Music and more on Independence Day

The Fourth of July holiday is never a guarantee for live music. People love fireworks, so they flock to see explosions and bands in clubs almost never draw well. Many live music venues decide to skip live music on the holiday, and others will decide to close altogether - but, if you're looking for some places to see good bands this weekend, I have a few suggestions. If you're in the mood for smaller, intimate acoustic shows for your holiday, there are a few throughout the area. One that stands out is Hans Rotenberry at Little Magic in Johnson City. Rotenberry is a great singer-songwriter, with years of good albums and international touring and sales below his belt as the leader of the band The Shazam - it should be a good show to catch. There are several full-band shows of note on the 4th, especially if you plan to spend the day on or near the water. Seth McKay and the Moonshine Rivals bring their blend of country and rock to Painter Creek Marina on Saturday, while Dan Herrell and INK take the stage at the Lakeview Marins Marker '2' Grille witha slate of fan favorites to play. Graystone will spend Saturday evening at Cove Ridge Marina and T Minus Glory, a mostly contemporary Christian band, will grace the holiday stage at Boonies at Davis Marina. While cities and municipalities prepare to set off fireworks, several places are having pre-blast parties in preparation for the explosions. The "Red, White and Boom" Pre-Boom party at High Voltage offers music bingo and a DJ, as well as a pizza truck. The Kingsport Moose Lodge is cooking up free hotdogs and watermelon (just bring a side dish) to go with karaoke and the chance to win prizes (best dressed, most patriotic). Gypsy Circus Cider Company is serving a different live show altogether, with their recurring Gypsy Queens Drag Night, a 21 and over show with free popcorn and prize drawings. Speaking of municipalities with live music, if you want to stray from the major shows of the Tri-Cities and see something different this year, try Mount Carmel's Main Street Celebration with the Blues Drivers and Gents and Liars. That event includes food trucks, games, fireworks and more for those who want to escape the larger crowds in Kingsport. Gate City will offer a full day of activities on Friday, July 3rd, including a 5K, pickleball, cornhole and three-on-three basketball tournaments. Lots of music, vendors, kids activities, food trucks and more will follow. I post this, a show on the 3rd, because of the music lineup they've put together - one of the best of the entire weekend. A ticketed concert featuring Carson Peters and Iron Mountain, Dave Eggar and Bristol Lightning, and the highly-anticipated reunion of regional favorites Folk Soul Revival, will begin at 6 p.m. A 10 p.m. fireworks show will end the night. You can't forget fireworks and events in Elizabethton, Rogersville, Unicoi and Blountville and, of course, Jonesborough Days. Plenty of action to go around - but - if you're looking for more music than explosions, try a few of the suggestions above, Whatever you do, enjoy it, stay safe, drive sober and keep all your fingers and limbs. Happy Independence Day, folks!