Saving Money And Having Fun

Odyssey Storytelling was recently featured on the website Tucson On The Cheap , and it made me think about what a value Spoken Word events are.  From a free book reading and signing to a $7 two-hour storytelling show, you can get a lot of entertainment and not break the bank.

If you don’t’ believe me, compare these prices to some other typical amusements.  Steve Earle will be at the Rialto Theater and it will cost you $27 or $33.  An Arizona Diamondbacks single ticket ranges from Clubhouse Box for $240 to outfield reserve (whatever that is ) for $5 .  Tickets to see Bette Midler in Vegas will set you back $117 to $272.  See what I mean?

Here are some free book reading events coming up.

J.A. Jance signs and discusses her new mystery book, Fire and Ice,  from 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, August 6, at Mostly Books, 6208 E. Speedway Blvd.

Rev. Run, hip-hop icon, father of six and an ordained minister and his wife Justine Simmons sign their book Take Back Your Family at the Eastside Barnes and Noble, 5130 E. Broadway, on August 7 at 6 p.m.

Kyrsten Sinema, a Democratic Representative in the Arizona State Legislature, reads from her new book Unite and Conquer: How to Build Coalitions That Win and Last on Friday, August 28, 2009 7:00 p.m. at Antigone Books , 411 North 4th Ave.

Author Kate Mathis signs copies of her new book Living Lies from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, August 29. at the eclectic 17^th Street Market , 840 E. 17th St.

It’s a little slow this time of year but things really pick up in the fall.  Two other Tucson independent bookstores that have occasional readings are Clues Unlimited, 3146 E. Fort Lowell Road; and The Book Stop, 214 North 4th Avenue

For the kids, don’t forget story time at various Tucson Pima Library and Bookman locations.