A string of free concerts kicks off the weekend, perfect if you’re rationing off funds in order to pay rent at month’s end or expecting to blow a lot of money at a Vegas bachelor party soon thereafter (or in my case, both). Quannum MC Lyrics Born, fresh off of a suprisingly invigorating Coachella set (helped in no small part by his live backup band), fires up another wonderful Thursday evening as part of the Santa Monica Pier summer concerts series. Friday 60+ piece hip-hop orchestra Dakah delights the hometown crowd at the lovely Cal Plaza (set up admist the huge fountains in the middle of the expansive multi-tiered plaza — who knew downtown could be so picturesque)? Saturday Mexican electronic/rock revolutionaries Nortec Collective get la gente going at the very same spot (here’s a tip: get drinks “to go” at the hotel patio bar in between MOCA and the plaza fountains).