Although the vast majority of us are going to spend the Fourth of July weekend reaching high levels of slovenly behavior, mind-numbing consumption, and ill-advised conversations about the state of our nation, some folks actually have to work. And, though gas station attendants, doctors, police, and Target employees all deserve a few kudos for their sacrifices, we're talking about the plight of the local musician and venues for a moment.
Do a solid for the many local artists who have decided to work this weekend, and get to a couple of the robust shows ahead. Even if it's pretty much a certainty that none of these acts will cover Miley Cyrus' "Party in the U.S.A." -- and please correct me if I am wrong -- this is a chance to put that whole "angry American" persona on the shelf for a couple days and revel in free speech with accompaniment created by your neighbors.
Here are our picks for tonight, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Friday, July 1:
Sophie Sputnik. With Nasta. 7 p.m. Friday, July 1 at Radio-Active Records, 1930B E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. No Cover. Click here.
A night of: Folk close to the Regina Spektor spectrum in the case of Boca Raton's Sophie Sputnik and a hybrid of beat-heavy acoustic jams courtesy of Deerfield's Nasta.
The Shakers Crabby Road CD Release Show. With Grey & Orange, and Out of Sorts. 10 p.m. Friday, July 1 at Propaganda, 6 S. J St., Lake Worth. Tickets cost $1. Click here.
A night of: New, muscular punk songs from Coral Springs' the Shakers, power-pop via Lake Worth's Grey & Orange, and some fierce oi! action from Out of Sorts.
Timb Krueller's Birthday Show. With the Freakin' Hott, and Zombies! Organize! 10 p.m. Friday, July 1 at Poor House, 110 Nugent Ave., Fort Lauderdale. No cover. Click here.
A night of: Genre hopping madness all-around touching country, rap, hard rock, and everything in between via Fort Lauderdale's Timb. Support from glam rawk specialists the Freakin' Hott (Carver Estates), and Boca Raton robot rappers Zombies! Organize.
Saturday, July 2:
The Surfaris. With Jacuzzi Boys, The State Of, and Bonnie Riot. 5 p.m. Saturday, July 2 at 500 block of Clematis Street, West Palm Beach. No cover. Click here.
A night of: Surf rock by the out-of-town headliners, new wave-flavored garage punk from Jacuzzi Boys (Miami), infectious synth pop of The State Of (also Miami), and West Palm Beach's avant-rockers Bonnie Riot -- all to celebrate the grand opening of Longboards restaurant.
A New Way to Live Forever. With Grey & Orange. 10:30 p.m. Saturday, July 2 at Dada, 52 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. No cover. Click here.
A night of: Gritty alt-rock from Fort Lauderdale's A New Way to Live Forever (featuring Kill Miss Pretty's Russ Rogers). Jackalopes welcome.
ATTN: Radio. With DJs Andie Sweetswirl, and Mig. 9 p.m. Saturday, July 2 at the Green Room, 109 SW 2nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale. No cover. Click here.
A night of: Discordant indie rock via Fort Lauderdale's ATTN: Radio, plus an art show featuring South Florida Camera Club as part of Gallery Saturdays.
Sunday, July 3:
BBQ and Bands. The Wholetones, Gator Nate, and the Sweet Chariots. Sunday, July 3 at Poor House, 110 Nugent Ave., Fort Lauderdale. No cover. Click here.
A night of: Banjo-fueled rock from Naples' the Wholetones, swampabilly stud Gator Nate, and Port St. Lucie rockabilly party starters the Sweet Chariots.
Red, White & Blue Punk Rock Blowout. With 707's, To Be Hated, Gutter Queens, Jolly Badfellow, and Dead Cat Lounge. 10 p.m. 2608 S. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. Click here.
A night of: Uh, balls-to-the-wall punk rock! Fort Lauderdale-tied To Be Hated, the 707's, Gutter Queens, and Jolly Badfellow, as well as Tampa's Dead Cat Lounge,
Monday, July 4:
Fireworks After-Party. With Rebel, and the Reckless Dames. 8 p.m. Monday, July 4 at the Speakeasy Lounge, 129 N. Federal Highway, Lake Worth. No cover. Click here.
A night of: Miami's Rebel brings the anthemic guitar rock, and Fort Lauderdale burleque troupe Reckless Dames brings the eye-candy.
A night of: Patriotic soul buzz with a hint of twee. Never discount the friendly keyboard racket of West Palm's the Jameses, the spooked-out punk via Cop City Chill Pillars, and two Philadelphia acts, the psychedelic Creepoid and fuzzmasters Nothing.
