information line: 206-464-2000, Ext. 7469

www.hob.com

Parking: Free on-site parking lot opens 10 a.m.

Variety of food and beverages, including beer and wine, available.

Ticket packages, including hotels, available. Camping available.

Summer Nights at the Pier, Pier 62 /63

A city park on the Seattle waterfront, it's the site of the Summer Nights at the Pier series of summer outdoor concerts. This may be the last summer it will be used for concerts, as the Seattle Aquarium is eyeing the site for its new facility. It's a favorite concert site because of the water, mountain and city views and festive atmosphere.

200 Alaskan Way N.

Seattle, WA 98104

206-281-8111

www.summernights.org

Parking: Several lots across the street; ample parking at Pike Place Market, with steps down to Alaskan Way.

The Puyallup Fair

Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the fair is one of the largest in the country. It's performance venue has been updated to state-of-the-art. Formerly devoted to country shows, the lineup now reflects the fair's diverse audience.

110 Ninth Ave. S.W.

Puyallup, WA 98371

206-841-5045

www.puyallupfair.com

Parking: Fair lots are $5. Many private lots nearby at various prices.

WOMAD at Marymoor Park

The annual festival of world music takes place July 28-30 at Marymoor Park in Redmond. It's a colorful, eye-opening experience celebrating the universality of music. This third year is crucial for attendance, which may determine the festival's future. Camping is available this year. The lineup this year has more American artists, including Bonnie Raitt.

206-281-7788

www.womadusa.org

Parking: Plenty of free parking on-site.

ZooTunes at Woodland Park Zoo

Site of annual summertime ZooTunes concerts, which are held in the grassy North Meadow. Children are welcome at the concerts, as they have plenty of room to run around and be noisy without disturbing the performance. A most pleasant outdoor experience. The season opens July 19 with Keb' Mo'. Tickets will go on sale June 3 through the zoo. Other performers include Bruce Cockburn, Michelle Shocked and Richard Thompson.

5500 Phinney Ave. N.

Seattle, WA 98103

206-684-4800

Parking: A zoo lot adjoins the concert site. Another is at the entrance to the zoo. A free zoo parking lot is on Phinney Avenue North, just east of the zoo entrance.