A little bummed because you couldn’t afford to shell out the $20 to $30 to see the Counting… A little bummed because you couldn’t afford to shell out the $20 to $30 to see the Counting Crows play the inaugural concert at the Petersen Events Center? No worries my friends, this weekend you can still have your money and your music, too. The wonderful venue that makes this possible is Oakland’s own Club Laga. Local bands will pack just as much excitement as the Counting Crows all weekend long.

Tonight, Club Laga features the Buzz Poets as well as Pleasure Technicians, A Week in July, and Follproff. No matter where the Buzz Poets play – Hard Rock Cafe, Amphitheatre at Station Square or the Post-Gazette Pavilion – they are always joined by high-energy fans, making their shows that much better. Tickets are $10, and the all ages show starts at 7 p.m.

The Guitar Center Rock Off happens tomorrow at Club Laga; 15 local bands will be playing including Better Off Dead, Featherlight, CBJ, Misdirected and many more. With this many bands, everyone’s musical tastes are sure to be satisfied. This is also an all ages show, and doors open at 1:30 p.m. and the show kicks off at 2 p.m. To save a little more money, purchase your tickets in advance at any Ticketmaster location for just $6. Procrastinators are going to spend a little more; tickets are $8 at the door.

With all this excitement going on, the Counting Crows will fly right out of your mind, and your pockets will have a little more change in them for whatever comes along next weekend.

More info can be found at www.jokerprod.com.