Perhaps you were too busy entertaining your Valentine or getting in some three-day weekend traveling these past few days to remember that the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show kicked off yesterday at Madison Square Garden. Or maybe you knew and you were in the audience as the contenders strutted their stuff across the floor.



Either way, we were able to get you a sneak peek at what was going on back stage. MSG.com was nice enough to send us some exclusive shots of the cute pups who were battling it out. Click on to get a look at some of the adorable faces charming the pants off the Westminster Kennel Club as we speak.

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With the first weekend of December upon us, the countdown to Christmas has begun. Holiday parades are marching into cities across the country and many of these events have been town traditions for decades. So get out and enjoy the magic of the season before it slips away.



Check out our state-by-state guide to find a holiday parade near you:

Arizona
- Dec. 5: Downtown Prescott Christmas Parade

California
- Dec. 5: Solvang Julefest Parade
- Dec. 6: La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
- Dec. 16-20: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Colorado
- Dec. 5: Denver Christmas Parade

Connecticut
- Dec. 13: Chanukah Car Parade

Florida
- Dec. 12: Winterfest Boat Parade
- Dec. 12: Orlando Christmas Parade
- Dec. 12: Polk City Christmas Parade
- December 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18: Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade

Georgia
- Dec. 5: The Children's Christmas Parade

Illinois
- Dec. 4: Santa Arrives by Boat to Navy Pier
- Dec. 5: Downtown Bend Christmas Parade

Indiana
- Dec. 6: West Lafayette Christmas Parade

Louisiana
- Dec. 5: Canal Street Krewe of Kringle Parade
- Dec. 6: Thibodaux Christmas Parade
- Dec. 6: Norco Christmas Parade
- Dec. 12: Christmas on the Bayou Lighted Boat Parade

Maryland
- Dec. 6: The Mayor's Annual Baltimore Christmas Parade

Massachusetts
- Dec. 5: Fall River Children's Christmas Parade
- Dec. 5: Downtown South Boston Christmas Parade

Montana
- Dec. 19: Big Sandy Christmas Stroll & Parade of Lights

New York
- Dec. 6: Village of North Syracuse Holiday Celebration & Parade

Oregon
- Dec. 5: Springfield Christmas Parade

Tennessee
- Dec. 4: Nashville's Annual Christmas Parade
- Dec. 4: Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade

Texas
- Dec. 12: Plano Children's Christmas Parade

Virginia
- Dec. 5: Richmond Christmas Parade
- Dec. 5: Greater Manassas Christmas Parade

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If you're planning a winter vacation to sunny South Florida or if you're lucky enough to live there, exploring the area's bustling theatre and performing arts scene can be great fun. Miami is known as a haven for artistic expression and the city is home to some of the best performing arts venues in the country. Artists and performers flock to South Beach and Coconut Grove to find creative inspiration and soak up the Miami vibe.

To help you navigate the South Florida theatre scene, we're breaking down the best venues and shows you don't want to miss.

Best Performing Arts Venues

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
Miami, Fla.
The Adrieene Arsht Center is the focal point of the performing arts in South Florida. The center serves as both a showcase and laboratory, provide first-class facilities for smaller, emerging organizations as well as resident companies. Don't miss Joan Rivers live on stage on November 11.

Actors' Playhouse
Coral Gables, Fla.
You'll find exciting and critically-acclaimed dramatic and musical theatre on the stages of this magnificently restored venue.

New Theatre
Coral Gables, Fla.
The Miami New Times named New Theatre the 'Best Theater for Drama' in 2009. The shows often spill out into the audience in this cramped, yet intimate space, creating a magical and unique theatrical experience.

Florida Stage
Manalapan, Fla.
This is the only theater in South Florida that exclusively develops and produces new plays in a passionate and intimate environment. That means you can catch some great performances that you can't see anywhere else.

Gusman Center for the Performing Arts
Miami, Fla.
What began as a silent movie palace in 1926 has evolved into an iconic performing arts center that is now a Miami landmark. In the 1970s, the center was saved from demolition, extensively renovated and donated to the City of Miami. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, Maximum Dance Company, Florida Philharmonic and the Miami International Film Festival all call this theater their home.

