Summer is the ultimate time to go hear a band … or a diva. There are always the hipster shows at the Casbah or the Whistle Stop (which has a social calendar all its own), and sultry jazz to be heard at Dizzy’s or The Onyx Room, but these are the season’s hottest big-tickets.

July 12

8:00 p.m.

San Diego Sports Arena

She made a name for herself with the highly acclaimed Lilith Fair tour and if you think she sounds good on CD, you should hear her live.

Songs: “Fallen”, “Stupid”, “I Will Remember You” and “Building a Mystery”

July 25

7:30 p.m.

Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay

Is it really retro if you never really left it behind? ’80s diva Cyndi Lauper hasn’t changed a bit with her punky haircut and clashing clothes, and we love her for it. While she has taken a jazzy turn on her new CD, At Last, you can expect to hear plenty of old favorites in this show.

Songs: “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”, “Time After Time”, “True Colors”, “I Drove All Night” and “At Last”

July 30

7:30 p.m.

Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay

Looking for a little pre-Pride entertainment? The diva of dishing celebrity awards attire will be live on stage for one night only. Rivers is back with her sharp-tongued humor and is ready to skewer everything from sex and fashion to her daughter Melissa and aging.

August 17

7:30 p.m.

Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay

What diva queen can resist the opportunity to see the daughter of the one-and-only Judy Garland live on stage? Liza with a “Z” is back, minus ex-hubby David Guest, singing favorites from Flora, The Red Menace, The Act and Cabaret. Also, believe it or not, her latest show included a cover of the Mary J. Blige song “Family Affair”.

September 2

7:30 p.m.

Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay

She’s funky, she’s got big hair and her voice is one of a kind. In just three short years, Gray has made a name for herself and her live performance is a surefire way to celebrate Labor Day weekend and the end of summer.

Songs: “I Try”, “Sexual Revolution” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’ or I Will Kill You”