Save on concert tickets in June

Last weekend, I experienced the un-frugal experience of hearing Carole King and James Taylor together in concert. Both were favorites of my youth (and they're aging well, I'm happy to report), and I still remembered the words to all the songs.

When it comes to picking experiences that are worth my hard-earned money, I find that concerts and plays are at the top of my list. The joy from those experiences lasts much longer than the joy I receive from buying things.

Through June 30, ticket seller Live Nation is making the concert experience a little cheaper by waiving the service fees for concerts at its 50 amphitheaters. The "Hello Summer, Goodbye Service Fees" deal includes tickets to more than 700 shows by 110 artists, including Meatloaf, Alice in Chains, Dave Matthews Band, Green Day, Phish, Rush, Santana, Jimmy Buffett, Jethro Tull, Tim McGraw, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, The Black Crowes and Sugarland.

You have to order the tickets by 11:59 p.m. June 30 to get the deal, but some of the concerts take place later. Though you won't have to pay a service fee, there may be other fees at some locations.

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If the concerts you want to see aren't included, you may still be able to find a discount on tickets. Deals abound in this economy. To find out about other discounts:

• Look for discount packages at LiveNation/Ticketmaster. As the concert approaches and tickets remain unsold, deals often appear. One of the most popular is a four-pack: four tickets for a set price.
• Before you buy any ticket, search for a promo code online. Sometimes you may get lucky.
• Subscribe to e-mail lists, "like" artists and ticket sellers on Facebook and follow them on Twitter to learn about deals.

In many locations, free concerts abound in summer. If you're lucky enough to have that opportunity, read your local newspaper and subscribe to local e-mail lists to find free music. I saw James Taylor in a free concert in 1976 at my state university.

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Is there anyone who doesn't remember his or her first rock concert? Mine was the Carpenters, in 1970. I had to take my mother because I wasn't yet old enough to drive.

And here's a deal that can't wait until Friday: On Wednesday, June 16, you can get a 16-ounch Superfruit Smoothie at Jamba Juice for $1. Click on "Summer Feel Good Specials" at the bottom left to find out about other specials.

Do you still remember your first concert? What was the best concert you've ever seen?

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