GableStage
Coral Gables, Fla.
Founded as the Florida Shakespeare Theatre in 1979, this theatre has grown into a major cultural institution in South Florida. The year-round programming includes recent contemporary plays as well as educational theatre programs that include Shakespeare and the Classics.

Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
West Palm Beach, Fla.
The Kravis Center is one of the premier venues in Palm Beach County, showcasing local and regional arts organizations as well as national and international artists and companies. The schedule is always diverse with something for every taste.

Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Theater, dance, music... it all happens here. This state-of-the-art facility features two theaters with over 3,000 seats, top-shelf catering and year-round world-renowned performances.

Can't-Miss Shows and Performances

Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 - Choral Ode to Joy - Palm Beach Opera
On December 11 and 13, The Palm Beach Opera will kick off the 2009/2010 season with this special presentation by the Palm Beach Opera Orchestra and the Palm Beach Opera Chorus and Soloists.

Reasons to be Pretty - GableStage
This Tony Award-nominated Broadway play is an edgy and dark comic love story that delves into the blue-collar world of ordinary people to explore the subjectivity of beauty and impossibility of love.

Two Jews Walk Into a War... - Florida Stage
Inspired by a true story, this wonderfully funny play tells the story of Ishaq and Zeblyan as they discover they are the last two surviving Jews in all of Afghanistan.

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Around the time that Washington D.C.'s own D.C. United soccer team takes on the Columbus Crew at home, the International Soccer Film Festival, Kicking and Screening, will be kicking off itself.

The festival, which came through New York City with a fantastic turnout, is headed to the nation's capitol to bring share more soccer-themed films with the soccer-loving community. This time around, the festival will feature four films and it has also joined forces with Going, Fanhouse and -- would you believe it -- when.com. You may even meet a few soccer superstars along the way.

The whole shebang launches the night of October 15 at La Maison Francaise at the Embassy of France. Attendees will have a chance to see the film documenting victory for the French soccer team at the 1998 World Cup: Les Yeux dans les Bleus. The following three nights will feature three other great soccer films, including a flick newly added to the Kicking and Screening lineup called The Big Green, about young soccer players in Elma, Texas.

Tickets for the film screenings will run you about $11.00. You can purchase tickets online. If you attend early on Friday, October 16, you'll be treated to a free reading from several different soccer writers, including Sports Illustrated writer and the author of The Beckham Experiment, Grant Wahl.

Saturday brings a midnight viewing of Greg Lalas' favorite soccer film, Victory at E Street Cinema. Special Guest Werner Roth, captain of the German team, will also be in attendance. So make sure you bring your tickets and something for him to sign.

Check out the full schedule here.

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Fall season officially starts this week, and lots of pre-Halloween activities are just starting up.



If you're wondering about the best places for some family fun, here are some fantastic mazes opening up around the country. Many of these events are appropriate for all ages so everyone is welcome to try the cornstalk challenge.

Scarecrow Hollow's Corn Maze in Salem, N.J.
This year, the maze theme deals with the importance of recycling. Venture into the 6-acre maze, find the clues, and use your instincts to break the code of this thrilling 3D adventure. The task is to find the Junk Monster controlled by the evil Cap'n Skuttler and his band of stinky Cockroaches. The maze is open on weekends from now through November 1. For more info, call (856) 935-3469.

Maize at The Pumpkin Patch Sauvie Island, Ore.
A popular annual tradition, this year's maze was designed with a Portland Trail Blazers theme. The 5-acre cornfield maze is open daily from now through October 31. For the braver souls, the Pumpkin Patch also has a separate Haunted Field of Screams for those looking for a little more scary fun. Younger pumpkin finders will enjoy the cow train, hay tower and petting zoo found on the farm. For more info, call 503-621-7110.

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During August and September, some of the most frenzied and fantastical celebrations of theater, dance and music are unleashed in cities across the country. Behold, the fringe fest. There's nothing "normal" or "mainstream" about it. Instead, the festivities provide a welcome departure into an alternative theatrical world that is edgy, unusual and captivating.

