I've seen REK at Bocktoberfest before (worked on the Shiner account at an ad agency in Austin), and he's consistent - in the way Buffett is. Fans love him, and he knows how to give 'em what they want.
Last big concert was Virgin Fest in Baltimore in August. It was brutally hot, but the tunes were good. Peter Bjorn and John was great, as were the Beastie Boys - my first time seeing them, and I loved it. The Police were disappointing - played a lot of good songs, but they were going through the motions.
Actually get decent music in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. Going to see two good local bands tmrw night - Roman Candle and The Old Ceremony.