Tribute bands for $10-- June 20

If you want to see AC/DC in concert, be prepared to shell out about $100. For Motley Crue, you’re looking at another $50-$100. And if you want to see Ozzy Osbourne…good luck. He hasn’t toured since 2007 and “Ozzfest” was cancelled this year. So you could probably see two of those bands for around $150 per person, not counting service charges—assuming they were playing in the same city around the same time.

Or you could see a reasonable facsimile of all three for about $10. Which options sounds better to you?

The “Monsters of Mock” concert on Saturday night at Jannus Landing, 16 2^nd St. N., features tribute acts Highway to Hell (AC/DC), Carnival of Crue (Motley Crue) and Bark at the Moon (Ozzy Osbourne), as well as openers Hangman Jury. They look and sound like the bands you love without the prices you hate. Jannus is a great place to see live acts and the songs are classics. So even if it’s not the real thing, you’re saving real money—a ton of money-- and enjoying a fun show. What’s not to like?

Advance tickets are $10 (they’re $12 Saturday) and the doors open at 7. For more information, visit www.jannuslandingconcerts.com.

Summer Classic Movie Series at Tampa Theatre

I'm going to let you in on a secret: I've never seen "To Kill A Mockingbird."
I know; it's a classic with a compelling message and memorable characters. I know it's supposed to be great. I just never got around to seeing it. I could just go rent it and watch it, of course. But I have a much better idea: I'm going to see it today at Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., as part of their Summer Classic Movie Series. That way I'll see it on the big screen with other people who already love the movie. The theater itself is a pretty special place (I've mentioned the tours they offer regularly) so why not see a classic movie in a classic setting?
In addition to seeing a famous film each weekend (the series runs on Sundays until August 23) you also get a few other nice bonuses. Each movie starts at 3 p.m., but if you get there an hour early you can participate in a mini-tour of the theater. About 20 minutes before the movie starts you'll also enjoy a demonstration of the restored Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. And for select movies (including To Kill A Mockingbird) you can stay afterward and participate in "Cinema Chat," where a film expert provides insight into the film, offers background information and leads an interactive discussion. If you really love these movies, it's a nice extra and all included with your paid admission.
That admission, by the way, is $8. That's probably less than seeing a non-classic movie in a multiplex that you might end up hating. Throw in the tour, the Mighty Wurlitzer and the discussions and you have a great deal. Other movies in the series include Casablanca, Citizen Kane (both of which I saw for the first time at a previous Summer Classic Series), and Blazing Saddles (which I've seen about a hundred times, thank you very much). "To Kill A Mockingbird" plays today. For a complete movie listing and Cinema Chat schedule visit www.tampatheatre.org.

Buccaneers Fan Fest on Saturday

Okay, it’s been awhile since the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl victory in early 2003. But if you’ve spent a long time in Tampa, you remember all the years before that—orange uniforms, jokes and double-digit years of double-digit losses. Right now the team is competitive and missing the playoffs last year was a disappointment. I remember when a winning record—playoffs or not—was grounds for a parade. Expectations are higher because the team is better.

So if you’re ready for some football, the team’s annual Fan Fest event is this Saturday. It’s a chance for fans to meet players and coaches, get autographs, check out the stadium and see the cheerleaders perform. There will be on-field games and activities and you can even see the Lombardi Trophy from the aforementioned championship run. Best of all, the event is free.

Professional football is a lot of fun, but it isn’t cheap. This might be your only chance to get to the stadium and see the players without unnecessary roughness to your wallet.

Gates open at 9:30 a.m., and if you want autographs from the most popular players, you should get there early. In case you didn’t know, Raymond James Stadium is located at 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway. The event runs until 2 p.m.