The famed Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world's largest arts fest, is taking place in Scotland August 7 - 31. But several American cities are giving Edinburgh a run for its money. Here's a look at some of the best fringe fests you don't want to miss:

Minnesota Fringe 2009

July 30 - August 9

Sold-out shows and astounding ticket sales marked opening weekend of Minnesota Fringe. This year's standout performances include "Bard Fiction," "The Harty Boys in the Case of the Limping Platypus" and "Tragedy of You."


Woodstock Fringe

August 8 - September 6

The 7th annual Woodstock Fringe starts with a bang with an opening night kick-off party at the Byrdcliffe Theatre featuring dinner, dessert, champagne and a cabaret sampler of artists appearing at the fest. But the real highlight will be "Out of the Box," a one-man show with the outlandish comedic clown Bob Berky, winner of the esteemed Edinburgh Festival Fringe First Award.

Boulder International Fringe Festival

August 12 - 23

This annual 12-day event brings live theatre, dance, circus art, media art, cinema, visual art and more to downtown Boulder. The festival benefits Boulder and the state of Colorado by harnessing cultural initiatives to help facilitate economic development in the region.

Fringe NYC

August 14 - 30

Hailed as New York's best staycation, Fringe NYC is the largest multi-arts festival in the country. More than 200 companies from all over the world perform for 16 days in more than 20 venues.

Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival

August 21 - 30

This year marks the fifth IndyFringe festival, a 10-day celebration that keeps getting better. Don't miss The Longest Dinner, a unique dining experience around one reeeaaaalllly long table featuring a three-course dinner prepared slow-food style accompanied by plenty of live music and fringe street theatre.


2009 Philadelphia Live Arts Festival & Philly Fringe

September 4 - 9
Philly Fringe brings a collection of the world's best contemporary artists to audiences in the City of Brotherly Love. The festival guide hits streets August 7 and in the meantime you can check out the Philly Fringe blog for the latest 411.

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The recession has millions of Americans watching their wallets, choosing 'staycations' over vacations and cutting back on luxuries such as dining out. Broadway shows have seen a big dip in ticket sales as a result of the economy, and more people are looking for ways to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank.

Theatrical productions presented in small theaters of 100 seats or less, referred to as Off-Off Broadway, are a great alternative to big-city shows at big-city prices. In smaller theaters, actors rarely get paid. This mean smaller budgets, and smaller budgets mean bigger risks.

Small theater shows are the perfect platform for actors to experiment with new work and showcase fresh and innovative scripts. The best local talent takes center stage as opposed to imported actors from Hollywood and the Big Apple.

Off-Off Broadway productions also allow for an up-close-and-personal theater experience. Smaller venues create a more intimate setting that allows audience members to see the actors' expressions and catch all the action from close range.

Tickets for these shows are also significantly less expensive. While Broadway tickets cost upwards of $75, you can get a front-row seat at a small theater production for anywhere from $10 to $30.

And what's more? You don't have to live in New York City to enjoy an Off-Off Broadway show. Here's a look at just a few of the best local theater venues across the country:

Atlanta

Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Ga.

Actor's Express in Atlanta, Ga.


Boston

Boston Playwrights' Theatre in Boston, Mass.

New Repertory Theatre in Watertown, Mass.

Riverside Theatre Works in Hyde Park, Mass.


Chicago

Lifeline Theatre in Chicago, Ill.

Profiles Theatre in Chicago, Ill.


Dallas

Undermain Theatre in Dallas, Tex.


Detroit

Meadow Brook Theatre in Rochester, Mich.

Gem Theatre in Detroit, Mich.


Los Angeles

The Black Dahlia Theatre in Los Angeles, Calif.


Miami

New Theatre in Coral Gables, Fla.

Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, Fla.


Minneapolis

Frank Theatre in Minneapolis, Minn.


New Orleans

LePetit Theatre in New Orleans, La.

Actor's Theatre of New Orleans in Metairie, La.


San Francisco

Intersection for the Arts in San Francisco, Calif.

New Conservatory Theatre Center in San Francisco, Calif.

Impact Theatre in Berkeley, Calif.


Seattle

ACT Theatre in Seattle, Wash.


