It's hot as hell and the area burn bans are in full effect, which can only mean one thing: It's time to celebrate our independence!
This weekend's live music offerings are fairly strong, but at Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth on Monday, Willie Nelson is putting on the area's biggest Fourth of July concert of all. It's his annual tradition, and this year he'll have performances from himself, David Allan Coe, Ray Price and many others.
But if iconic country music (or independence) isn't really your thing, we've got plenty of other viable show-going options to share with you today, starting with the shows we've already mentioned this week.
Tonight, Hoyotoho, Sextape, Name Droppers, Killtron, and Twinbreaker keep the dancefloor moving at Hailey's Club in Denton, and Tweed EQ will perform their bluesy rock at City Tavern.
On Saturday, Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, and Chevy Woods will take over the stage at Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie and Kirk Thurmond, Dustin Cavazos, Noonday Morningstar, and Katie Carroll will be at The Prophet Bar.
On Sunday, David Bazan, foremrly of Pedro The Lion, will perform at Dan's Silverleaf, and Foster The People will be over at The Loft.
Hit the jump for more of this weekend's shows.
Ryan Thomas Becker
Friday, July 1, at NYLO Plano at Legacy
Sure, Ryan Thomas Becker plays locally in some capacity nearly every weekend, but this show on NYLO's patio should be really cool. If you find yourself in Plano or Frisco looking for something to do (chances are the closing of Lochrann's has left more than a few people bored on the weekends), then this will afford you the opportunity to see one of the area's best in a pleasant setting. NYLO's patio kind of rules.
Casey James
Friday, July 1, at Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth
Casey James returns to his hometown to put on one of his more high-profile shows since being edged out of the competition on American Idol a few seasons ago. It'll be interesting to see what a Casey James performance looks like without the panel of judges front and center. If you're into that sort of thing.
Peter Case
Saturday, July 2, at Double J Hacienda and Art Ranch
Peter Case has had quite an interesting career. The former Nerves bass player has hopped from one genre to another over the course of his 35-plus year career. Nowadays, he's doing a sort of folk and country thing with his 2010 album, Wig. His tour in support of his album will bring him through Mineral Wells of all places.
Disposable Music with James Porter
Saturday, July 2, at The Crown & Harp
James Porter might be the most prolific artist Dallas has seen in recent history -- or ever, really. In the seven years that he's been recording his own music under the moniker of Drawn By Jaymz, Porter has released 20 records -- almost all of them full lengths. It's a shame that his local shows don't have higher attendance, but this one at The Crown & Harp will be a good one.
Poo Live Crew
Saturday, July 2, at 8.0 Bar
We just like the name.
Tiger Darrow, lalagray, Ruby Jane
Saturday, July 2, at The Kessler Theater
Perhaps we've been a little too hard on Tiger Darrow in our reviews of her last two records. The peeps at the Kessler clearly love the Booker T. Washington grad's folky, fun output, given how much they book her. Throw lalagray and Ruby Jane into the mix and you've got yourself a fairly decent all-lady lineup at The Kessler.
Cinderella
Sunday, July 3, at House Of Blues
Cinderella's lead singer, Tom Keifer, is famous for singing the line "You don't know what you've got till it's gone." No, not the Joni Mitchell one. This one is sung with more of a spandex-induced screech. Odds are, you'll hear him sing the same line should you find yourself at the House Of Blues on Sunday.
Old Fashioned Family Fireworks Picnic
Monday, July 4, at Fort Worth Botanic Gardens
This outdoor picnic is actually happening on Saturday, Sunday and Monday evening. If it's anything like the presentations of years past, it'll feature a concert from the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and an impressive fireworks show. This usually has a pleasant family vibe. Or you can just go by yourself and drink. Either way.
...and that's it from us. Be safe this weekend, and we'll see you back here on Tuesday.
