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The Dixie Chicks Wednesday, July 16; 7:30pm; $35-$65 HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.998.TIXS These feisty country lasses are far from demure, and they have a reputation for speaking their minds--consequences be damned. After breaking onto the country scene with 1998's Wide Open Spaces and songs like "I Can Love You Better Than That," the Chicks stirred it up with follow-up album Fly and decidedly unladylike tracks like "Goodbye Earl" and "Sin Wagon." Then In March 2003, the Chicks hit the fan when singer Natalie Maines told a London audience, "Just so you know, we're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas." Her statement caused a huge political backlash that hurt sales and airplay of their Grammy Award-winning album Home, which hatched the hits "Long Time Gone" and "Travelin' Soldier." Boycotts were called for, and CDs were destroyed. Two Colorado DJs were suspended for playing Chicks songs after the station banned them. Country music's traditionally patriotic and conservative Southern populace--the gals' bread and butter--was not amused. In the name of damage control, the Chicks apologized for the comment, but shortly afterward appeared naked on the cover of Entertainment Weekly branded with words like "Traitors," "Proud Americans," "Boycott" and "Dixie Sluts." The dissenters may be louder than the supporters, but the Chicks' sold-out tour opener in South Carolina was reportedly full of fans cheering for these all-American girls. Michelle Branch opens this San Jose show. (Sarah Quelland) Summer Music Guide 2003 Summer Sonic: This summer, Good Charlotte's Joel Madden looks forward to touring and working on his '65 Chevy. Perry-patetic: Lollapalooza's Perry Farrell attempts to recapture the spirit of 1991. Modern Love: The 1983 Day on the Green with the Police, the Fixx, Madness, Oingo Boingo, and the Thompson Twins blew open the alternative-rock movement in the Bay Area. Plus: an interview with Fixx frontman Cy Curnin. Ozzfest 2003: With Ozzy Osbourne, Korn, Marilyn Manson, Disturbed and Chevelle. Shoreline. Summer Sanitarium: With Metallica, Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Mudvayne and Deftones. Candlestick. Wilco and R.E.M: Shoreline. Björk: Pier 30/32. Stanford Jazz Festival: With the Branford Marsalis Trio, alumni from Cal Tjader's groups, James Williams, Madeline Eastman, Dena DeRose and Geri Allen's Ensemble. Dinkelspiel Auditorium and Campbell Recital Hall, Stanford University. Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival: With Nneena Freelon, the Count Basie Orchestra, Greg Osby, ¡Cubanismo!, the Yellowjackets, Jimmy Heath and Ledisi. Dinkelspiel Auditorium and Campbell Recital Hall, Stanford University. India.Arie: Montalvo. Beck/Dashboard Confessional: Greek Theatre. The Dixie Chicks: HP Pavilion. Lou Reed: Mountain Winery. Shows: From Agenda to Zoë. Summer Festival Guide: Art, wine and more. Send a letter to the editor about this story to letters@metronews.com. [ Silicon Valley | Metroactive Home | Archives ]