So, OK, we've already missed some of the concerts at the big-name venues in town this year. But there's a whole lot of music still to come in 2012. And, since the world will end in December, why not spend all your extra cash on seeing the major artists perform. That way you can hold it over your friends until we all go up in smoke.
Here are some of the year's highlights at each venue.

Gibson Amphitheatre
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
(818) 622-4440
www.citywalkhollywood.com/concerts.php  
The Gibson offers a variety of musical styles this season, with an emphasis on Latin music, mixed with radio station-sponsored events and well known indie artists.
March 23, Hot 92.3 presents
Funk-A-Palooza
April 1, Trans-Siberian Orchestra
April 14, Latino 96.3 Spring Break Bash
April 28, KDAY Krush Groove
June 30 and July 1, Foster the People

The Greek Theatre
2700 North Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-3215
www.greektheatrela.com
When the weather is mild, the Greek is the place to be. And this season, as usual, there are huge names on tap.
May 5, Los Lobos
May 6, REO Speedwagon/Styx/Ted Nugent
May 22, Sugarland
May 26, War
June 9, The Summer Soul Jam
June 10, Chickenfoot
June 30, The B-52s and Squeeze
July 19, Al Green
July 20, Alan Jackson
July 21, Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band
Aug. 11 and 16 Neil Diamond
Aug. 15, Joe Cocker
Sept. 7, Crosby, Stills & Nash
Sept. 22, Bonnie Raitt

Hollywood Bowl
2301 North Highland Ave., Hollywood, CA 90068
(323) 850-2000
www.hollywoodbowl.com  
While the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra performs often this season at the Bowl, there is a great mix of other concerts.
May 1, 2 and 4, Coldplay
June 2, Beach Boys
June 24, Glen Campbell, The Goodbye Tour
July 2, 3, 4 Barry Manilow
July 20, 21, Smokey Robinson
Aug. 1, Neville Brothers
Aug, 11, Liza Minnelli
Sept. 14, 15 and 16, Brian Setzer Orchestra

Honda Center
2695 East Katella Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806
(800) 745-3000
www.hondacenter.com  
While the Honda Center fills most of its year with big sports events, there are also some big concerts coming up, including:
May 17, Rammstein
June 12, Van Halen

Nokia Theatre
777 Chick Hearn Court
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 763-6020
www.nokiatheatrelalive.com
The Nokia Theatre has only a few big names this season, but offers something for most musical tastes.
April 3, Kelly Clarkson
April 13, Dierks Bently with Eli Young Band
April 28, Celtic Woman
July 19, Il Divo
July 20, An Evening with Yanni

Staples Center
1111 South Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 742-7340
www.staplescenter.com  
Of course the Staples Center fills most of its evenings with sporting events, but there are several huge musical acts this year as well.
March 27, Lady Antebellum
June 1 and 9, Van Halen
June 15, Nickelback
June 22, Scorpions
Aug. 11 and 12, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Oct. 10, Madonna 2012 World Tour