Washington, DC

Atlas Performing Arts Center in Washington, D.C.

The Keegan Theater in Washington, D.C.

Theatre on the Run in Arlington, Va.

Search for more theatres near you.

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It's always fun to go out and have a great meal, but it's even better knowing that your dinner dollars will be helping others who are starving. The next time you dine out, consider some of the following great charity events that are fighting to end hunger:

On July 14, partnering with the Glenn Hotel, Atlanta's Table Supper Club will feature modern American fare highlighted by sustainable ingredients. 20% of the tab will benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

July 19 through August 13, Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation will have several national events in Denver, Miami, and Chicago this summer. Each of these food-filled evenings will give attendees a chance to taste culinary creations made by star mixologists and chefs from the local food scene. 100% of ticket sales benefit local charities, ensuring every child has access to healthy food.

SF Chefs. Food. Wine., August 6-9, is a four-day food and wine extravaganza celebrating the unique flavor and diversity of Northern California. Local chefs, winemakers, distillers, farmers and authors will lead an exploration of taste featuring local products. One of the highlights will be the American Culinary Pioneer Awards Gala Dinner that will be held at the Westin St. Francis. The San Francisco Food Bank and Meals on Wheels will be the beneficiaries.

By supporting your favorite restaurant during the week-long The Great American Dine Out event, September 20-26, you'll also be fighting childhood hunger for 12 million kids. Find out which restaurants are participating near you here. Many places are offering special menu promotions and will also sell T-shirts and coupons.

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Everyone's tightening up on their budget this summer but that doesn't mean that you and your family have to stay home until the leaves change colors.

Instead, try out some of the free or cheap activities that may be happening in your neighborhood. From camps for the kids, free museum visits and other great deals, you can find something to do with out spending too much right outside your front door.

Read on for more.

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There are plenty of things to do this summer that don't require a lot of cash. You can find events, festivals, theaters, movies and music offerings that don't cost a dime.

Well, you might spend money on your drinks and eats but not on your admission. But sometimes you can even bring your snacks to save cash.

Read on for a list of just a few free things to do around the country this summer.

Shakespeare in the Park
Some Shakespeare park productions cost to get in. Check before you go. Here are some cities that offer their plays free of charge: New York City, Buffalo, San Francisco, Seattle, Nashville (pay what you can) and Cincinnati.

Opera
Seeing opera outdoors is great if you don't like sitting in a row of chairs for a long period of time. It's even better when it's free. San Francisco and New York City both offer free outdoor concerts.

Dance
San Francisco, Manhattan and Brooklyn all offer free outdoor dance performances.

Movies
Many city parks offer free outdoor movies, including Brooklyn, Manhattan, Washington, DC, San Diego, Minneapolis, Portland and Baltimore.

Indie Craft Fairs
Check out some cool cross stitching, get a scarf cut from an old blanket or find something that only the genius of DIY can offer. The fairs are free this summer in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, and Eugene, Oregon.

Miscellaneous Roadside Festivals
One of the best things about summer road trips is finding a cool local festival on the side of the road. Even better is when that festival is free. Here are a few local festivals that'll let you in for free around the country:

- The Festival of Ballooning in Readington, New Jersey is one of the more interesting offerings.
- The North American Organic Brewers Festival in Portland, Oregon is a great one for eco-friendly beer lovers.
- The Great Texas Mosquito Festival in Clute, Texas will be an interesting experience.
- The Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland, Maine delivers delicious local cuisine.
- The Oxnard Salsa Festival in Oxnard, California will be mighty tasty.
- The National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, Michigan is coming up.
- The Frankfort Hot Dog Festival in Frankfort, Indiana offers up heaven in a bun.
- At Sheboygan Brat Days in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, have lunch and see Brett Michaels.
- The St. Joe Pickle Festival in St. Joe, Indiana celebrates the town's favorite sandwich garnish.
- The Dillard Bluegrass & Barbecue Festival in Dillard, Georgia brings together great music and food.
- The Italian-American Council Festival in Akron, Ohio celebrates a proud heritage.
- The Irish Fair of Minnesota on Harriet Island, Minnesota offers Irish music, dance and more.
- The Hemmingway Look-Alike Contest in Key West, Florida brings together several Papa enthusiasts.

