Preview's Summer 2004 concert wrap up.

Byline: MARK R. PANTSARI

Even though he died in 1963, poet William Carlos Williams must have had the summer concert season in mind when he penned the line "In summer, the song sings itself."

No matter your level of literary inclination, summer is upon us, and there's simply not a better time of the year to check out some live music.

It's time to take a much needed vacation, gas up the car (which takes no small financial miracle these days), gather your closest friends and hit the road for some sizzling summer concerts.

Whether your tastes lie in teeny-bopper pop, washed-up, way-past-their-prime hair metal bands, thuggish hip-hop, mosh-pit punk, boot-stompin' country, or fist-pumping arena rock, there's something out there this summer to strike any music lover's fancy.

In the hopes of assisting you, dearest Preview reader, in your quest for summertime concert entertainment, we thought it wise to compile a list of must-see summer concerts all within a day's road trip of our beloved city.

ATLANTA

HI-FI BUYS AMPHITHEATRE

ADDRESS: 2002 Lakewood Way

CONCERT HOTLINE: 404-443-5090

WEBSITE: www.hob.com/venues/concerts/hifibuys/

TICKETS: www.ticketmaster.com, or call 843-554-6060

WEDNESDAY: Styx w/ Peter Frampton and Nelson

TICKETS: $23.50-56.50

SHOWTIME: 7 p.m.

JUNE 17: Tim McGraw w/ Big & Rich and the Warren Brothers

TICKETS: $31.75-63.75

SHOWTIME: 7:30 p.m.

JULY 10: Michael W. Smith w/MercyMe

TICKETS: $24-35

SHOWTIME: 6 p.m.

JULY 17: Funkmaster Flex Car Show and Concert, featuring 50 Cent and G-Unit

TICKETS: $29.50-59.50

SHOWTIME: 2 p.m.

JULY 23: Kenney Chesney w/Rascal Flatts and Uncle Kracker

TICKETS: $31.50-63.50 (SOLD OUT)

SHOWTIME: 7 p.m.

JULY 24: Nickelback, 3 Doors Down, Puddle of Mudd and 12 Stones

TICKETS: $26.50-56.50

SHOWTIME: 7 p.m.

JULY 27: Dave Matthews Band w/ Robert Earl Keen

TICKETS: $40-57.50

SHOWTIME: 7 p.m.

JULY 28: VANS Warped …