Grammy-winners The Mars Volta return to the Santa Barbara Bowl for the first time since their spectacular, sold-out 2005 performance on Wednesday, September 2nd. Tickets go on sale, Saturday, August 1st, and not only did we want to tip you off, but we also have a pair of tickets to give away. The group is touring in support of their fifth studio album, Octahedron. Hailed by The New Yorker as perhaps the most musically adventurous act currently signed to a major label, here’s a chance to see their impressive sound in a glorious outdoor setting. We’ll pick a winner in a few weeks. Best of luck!

MARS VOLTA

Picking up the pieces from At the Drive-In, Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez formed the Mars Volta and wasted little time branching out into elements of hardcore, psychedelic rock, and free jazz that expanded on the boundaries of their previous work. Although their previous band’s demise ultimately arrived before they were able to truly capitalize on their mounting commercial triumphs, the Mars Volta immediately impressed with their willingness to eschew conventional logic and push themselves into new artistic directions instead of opting for the more marketable sounds. The Mars Volta’s current line-up is Marcel Rodriguez-Lopez, Thomas Pridgen, John Frusciante, Isaiah Ikey Owens, Juan Alderete de la Pena, Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez.

Tickets On Sale Saturday, August 1 @ Noon. Tickets available at all TicketMaster outlets including: F.Y.E, select Macyís, Ritmo Latino, the Arlington Theatre and the Santa Barbara Bowl Box Office. To charge by phone please call, 800-745-3000. Order online at www.ticketmaster.com.