If you know of any others around the country -- let us know!

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Soccer is starting to catch on across the USA, especially after the American team beat Spain 2 to 0 in the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa. With this victory fresh in our minds (no matter what happens over there next, at least we beat Spain), the Kicking & Screening Film Festival starts in New York City on Tuesday, July 14.

This soccer-themed event will air four soccer movies and a soccer game for five nights at several soccer-friendly venues around Manhattan. And some soccer stars, like Alexi Lalas, will even make an appearance.

Among the films you'll have the opportunity to watch, Les Yeux dans les Bleus is a documentary about the French team as they play and win the 1998 World Cup. This exciting movie will kick off the whole festival when it airs for an audience at Opia Restaurant. Come for a half hour of cocktails at 7 pm, stay for the movie immediately afterward and the after party, which starts at 11 pm. Tickets to this first event are $11.

The price for the other screenings will also be $11 but if you'd like to catch the LA Galaxy play the New York Red Bulls on a big screen (immediately following a panel discussion with the aforementioned Alexi Lalas and two other soccer experts), you'll be able to do it for free at Slainte. The discussion starts at 7:15 pm and game kick off is at 8 pm.

The final night of the festival, attendees will have a chance to see In The Hands Of The Gods, a coming-of-age story of five young soccer players who travel from London to Argentina to find Diego Maradona. The film will screen at Central Bar. Come for cocktails at 6:30 pm and stay for the movie which will start at 7:30 pm

If you're in town, make sure you come out to see a little bit of this festival. If you haven't already caught soccer fever, you'll sure have it when you leave.

For a full schedule, click here.

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Get your bibs, spoons, forks and knives ready. This summer is all about food, food and more food. From ice cream to lobsters to garlic, you can find a festival celebrating all your favorite foods, if you just know where to look.



Here are some of the nation's most popular food festivals to think about if you're traveling to these areas:

Ice Cream in Boston
Jun 9-11
As the nation's largest ice cream festival, the 27th annual Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl will take place at Boston City Hall Plaza. Choose from the likes of Ben & Jerry's, Baskin-Robbins, Breyers, Häagen-Dazs, and more. 10 tons of ice cream will be served for three consecutive days to support cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Cherries In Traverse City, Michigan
July 4-11
The week-long National Cherry Festival will host a Cherries D'Vine epicurean showcase that will feature two favorite regional fruits - the cherry and the grape. Attendees will get to taste Cherry Pulled Pork, Michigan Cherry Salmon, or Cherry BBQ Smoked Chicken. There will even be a fashion show conducted by the National Cherry Queen and her royal court.

Clams in Yarmouth, Maine
July 17-19
The Yarmouth Clam Festival will welcome around 120,000 visitors as they participate in clam shucking contests, the successful It's Clamtastic! cook-off, and watch the Teen Clam Festival "Battle of the Cover Bands." Clam cakes and shore dinners are a given, of course.

Garlic in Gilroy, California
July 24-26
Garlic lovers will flock to California for the Gilroy Garlic Festival. Chow down on all things garlic (garlic fries, garlic BBQ, garlic steak tacos, etc.). When you're done sampling the garlic ice cream, take a gander at the Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen Pageant.

Lobsters in Rockland, Maine
July 29-August 2
The 62nd annual Maine Lobster Festival will feature tons of lobster, fried clams, fried Maine shrimp, steamed mussels and more at this seafood extravaganza. There will be a fun lobster crate race, arts and crafts, and folks can also sign up for the Seafood Cooking Contest (to win more than $500 in prize money).

Blueberries in Union, Maine
August 23-29
Union will have the Wild Blueberry Festival. Along with eating all the different blueberry pies you can handle, kids can also participate in the Wild Blueberry Pie Eating Contest while the parents check out the Two-Crusted Wild Blueberry Pie Competition. And if that's not enough berries for you, get more fruit servings at the Wild Blueberry Pancake Breakfast.

Find more food festivals near you.

