The Great Escape: Back to the 80s

Welcome back to , where each week we tell you about one great idea that will make your life a little easier, a little more fun - and hopefully a bit of both.

This week's escape proves that you don't need to travel far to have a big night out on the town.

With San Francisco just a stone's throw away, don't we all pretend to ourselves that we'll take full advantage of its nightlife? But when you factor in the babysitter, the parking, and all the planning, it doesn't always seem like such a great idea. Fortunately, Mill Valley still knows how to party, and is sure to prove it again when the return this weekend to .

An early-80s ska band from Birmingham, England, the Beat broke up in 1983, but ultimately reformed in the last decade and now have two touring groups, one in the UK and one here in the US. The US version is fronted by "legendary king of ska" Dave Wakeling, an original member of the Beat and General Public.

Their hits include "Mirror in the Bathroom" and a memorable cover version of Smokey Robinson's "Tears of a Clown," but half the fun of an English Beat concert is time traveling back to the 80s, whether you were a youngster or a teenager back in their heyday.

Grab a in town beforehand, or even a across the street. Either way, you're only looking at 3-4 hours worth of babysitting, no bridge toll, no reservations to make, no parking hassles, and no steep ticket prices. In fact, you'll probably be feeling pretty lucky that your sleepy little town still knows how to have fun.

The 411: The English Beat play Saturday, February 19 at 142 Throckmorton Theatre. General Standing Tickets are $25 or $28 on day-of-show. Click here for more information.