Cheap Thrills

Flutter bugs. Ever meet someone who just hates butterflies?

Me either. Most people just can't get enough of those cute little fluttering idiots.

Now you can learn how to attract butterflies to your own backyard or patio during a lecture called Butterfly Gardening for Urban Yards and Patios. Join Karen Hillson, past president of the Southeast Arizona Butterfly Association, who has identified more than 50 butterfly species in her backyard habitat.

Find out what kinds of plants to grow and how to care for them in order to keep attracting butterflies. You'll also learn how to identify common butterflies found in urban neighborhoods.

The free event starts at 7 p.m. Saturday at Bookman's East, 6230 E. Speedway Blvd. For more information, call 621-7724.

Jazz it up. Presidio Grill's got your Valentine's number.

At least if she (or he) likes jazz. Thursday Night Live Jazz continues tonight with JJJazz Duos. Listen to the hot live music as you relax at the bar or dine in Presidio Grill's elegant dining room.

Don't worry about paying a cover, but reservations are suggested for the restaurant's specially priced three-course V-Day dinner.

JJJazz with Janice Jarrett and Jorge Pastrana, plays from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Presidio, 3352 E. Speedway. For more information and reservations, call 327-4667.

Acoustic romance. If things are a bit tight this Valentine's Day and you're looking for a way to impress a date without busting your bank, think about this.

The 21st event in the Tucson Songwriter Showcase Concert Series features the group Betty Diamond, with guest performer Pete Bernhard, from Santa Cruz, Calif., in a friendly, acoustic, non-smoking setting.

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Hazy Dayz Lounge Cafe, 187 N. Park Ave. Admission is free, with a $3 suggested donation for Betty Diamond. For more information, call 749-1880. Rock a world. Let's face it. Your kids probably don't know the rock show's in town, let alone anything about rocks.

Get them interested in gems and minerals with a visit to the Tucson Children's Museum, where they'll get a taste of all that glitters.

The kids will have an opportunity to meet Big John Duhanich, who has been prospecting for gold for more than 20 years. His talk will be as educational as it is entertaining.

The event is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the museum, 200 S. Sixth Ave. Admission is $5.50 adults, $4.50 seniors and $3.50 children. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The museum is closed Monday. For more information, call 792-9985, ext. 112.