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The Belmont Stakes or the Race for the White Carnations will finish off the Triple Crown series this Saturday when Calvin Borel rides Mine That Bird once again and faces several fresh horses.

The owners of Rachel Alexandra, the filly who won Preakness, have decided to have her sit out the final race. Instead, Mine That Bird returns as the favorite. But he'll have some stiff competition. It'll be an exciting race and one you won't want to miss so grab your Belmont Breeze (official drink of the Belmont Stakes from Dale DeGroff) and keep your eyes on the track.

After making history in the Preakness, jockey Calvin Borel returns to the track prepared to make a little more history. Borel may be the first jockey ever to win all three Triple Crown races on two or more horses. Mine That Bird also stands to become only the 12th horse to complete the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Double and the first since Thunder Gulch in 1995.

But Nick Zito, owner of the similarly named Miner's Escape and Brave Victory, both competing in Saturday's race, claims that Mine That Bird will lose Belmont. Zito, who also owned Da'Tara, the winner of last year's Belmont, aims to grab another victory but insists that no matter what his horses do, Mine That Bird will fail.

The horse owner is basing his theory on Mine That Bird's past performances. His running technique and his come-from-behind closing style may actually work against him in the race -- while many feel that those are actually the qualities that would win him the Belmont.

Regardless of the outcome, this year's Belmont is sure to be exciting. Make sure you catch the game no matter where you are. It'll be on ABC between 5 and 6:30 pm (Eastern) this Saturday. Or head right over to Belmont Race Track to catch the action live. And take our advice if your considering laying down a bet this weekend.

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Comedians are working the rooms this summer at comedy clubs, rock clubs, theaters, festivals and restaurants. Some are trying out new jokes and some are sticking to the script.

It's got to be lonely to tour alone, so go see one of these listed comedians and offer to buy them a beer afterward. Here is an abridged list of comedians taking to the road this summer.

Jim Gaffigan is taking his pale demeanor to Fort Myers, Florida on June 5. His summer dates conclude in Atlantic City on August 15.

The hardworking comedian, Brian Regan, visits Concord, New Hampshire on June 11. His last summer date is August 30 in Saratoga, California.

Kathy Griffin will start the jokes on June 4 in Montclair, New Jersey. Her summer schedule if full, ending in Wallingford, Connecticut on August 30.

The angry man, Lewis Black, will be ranting in Westbury, New York on July 10. His tour takes him across America, ending in Boston, Massachusetts on August 29.

Pete Correale will follow his Comedy Central special "The Things We Do For Love" on Saturday, May 30 with dates in June beginning in Marco Island, Florida on June 4 and ending in Schaumberg, Illinois on June 28.

The great comic genius, Matt Besser, will be doing dates on the east and west coast this summer at the Upright Citizen Brigade theaters in New York City and Los Angeles. Check out his videos at his myspace page.

The on-fire foul-mouthed brilliance of Louis C.K. can be witnessed this summer beginning June 11 in West Palm Beach, Florida. The author of Pootie Tang will end his dates in Montreal on July 26. Check his Website for added dates.

Carrot Top has risen above the "laughed at" comedian to something no other comedian has become and that is the Siegfried and Roy of comedy. Say what you will about his props but the guy is performing all summer at one place -- The Luxor in Las Vegas.

Judah Friedlander of 30 Rock will be in Schaumburg, Illinois on June 11 and doing dates until August 1 in Jersey City, New Jersey.

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This summer is going to be big with concert tours. Some bands are getting back together and hitting the road. Other bands are joining forces to give you more rock for your dollar. Ticket prices range from the teens to the hundreds.



If the show is at an amphitheater be sure to check on package deals for lawn seats. Unless you need to see the artist's face, those are the choice spots since you can relax on a blanket in the open. If you're still in a bind, get a truck, a lawn chair, a 12 pack and a parking pass. You'll still get to hear the band and you'll be the first one out of the parking lot.

