I'm on a tight budget. A VERY tight budget. But I also love the arts. So it's hard to spend money on concerts and plays, especially when tickets can run from $10 to $35 in this town.  And for a Rabobank show, the cost can sometimes run up to $80 or more!

That's why I love The Empty Space so much. Last night, I saw a kick-ass show, "Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical." The cast kept their energy throughout the 2 1/2 hour performance (that includes intermission). It was a lot of singing and dancing. And smoking. And pill taking. And wigs. It was a great trip! I'm can't stop humming "Aquarius" now!

Two female voices really stood out, although I forgot to bring the program home with me so I couldn't tell you their names. But tonight is their last show, so go! You're going to love it!

The thing about The Empty Space is they don't charge admission. They just ask nicely for a donation. The recommendation is $10 for adults and $5 for students. But I seriously could only afford $5 last night, so that's what I dropped in the glass jar. And for people who just can't pay, that's OK. They welcome you with open arms. They pride themselves on being a donation-only community theater and their mantra is they are "setting theater free."

The theater is located off Oak Street at the back of the strip mall where Pizzaville USA is. The show tonight starts at 8 p.m. Get there early for a front-row seat. You will get hugged.