Worth the drive 7/17/08

Less than an hour away

Marble Hill Magnolia Park, Marble Hill, Mo.

The Christmas in the Foothills group of Marble Hill will host a benefit concert and picnic in the park in the new Marble Hill Magnolia Park on Saturday. There will be live music and other activities like a Kidzone with a giant, prize-filled sand pit. The concert is a benefit for the new community stage project. Acts like The Gibsons, Arlingtons and Acoustic Crossroads will be onstage from 1 to 6 p.m. Bring a picnic basket and a blanket for the noon community picnic. For more information, contact Jack Watt at 573-238-3053 or e-mailjhanginc@yahoo.com.

Less than two hours away

Scotttrade Center, St. Louis

On Friday, American Idols Live, featuring Missouri native and season seven champ David Cook, will be at the Scotttade Center in St. Louis. A season seven class reunion brings the "American Idol" top 10 finalists back together on their national tour. The 10 best get to choose their own songs and plot their own acts, something a few finalists say allows the audience a deeper look into their personalities. There's everything from rocker Carly Smithson to crooner David Archuleta Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7. Tickets cost $37, $52 and $66. There is a limit of eight tickets per purchasing party. For ticket information, call 314-421-4400 or log onto www.ticketmaster.com.