Here are some highlights of the summer's concerts:

Together Again
No Doubt is back together and will be in Dallas, Tex. this Sunday. Their tour continues through August, ending in Honolulu. Tickets are around $60

Blink 182 the punk-pop 3-piece are bringing their fun tunes all over Canada and the US starting in Las Vegas on July 24. the extensive tour spills into the fall, ending October 3 in Atlantic City. Tickets are around $20

Package Deals
70's and 80's powerhouse groups Styx and REO Speedwagon will be in Sandy, Utah on May 30 continuing through July. Tickets are around $47.

Why ruin a good thing? Billy Joel and Elton John will be touring again this summer starting in Washington, DC on July 11 and ending with two shows in Philadelphia on July 30 and August 1. Tickets range from $102 to $182.

Crue Fest features Godsmack, Theory of a Deadman, Drowning Pool, Charm City Devils and, of course, Motley Crue. The festival kicks off in Camden, N.J. on July 19 and runs through September, ending in Darien Center, N.Y. on September 5. Tickets range from $30 to $95.

Lynyrd Skynyrd and Kid Rock are teaming up this summer with a southern rock tour that begins on June 26 in West Palm Beach, Fla. and ends in Wantagh, N.Y. on August 2.

Bringing the Rock
The Toadies will be touring the US and the UK this summer. They'll be in Boston this Saturday and ending their tour in San Francisco on July 19. Tickets are around $20.

Prog rockers, Yes, will tour this summer beginning in Indio, Calif. on June 26 and ending in Bethlehem, Pa. on August 2. The average ticket price is $43.

Stone Temple Pilots will be doing a short summer tour starting in West Hollywood, Calif. on July 1 ending in Atlantic City, N.J. on July 18. Like them or not you will probably recognize every song.

Metal gods, Judas Priest, will be touring the US and Canada beginning in Indianapolis on June 26 and ending on August 23 in Gilford, N.H.

Green Day will be touring the US and Canada this summer beginning in Seattle, Wash. on July 3 and ending in Inglewood, Calif. on August 25.

If you want to see The Boss this summer you'll only have one chance to see him in the US. He'll be at the Bonnarroo Music Festival on July 13. He'll be in Europe for the rest of the summer.

Divas
Madonna's summer tour begins in London on July 4 and ends in Sofia, Bulgaria on August 29. If you want to see her then you'll need to buy a plane ticket. All of the summer dates are in Europe. Same with Britney and Lady Gaga.

The saucy Katy Perry will kick off her US tour on the Today Show at Rockefeller Plaza in NYC on July 24 ending in Irvine, Calif. on August 4. After that, she will be touring the rest of the world.

Beyonce tours the US this summer starting in New York City at Madison Square Garden on June 21. She will end her tour with four dates in Las Vegas from July 30 through August 2.

Lasting a little longer than a lollipop, Lil' Wayne has a short summer tour and its also only in Europe. It begins in London on July 6 and ends in Frauenfeld, Switzerland on July 12.

Lovely Singer-Songwriters
One of the sweetest voices in the world is owned by Patty Griffin. She will be in Newport News, Va. this Saturday and touring the US through July, ending in Jacksonville, Ore on July 3.

The sweet sounds of the Indigo Girls can be heard this summer beginning in Vienna, Va. on June 10 going through September, ending in Asheville, N.C. on September 17.

Brooklyn Pride
They Might Be Giants kicks off their summer tour in New York City this Saturday and ending in Camden, N.J. on July 25.

TV on the Radio will be touring their unique sound through the US, Canada and Europe this summer ending the tour in their hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y. on August 11. Tickets average $22.

More Concerts:
- Hot Tickets
- TourTracker

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Some people are going to be surprised this Friday when they find out that they have Monday off. It may seem like it's a week early but Memorial Day is observed the last Monday of May.



Those who just found out have just been given a weekend with no plans. If you like staying at home, that's great but for those who want to get out to enjoy turkey legs and beer while listening to live music there are some great musical events planned.

Kerrville Folk Festival
Kerrville, Texas
May 23 & 24
This Saturday and Sunday in Kerrville will feature singer-songwriters of the New Folk Finalists for 2009. Among the finalists is Lucy Wainwright Roche, the daughter of Loundin Wainwright and the sister of Rufus and Martha Wainwright. Music isn't a race but it should be nice to see a good set of accomplished songwriters.

