After getting crunched by rising gas prices, astronomical rents and nagging student loans, winning a free pair of tickets can feel like a small fortune. And while calling a radio show may seem like something your uncle used to do in his heyday, if you want to lord a +1 over friends and coworkers like a sugar-addled Charlie Bucket, here are four easy ways to come up on free tickets this summer.
1. KCRW (89.9 FM). While $10 per month for a KCRW membership might not be for everyone, rest easy knowing that you’re supporting a world-class NPR affiliate while also giving yourself a good shot at winning tickets. Not only do they have daily on-air ticket giveaways, but the exclusivity of the membership translates to a good chance that your call will get through. Members are limited to one giveaway every 90 days and prime times for winning are Saturday and Sunday from noon-6pm, weekday mornings on Morning Becomes Eclectic and from 8pm-midnight on weekdays.
2. The Scenestar. Not only is this site an excellent resource for live music in Los Angeles (check their Twitter feed for on sale dates and set times for upcoming shows), but they also frequently give away tickets for all sorts of shows around town. No entry fee required here. Only an email and a prayer.
3. KXLU (88.9 FM). This college radio gem out of LMU is truly independent and somewhat fringe in its punk/garage aesthetic. If that’s your sort of thing, their Twitter feed will keep you in the loop on upcoming giveaways along with the zany antics of their DJs. Good times to listen in for tickets include Tuesday morning shock jock parody "The Zoo Croo" and Thursday afternoons for "Part Time Punks."
4. KUSC (91.5 FM). If your musical tastes are more Stravinsky than Sub Pop, then classical music station KUSC has you covered. Since some classical tickets can carry a hefty price, check out their Twitter feed for contests that will give you access to elegant venues across the Southland.
5. KCSN (88.5 FM). KCSN out of Cal State Northridge is another non-commercial radio station that skews more towards the music of singer-songwriters and Americana. Make sure to check out their Ticket Window for a chance to win tickets to one of their many sponsored events—become a member and you're eligible to win.
6. KAMP (97.1 FM). AMP radio features free tickets to some of the hotly anticipated top 40 and mainstream EDM acts coming to town. Since the audience for these contests is considerably larger, the probability of winning tickets entirely depends on the number of people entered. Strength in numbers is always a solid strategy, so have your whole household sign up. Your roommate might not admit it now, but given the opportunity, they'd drop everything to see Ariana Grande at the Staples Center.
7. KIIS (102.7 FM). With KIIS FM giveaways you will typically need to be caller #102, so keep their number on speed dial and keep calling! Keep in mind that most of the phones will ring excessively before a pickup, so be sure to stay on the line if you get anything other than a busy signal.