MIX FEST, April 27, Lonestar Pavilion at Sunset Station: Bands on the bill include headliner Blue October, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and Augustana (pictured). Reigning “American Idol” runner-up Katharine McPhee also is scheduled for the festival, making her the third contestant from “Idol's” fifth season to play San Antonio in the last three months. The other two were fourth-place finisher Chris Daughtry and champion Taylor Hicks. And to think, some people say “Idol” is oversaturating American pop culture.

MEGADETH, May 1, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater: Look, Metallica isn't scheduled to play San Antonio in the foreseeable future, so this is the best it's going to get for the time being. But hey, at least Megadeth lead singer Dave Mustaine used to be in Metallica, and that counts for something. Heaven and Hell is the headliner.

“SPIDER-MAN 3,” May 4, theaters nationwide: Maybe you've heard of it, or maybe you've been involved in some underwater-living project for the past five years or so.

RICKY MARTIN, May 12, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater: OK, so the hype has died down somewhat since “Livin' La Vida Loca” owned the radio airwaves nearly a decade ago. But Ricky still looks good, and the man can still entertain.

BRIGHT EYES, May 13, Bass Concert Hall, Austin: Love-him-or-hate-him singer-songwriter Conor Oberst plays on the liberal campus of UT Austin in support of Bright Eyes' latest album, Cassadaga.

LINKIN PARK'S MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT, May 15: The rap-rock phenomenon came and went years ago, and yet, this band rages on in popularity. It will be put to the test with the release of the latest album, Linkin Park's first studio record in more than four years. And if it succeeds? Well, maybe there's hope for Limp Bizkit. Or perhaps not.

“SHREK THE THIRD,” May 18, theaters nationwide: Justin Timberlake contributed the voice of Artie at the behest of then-girlfriend Cameron Diaz, who voices the character of Princess Fiona. Of course, the pair since has experienced a very public split, so the red carpet premiere might be even more entertaining than the actual movie. That's saying something, considering the last two “Shrek” movies were really good.

DEFTONES, May 18, Lonestar Pavilion at Sunset Station: One of the hardest mainstream rock bands today is stopping off in San Antonio. Prepare to experience lead singer Chino Moreno backed by blaring guitars twice. Deftones are playing a show at Sunset Station the following night.