All things good should flow into the boulevard, said Pericles. I take that to mean that good art – and especially good music – shouldn’t be expensive. 

For a comprehensive list of where you can hear some quality tunes for absolutely nothing, consult our free summer music guide. In addition, the following three shows (which range from costing nothing to costing not-so-much) have come to my attention and are all coming to Milwaukee over the next few days. 

Sam Pace and the Gilded Grit are playing tonight, Aug. 17 at 10 p.m. at Fire on Water. They’ll be playing another show at midnight – both are free! The band is headed by Milwaukeean Sam Pace. Currently touring the country to promote their latest album, "The Feelin,’" the Gilded Grit has a bluesy, retro leitmotif that will appeal to any fan of the The Yardbirds or Eric Clapton. 

For a more modern feel, Makeshift Prodigy will be playing The Rave Vibe Room on Sunday, Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets are only $10 to see this Chicago-based indie/rock band. They have a solid alternative sound and upbeat tempos. If you like Coldplay, you’ll love this band. 

And how can I fail to mention the lavish rock divertissement Carnival of Madness, which comes to the Eagles Ballroom on Tuesday, Aug. 21. Ticket packages are BOGO right now and start at $37. This touring extravaganza features dark rockers Evanescence as well as Chevelle, Halestorm and New Medicine. And how can you resist buying tickets to something with keywords like "carnival" and "madness"?