July 31: Bret Michaels (pictured)shares the bill withRick

Springfield at Pala Casino.

^{Courtesy photo}

Last weekend you had the X-fest and the queen of rock ‘n roll--Elton John. Well, coming up,another Saturday night that’s alright for fightin’ (and rockin’):

July 29: Steely Damned

Where: Belly Up Tavern

Tickets $16/$18 day of show

There are certain local bands that you always see pop up at various venues. Steely Damned might fall into that category, but these locals are one of the best tribute bands around. With Steely Dan, people either seem to love ‘em or hate ‘em. It’s strange that anyone can hate them, as the songs are such a brilliant blend of jazz and rock. Steely Damned have lots of musicians from various bands (Rockola, etc) and they have the horn section, so all the songs sound “just like the records.” I don’t usually condone talking while a band is onstage, but if you’re out with a bunch of friends and seeing a tribute band that didn’t cost an arm and a leg (like the real Steely Dan would), this is a band that will give you songs that don’t drown out the conversation. I recommend dinner at the Wild Note Café (attached to the Belly Up). It has great food. (more info: 858-481-8140)

July 30: Damaru

Where: City Heights Urban Village

Tickets: Free

Start the weekend off with some world beat music from a San Diego band that blends African and Middle-Eastern rhythms, with a touch of reggae/ska. The damarau is a two headed drum, thought to have mystical powers. This band has three percussionists, so naming a band after a drum was appropriate (don’t be the idiot that yells out, “more cow bell”). They also fill out their sound with sax, flute, guitar and vocalists. Whip out the incense (and, uh…anything else you might want) and start the weekend off right. (more info: 619-641-6103)

July 31: Rick Springfield/Bret Michaels

Where: Pala Casino

Tickets: $39 and up

It’s funny that the advertisements say, “The first time together” as if they’ll appear onstage together for a duet of “Every Rose Has a Thorn.” You may not be the biggest fan of Poison, but if 1980s hair bands are your guilty pleasure, this might be your last chance to catch Michaels. Seeing him live might make it a good time; and, it might take that gross taste out of your mouth from his reality show Rock of Love. Rick Springfield -- who for some reason was able to punch his wife and not suffer the bad press that Chris Brown and others have gotten – had songs that some considered cheesy, but in all honesty, rocked. They had decent hooks and catchy lyrics (Sammy Hagar actually wrote his minor hit “I’ve Done Everything For You.”) And Springfield was no one hit wonder with Jessie’s Girl. He had a #14 hit in the early 1970s with “Speak to the Sky,” and hits in the '80s with “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “Love Somebody,” “Love is Alright Tonight,” and “Affair of the Heart.” If you’re looking to save some money on your live rock, a few days later in the Grand Cabaret at Pala, you can watch the Beatles tribute band Help! They’re free. (more info: palacasino.com)

July 31: Gregory Page

Where: Westgate Hotel’s Plaza Bar

Tickets: Free

Gregory Page is another one of those local gems you cancatch at various intimate venues (I prefer The Ould Sod in Normal Heights). The former Rugburn is doing the singer/songwriter thing, but he does jazzy 1930s and '40s era tunes. He’s an amazing songwriter, and recently got this regular gig at the Westgate. It’s a venue you probably haven’t hit before, and an interesting, casual way to support a local musician that has a regular show (they don’t stay regular gigs if people don’t show up). (more info: 619-238-1818)

July 31: Transfer

Where: Casbah

Tickets: $10/$12

Transfer is going to be the next local band to hit it big. Why not be one of the ones who can say you saw them back when…at a small venue with less than 100 people (anyone see The White Stripes there before they broke big?) Also on the bill: The Bay Area’s “Mister Loveless” (sounds like the opposite of the Kiss song Dr. Love). Two other local talents are worth catching at this show, too. Lights on -- a local 5-piece with great harmonies and catchy tunes (Red Lights Flashing has hit written all over it), and Aaron Swanton, The Scarlet Symphony guitarist. (more info: 888-512-7469)