It appears that this year’s concert season may have peaked a little early.

Bon Jovi has come and gone. Reunited rockers The Police whipped out their classic catalogue earlier this week. Looking ahead, the acts aren’t nearly as wide-reaching.

“We’re missing the blockbuster,” says Gregg Lynn, programming director for KJO 105.5. “I think the summer series is a little lighter than in earlier years.”

So for those itching for some live concerts this summer, what does that leave you to go see in Kansas City?

Alternative, indie and others

Before summer officially starts, there are two big shows taking place in May, highlighting the old and new schools of alternative rock. ’80s icon The Cure performs May 19 at the Starlight Theatre, while popular indie rockers-gone-mainstream Death Cab for Cutie take the stage May 30 at City Market.

In June, the Uptown Theater will be home to emo kids Panic at the Disco (June 1) and atmospheric Icelanders Sigur Ros (June 12). Grinders will present the return of hasidic reggae rapper Matisyahu on June 24.

Then comes July, when the punk rock/skater-esque Vans Warped Tour descends on Capital Federal Park at Sandstone on July 2. For fans of Coldplay’s brand of melodramatic piano rock, the band comes to the Sprint Center on July 9.

An eclectic lineup comes to Capital Federal Park when the Unity Tour, featuring 311, Snoop Dogg and Fiction Plane, takes the stage July 10. And quirky Canadian songbird Feist performs July 13 at Starlight Theatre.

You can also check out the acoustic-Dave Matthews-inspired pop of O.A.R. July 20 at Capital Federal Park, or the rock n’ roll of The Black Crowes July 22 at the Voodoo Lounge at Harrah’s North.

A few notable bands will come to the Uptown Theater, including Widespread Panic (July 1 and 2) and My Morning Jacket (Aug. 18).

Classic and hard rock

While there may be no U2s or Metallicas coming to KC, there are enough hard rock acts and classic rock vets stopping by to give fans of either genre a chance to celebrate.

Tina Phillips, store manager at Record Wear House, says 98.9’s RockFest — featuring 15 bands on two stages, including Chevelle, Sevendust and a newly reunited Stone Temple Pilots — is a big seller.

“Outside of the Royals or Arrowhead, there’s no bigger draw than Rockfest,” Phillips says.

The show takes place June 7 at Liberty Memorial.

Arena rockers Foo Fighters will rock out July 19 at Kemper Arena, while metal mainstays Slipknot and Disturbed tear through the Midwest on July 22 at Capital Federal Park.

For fans of classic rock, there’s more bands than you’ll know what to do with, and those shows will probably draw the biggest crowds.

“It’s interesting that the 20-year-old acts seem to be the biggest acts drawing now,” says Kevin Wagner, director of operations for Q Country and KJO 105.5. “It’s harder and harder to make a superstar these days.”

But plenty of ’70s superstars are coming this summer. Starlight Theater is packed with them, with Rush coming June 7, James Taylor on June 9, Chicago and the Doobie Brothers on June 12, Steve Miller and Joe Cocker on July 2 and Yes on Aug. 6. Plus, Boston performs at Ameristar Casino on July 19.

Oh yeah, lest we forget Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers playing the Sprint Center with Steve Winwood on July 22, which should draw out more than just baby boomers.

“He’s got many generations of fans,” Phillips says. “There’s plenty of fans in their 20s that greatly enjoy seeing Tom Petty.”

Pop, hip-hop and country

The three most popular genres of music don’t seem to be showing Northwest Missouri much love, but there’s a few shows to look out for.

For pop music, the Mix 93.3 Red, White and Boom 13 should bring out the Top 40 radio fans on June 28 at Capital Federal Park. The festival features acts like Lifehouse, Gavin DeGraw, Boys Like Girls, Blake Lewis, The Last Goodnight and DJ Kirby.

All of those acts put together probably haven’t had the amount of hits that Sheryl Crow has. She’ll perform June 5 at Starlight Theater. Unlikely superstar/surfer dude Jack Johnson also will at Capital Federal Park on Aug. 15. Plus the “American Idol” faithful will be happy to hear that the Pop Tarts Presents American Idol! Tour hits the Sprint Center on Aug. 29.

Hip-hop and R&B fans may have to look elsewhere for entertainment. Other than hip hop band The Roots performing at the Voodoo Lounge on July 2, along with R&B diva Jill Scott (performing Aug. 7 at Capital Federal Park at Sandstone) and ’90s favorite Boyz II Men (performing Aug. 16 at Ameristar Casino), KC’s offerings are pretty scarce.

Country fans are a little better off, with the Sprint Center hosting both Tim McGraw (June 17) and Brad Paisley (Aug. 1). Ameristar Casino brings country legend George Jones (June 8) and Trace Adkins (June 20), and the Uptown Theater will present David Allan Coe (June 5) and the Oak Ridge Boys (Aug. 1).

While this summer may not have any larger-than-life headliners, judging by these options, there may be strength in numbers.

Lifestyles reporter Blake Hannon

can be reached at blakehannon@npgco.com