Luckenbach, Texas 160th Birthday Celebration
Luckenbach, Texas
May 23
If you are remotely close to this town, located between San Antonio and Austin, then you must go to this event. It begins on Saturday, May 23rd at 12pm and it's free. Local artists will provide live music. There's nothing more relaxing than sitting under a tree by an old post office, drinking a Lone Star and listening to someone play.

Atlanta Jazz Festival
Atlanta, Georgia
May 23 & 24
This year's line up includes Freddy Cole, Russell Gunn & Elektrik Butterfly and Hiroshima. It also includes one of the most powerful voices in jazz, Vinx. It's criminal that this guy is relatively unknown. His stage presence is gigantic. Go see him.

The Outer Banks Beach Music Festival
Manteo, North Carolina
May 24
Bring your lawn chair, drink beer and kick back. If you've never heard live beach music then this is the place to get schooled. Located on beautiful Roanoke Island in Manteo, this festival features R&B from The Tams, party music from The Holiday Band, yacht rock from The Craig Woolard Band and beach music from Sammy O'Banion.

DelFest
Cumberland, Maryland
May 22-24
If you like listening to bluegrass against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains then you should go to DelFest. Nestled in the mountains at the Allegany Fair Grounds in Cumberland is the 2nd Annual DelFest, a bluegrass festival named after musician Del McCoury. Del handpicked the talent for the festival's line up. Included are student pickers of the Delfest Academy. Camping is allowed on the fairgrounds as well as campfires.

Sacramento Jazz Festival
Sacramento, California
May 22-25
This year's line up includes the Count Basie Orchestra! That's one of 60 music acts in 23 different venues that will be performing this year. The genres run the jazz gambit and then some with ragtime, modern jazz, swing, big band, rock, zydeco, afropop, gospel and more.

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Whether you're planning on heading to the beach or grilling up hamburgers and hot dogs this weekend, keep in mind that this Monday, May 25 is the day that we observe Memorial Day and there will be plenty of events going on around the country in memory of those who put down their lives to defend our freedom.



If you're interested in taking part, check for Memorial Day events in your local area or look through our list of some of the biggest Memorial Day events this year.

Memorial Day Ceremony & Fleet Week
New York, New York
May 20 through May 25
Every year, New York City invites US Navy and Marines to join them for Memorial Day weekend. The service men and women arrive on Wednesday. Several of the events center around the Intrepid Museum, an air & space museum situated aboard the retired Intrepid Aircraft Carrier. Impressive flight maneuvers, parades and a Memorial Day Ceremony all take place in Manhattan.

Salute to the Troops
Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta, Georgia
May 23 through May 25
For three days, catch fantastic musical performances all around the park. The Army Ground Forces Concert Band is among the many acts scheduled to play. But the highlight will be the LaserShow Spectacular. Every night at 9:30 pm, laser lights and fireworks will light up Stone Mountain in what is sure to be an awe-inspiring event.

Chicago Memorial Parade
State Street in Chicago, Illinois
May 23, 2009
One of the largest Memorial Day parades, this parade starts each year with a wreath laying at Daley Plaza's Eternal Flame at 11:00 am, an hour before the parade marches down State Street. Thousands of spectators gather to watch the service men & women and veterans who proudly walk in this parade.

PBS National Memorial Day Concert
Kennedy Center in Washington, DC
May 24
On Sunday night, the National Symphony Orchestra will serenade an audience during this free concert. Special guests joining them on stage will include Dianne Wiest, Katharine McPhee and Trace Adkins and the show will be hosted by Gary Sinise and Joe Montegna.

Memorial Day at the Presidio
Presidio Main Parade Ground in San Francisco, California
May 25
Come watch the parade which will kick off at the Main Post at 10:30. The entire program will be capped off with a program dedicated to American veterans at the San Francisco National Cemetery at the Presidio. Join veterans and the rest of the community as they remember those who fought for us.

National Memorial Day Parade
Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC
May 25
Presented by the American Veterans Center, this parade will run along Constitution Avenue from 7th Street to 17th Street, passing the White House. Several members of the armed forces and veterans will proudly march together in this parade which has been an annual tradition for several years.

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