WHAT'S HAPPENING : FILM.

Fore!: The amusing, amiable ``Tin Cup'' does for golf what director Ron Shelton's previous comedies, ``Bull Durham'' and ``White Men Can't Jump,'' did for baseball and hoops, respectively. Which is, it makes the sport sensual, and pays tribute to the players who will never be big winners.

In his sweetest, most relaxed star turn in years, Kevin Costner plays a wasted talent who runs an armadillo-infested, West Texas driving range. When he falls in love with a psychologist (Rene Russo) who happens to be dating his college-rival-turned-pro (Don Johnson), Costner rouses himself enough to get to the U.S. Open. But what he's really out to prove is anyone's guess - probably even his.

Shelton has his usual witty fun with both pop psych and links lunacy. And even though ``Tin Cup'' could use a few strokes off its running time, the movie has a pleasant, easygoing pace, and occasionally makes watching golf exciting. But, like always with Shelton, people-watching is the real sport here.

SOURCE: - Bob Strauss

theater

`Camping' out: If you've been going through political withdrawal this week between the Republican and Democratic conventions, you might get a much-needed dose - along with a few chuckles - at ``Camping With Henry and Tom'' at the Pasadena Playhouse.

In this comedy, playwright Mark St. Germain imagines what might have passed during an actual 1921 camping trip taken jointly by auto pioneer Henry Ford, inventor Thomas Edison and 29th President Warren G. Harding. Stranded in the woods after Ford runs his Model T off the road, the men turn introspective and their true natures are revealed. As peccadillos and prejudices pour out, we are reminded once again that our heroes rarely bear up to close scrutiny.

An off-Broadway hit, the show is reprised at the Playhouse with much of the New York cast intact. Character actors Robert Prosky (Edison), Ronny Cox (Harding) and John Cunningham (Ford) keep us laughing with their finely detailed, wryly observed performances.

The run concludes with performances at 8 tonight, 5 and 9 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $13.50 to $39.50, available by calling [phone].

SOURCE: - Daryl H. Miller

music

Rock on: Forget the disco-crazed '70s. It's time to relive the bell-bottomed '60s on Saturday when Eric Burdon, Iron Butterfly and the Spencer Davis Group gather for a free show in Glendale.

``Glendale Rocks!'' - the third and final concert in the well-organized summer series presented by the city of Glendale in cooperation with Bank of America - takes place on Brand Boulevard between Broadway and Lexington Drive. Ex-Buffalo Springfield drummer Dewey Martin will act as master of ceremonies.

Burdon, former lead singer of the Animals and War, was first exposed to r&b growing up in Newcastle, England, where he joined the Alan Price Combo. The group changed its name to the Animals and swept America in 1964 as part of the British invasion with the No. 1 hit ``House of the Rising Sun.''

Other chart-toppers followed, including ``We Gotta Get Out of This Place,'' ``Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood'' and ``It's My Life.'' Burdon left to form War in 1969 and scored the top-10 smash, ``Spill the Wine.''

Iron Butterfly, which today boasts three original members, sold millions of copies of its 1968 acid-rock classic, ``In-a-Gadda-Da-Vida,'' featuring the much-parodied 17-minute title track.

Opening the show Saturday is the Spencer Davis Group, which landed two hits in 1967, ``Gimme Some Lovin' '' and ``I'm a Man.''

In addition, a second smaller stage on Brand Boulevard will feature 3 Bad Jacks, World Affairs, and Bud E. Love's witty takeoff of a Las Vegas lounge crooner.

``Glendale Rocks!'' starts at 6 p.m., and there is no charge. Information: [phone].

SOURCE: - Fred Shuster

family

Elephants and songs: Children's recording artists Dan Crow, Courtney Campbell and the Happy Crowd will give free concerts Saturday in the Los Angeles Zoo's parking lot.

The performances are part of the third annual KCAL Fun Fest sponsored by KCAL-TV (Channel 9), L.A. Parent and Parenting magazines. The event also will feature arts and crafts workshops, face painting, karaoke and Captain Cardio and his pot-belly pig.

The festival also is billed as a health and safety expo, and will include exhibits by the American Red Cross, Los Angeles Police Department and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, among others.

Activities begin at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. Campbell performs at 11 a.m., Crow at 1 p.m. and the Happy Crowd at 2:45 p.m.

dining

Italy in Santa Monica: The annual Festa Italia has shifted from Third Street to the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on the corner of Pico Boulevard and Main Street; but the admission price hasn't changed.

It's still free.

And this year, though still primarily a food festival featuring the wares of such top ristorantes and trattorias as Drago, Il Pastaio, Locanda Veneta, Rex Il Ristorante, Ca'Brea, Toscana, Il Moro, Alto Palato, La Luna, La Bruschetta, Il Tiramisu, Pizzicotto, Allegria, Locanda del Lago, Ca' del Sole, Cicada, Prego and L'Opera, there will be more than food to attract attendees.

The Saturday and Sunday event also will feature a show of 20 rare Ferraris, Italian mask makers, glass blowers, commedia dell'arte performances by two troupes, gelati and espresso bars, a grappa bar and a wine tasting pavilion.

Festa Italia begins at noon and ends at 10 p.m. both days.

For information, call [phone].

SOURCE: - Larry Lipson

CAPTION(S):

4 Photos

Photo: (1) Kevin Costner, left, and Cheech Marin move to the fore in the amusing, amiable ``Tin Cup.''

(2) The Happy Crowd will be among the acts giving free concerts Saturday in the parking lot of the Los Angeles Zoo.

(3) Veteran rocker Eric Burdon brings his act to Glendale on Saturday.

(4) Performing artists, including mimes, are among the attractions at Festa Italia this weekend in Santa Monica.