This girl just wanted to have fun in July, and that’s precisely what she did on a few occasions — thanks to her husband, Mike, who arranged for her to attend three separate concerts.

It all started with a band that Mike follows much more closely than I do. It is called Ghost, and it’s not exactly a mainstream rock band, though its fans are extremely devoted.

With most of its songs and videos performed in elaborate costumes and makeup with religious overtones, I’m sure it’s not a band for everyone, but I also felt that it was a very good show.

It’s certainly not the first time we have seen Ghost, but the appearance at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh definitely occurred in the biggest venue we have seen them in. As a matter of fact, I was a bit concerned about whether the show would be big enough for the setting, but the band definitely delivered.

We had a great time that Friday night, and it was the start of a fun and entertaining three-show streak.

Next up was a triple-header at the Pavilion at Star Lake. We rarely go to Star Lake these days, but with pavilion seats and a lineup of three big acts of the 1980s that neither of us had ever seen live, it was well worth the trip.

Opening the show that night was the band Men at Work. Probably best known for the tune “Who Can It Be Now?” the band members certainly looked older than they did when that song hit the airwaves in 1981, but they still put on a great show. Among the tunes they played that night were a couple of other big hits, such as “It’s a Mistake” and “Overkill.”

Next in the lineup was Christopher Cross, bringing more of a soft rock vibe to the stage. The songwriter and guitarist and his band also brought a touch of class to the stage, with band members dressed in purple suits that matched the sparkling finish on some of their instruments and the trio of female backup singes dressed in teal green gowns.

They performed old familiar hits including “Sailing,” “Ride Like the Wind” and “Think of Laura.”

The headliner that night was a band I never expected to see — Toto.

Formed in 1977 when I was just a little girl, Toto included more jazz elements in its set, resulting in more of a funk and R&B sound.

But, considering that they have been bringing music to audiences for 48 years, they still rocked surprisingly hard.

The 1982 hit “Rosanna” brought the crowd to its feet, and many audience members remained standing, swaying and dancing for the entire set.

Other tunes in the setlist included “Georgy Porgy,” “I’ll Be Over You” and “Hold the Line.” But, of course, they ended the night with a performance of the iconic “Africa.”

For me, though, the concert we went to see this past Wednesday at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, was the best one yet. Although I never considered myself a fan, I really wanted to see a live performance by the 72-year-old Cindy Lauper — the singer, songwriter and actress known for her neon hair colors and eccentric outfits. She was truly a female standout in the music world of the 1980s.

One review of that show on cleveland.com states that she turned the venue into a time machine, “delivering a heartfelt, hit-filled farewell that was equal parts concert and confession.” I must say that I agree.

As that reviewer wrote, she still has the voice, the style and the flair, and her performance was at times like a casual chat and at other times like a full-blown pop show.

Lauper launched her “Girls Just Want to Have Fun Farewell Tour” this year, not because she plans to retire, but because she wanted to have one more big performing trip while she is still young and healthy enough to take her show on the road.

Once again, thanks to Mike, we had great seats, with mine right on the aisle. I spent most of the show on my feet, swaying, singing and dancing along to the performance. Among the hits on her setlist (in addition to the tour’s title song, of course) were “She Bop,” “The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough,” “I Drove All Night,” “Money Changes Everything” and some cover tunes. I couldn’t believe how many of those songs I knew by heart.

Unfortunately, that was the last show we have booked for a while. Our last show of the season — as of right now — will be Weird Al Yankovich, back at the Blossom Music Center. Weird Al was Mike’s pick, but I’m sure I will enjoy that show as well. I’ll let you know how it goes.