July 3, 5, 6: DMB, ’nuff said

Yeah, the good old standard of summer concerts is coming to town, and I hear they still put on a pretty good show. And with one show at Tweeter Center the 3rd and two more at Alpine Valley the 5th and 6th, there is a slight chance you might actually get a ticket … for at least $50, of course.

July 4, 5, 6: mmm, mmm good

The Taste of Chicago did an impressive job of booking bands this year, so go eat until you’re sick and then lay around like a beached whale and listen to any number of the following: The Wallflowers with Pete Yorn and Guster; Sheryl Crow with Franky Perez & The Highway Saints; or Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Alice Peacock. Oh, and did I mention it’s free? Yeah, baby.

July 5: I want my baby back …

Come for the ribs, stay for the classic entertainment. Tonight, the Naperville Ribfest’s mainstage act is Blondie. And as if listening to “Heart of Glass” while noshing on a full rack (animal flesh, not boobies, folks!) isn’t enough, it’s philanthropic. Your $5 donation helps to prevent child abuse … and promote “Americanism.” Head to Martin Avenue in Naperville by taking I-88.

July 5, 6: Get your blocks off

Rock Around the Block is a two-day neighborhood festival at the intersection of Lincoln, Belmont and Ashland Avenues and includes more than 30 area bands, arts-and-crafts vendors, food and much more. Not too shabby for a mere $5 donation, huh?

July 8: No, not harry potter

Now that the kiddies (and kiddies at heart) are done trampling Barnes and Noble, 1701 Sherman Ave., scavenging for extra copies of “The Order of the Phoenix,” the adults get their chance. Check out writer Joseph Epstein and what he has to say about his first collection of stories since 1992, “Fabulous Small Jews,” at 7 p.m., free of charge.

July 8: More o’ norah

Everyone’s favorite smoky, jazzy (and did I mention hot?) up-and-coming singing star Norah Jones will be at the Ravinia Festival at Highland Park. It’s sold out — so call your sketchy ticket hookup now.