What’s the most popular dance this week? Indepen-dance!  🙂

So in that spirit I bring you the live music listings and some other options for how to enjoy this Independence Day.

Thursday, July 3

1. Eric Green & Tommy O’Connell play at the Pier Party at Schooner Landing Restaurant and Marina, Damariscotta Maine 4-7 p.m.
2. Jud Caswell plays folk music at King Eider’s Pub Damariscotta, ME, 7 p.m.
3. If 4th of July’s patriotic spirit gets you fired up about the health of the country — not to bring politics into this, but after the Hobby Lobby decision maybe
   we all ought to enjoy our right to speak up about important issues —  so here’s your chance, check out Fed Up.The documentary explores the messed up state of our food industry. It’s playing at the Strand in Rockland until July 3. On July 4 they’ll be playing CHEF, the story of a chef’s struggle, which sounds really good too. Cost: $8.50. Good option if we do see more rain.
4. “Read, Write & Seafood” serves up food tastings and a book signing at The Pearl in Rockland. This is awesome because I love the name of the event and because Michelle Ragussis! She’s the chef at The Pearl. Did you watch her on The Next Food Network Star?  Love her. Along with her will be Marianna Cushing who will be signing her book Mahalas Lane and there will be a food tasting of Michele’s cooking. 3-6 p.m. at the Pearl.
5. Belfast Summer Nights hosts Bridget Matros and The Tom Luther Quintet, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
6. Smokestack has $1 PBRs today and I can’t think of anything more patriotic than knocking back a few pibbers, bub. And afterwards go belt out some songs at Karaoke at Cuzzys! Starts around 9 p.m. and is their most popular night.
7. Trackside Station in Rockland is celebrating on July 3rd with DJ VJ in da house starting at 9 p.m. and drink specials and patriotic giveaways. ‘Cause we all need red, white & blue Bud Light merch, obvi.
8. Alex & Shayna play their fun pop/rock covers at The Slipway in Thomaston from 6-8 p.m. I really like seeing these guys play. And I love the Slipway!
   
9. DaPonte String Quartet will play at the Visitor Center of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay

Friday, July 4

1. First Friday Art Walk in Rockland. Galleries in downtown Rockland are open to the public from 5-8 p.m. with refreshments so visitors can get a taste of the art on display and the wine and snacks. This is a fabulous community event, and great for visitors too! Pick up an Arts in Rockland (AIR) brochure at any gallery to get a list and map of all the participating galleries.

2. Thomaston does July 4th with a bouncy house, live music, carnival rides, you name it. They even have a hot dog eating contest starting at 12:30! (Sorry bubs, you need to register for it in advance though. But let’s all go watch!! ‘Cause ‘Merica!) The band playing before the fireworks will be local rockers,  Animal House, playing from 5-9 p.m.

3. Camden Rotary Club’s annual Fourth of July afternoon concert in Camden Harbor Park includes:

• 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm The Muellers – Bluegrass
• 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm The Midcoast Community Band – Show tunes & more
• 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm Reina del Cid – Folk Rock
• 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm David Dodson and The Lowdown – Yay for The Lowdown!
• Fireworks at 9 p.m. — Update! Fireworks are canceled 🙁

Where to watch the fireworks from? Camden Harbor Park is great, but so crowded. Some people to Laite Beach on Bayview St., but I worry that angle would be weird because you’re a bit past Curtis Island and the fireworks, so it’s like the backstage pass. I’ve watched from the Camden Yacht Club before and had a great view, so anywhere on the pier would probably be awesome. Did I hear some people hike or drive up Mount Battie (Camden Hills State Park) to watch the fireworks? That might be nice to have a cool view of the entire harbor and avoid the crowds. And my last suggestion, maybe go to Waterfront Restaurant to get some drinks and yummy food while you watch the show. They have a really nice cheese & fruit plate on the appetizer menu that would be perfect. Or if you want ideas for other places to sit outside and enjoy drinks on the water check out this list I put together: Docktails & Deckadence.

4. Or on a boat! — The best way to spend 4th of July in this area is watching the fireworks from aboard a boat. Lucky for us there are plenty of schooners and boats with firework tours. Here are just a view to give you an idea.

• Camden Harbor Fireworks Sail on the Schooner Olad out of Camden Harbor, 7 – 9:15 p.m., $39, BYOB.
• Fireworks Cruise with Camden Harbor Cruises, 8:15-9:30. $35 Adults, Bar on board, with local beers and wine, Bring Your Own Snacks.
• Hardy Boat Fireworks tour out of New Harbor, 7:30 p.m., $25. Beer & Wine and healthy snacks available for purchase on board.

5. Celebrate 4th of July with The 220s at Herringbones in Boothbay Harbor. Music starts at  9 p.m. 21+, No cover.

6. Raised By Wolves will be jammin’ out some red, white & BLUES music for ya at The Highlands Coffeehouse in Thomaston. Music starts at 7 p.m.

7. July4th Dance Party at The Speakeasy in Rockland with electronic beats provided by Quantam and the Vistas. Music starts at 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 5

1. Shannah Underwood at  Enoteca Lounge (at the Samoset Resort). She will play 5-7 p.m.  each night July 5th-7th. She plays lovely folky bluesy music.
2. The Myrtle Street Tavern hosts The Murder Weapon! They are going to be rockin’ us with psychobilly/punk music and it’ll be flippin’ sweet as always. Think lyrics and rhythm that sound like Elvis Presly with a faster punk pace. How many punk bands do you know with a big stand up bass? Ya, they’re awesome. Listen to them here. Be prepared for rowdy rebel types (like me) celebrating because it’s a special occasion – the band is celebrating 10 flippin’ years of being a band! What do you get a band for it’s birthday? Drunk? I know, that’s what I get 😉 Music starts at 9 p.m. 21+, $3 cover. Event info here.
3. $2 Pistol are playing at The Speakeasy 9 – midnight. These guys rock! Awesome classic rock covers and some hip new songs too! I love when they play Jake Bugg. Don’t forget to check out the $5 Saturday drink special. Go check out the Speakeasy’s snazzy new dance floor! Cost is $3, but no cover if you got dinner at The Chowder House or The Speakeasy.
4. Brinytide plays a mean  fiddle at Rock City Cafe. Irish folk music starts at 7 p.m. Event is free. Tipping the musicians suggested. Food, coffee, beer & wine available for purchase.
5. Live music by Douglas Gimble and HDRnB soul/groove band aboard The Harbor Princess out of Boothbay Harbor. The cruise is 6pm-9pm. $30 per ticket. Gotta get tix in advance. Cash bar on the boat. What better way to enjoy summer!? I am a huge fan of a good booze cruise. Def good for the soul. FMI and to get tix go here.
6. At Trackside Station DJ VJ gets the music goin’ for  a Red, White & Blue Patriotic Party, 9 p.m. 21+, no cover.
7. Alex & Shayna play their fun pop/rock covers at Cuzzy’s in Camden from 6:30-9 p.m.
8. Contra dance at the American Legion Hall in Belfast. Lessons at 6:30, dance at 8 p.m. Cost $10 for adults. www.belfastflyingshoes.org.
9. Blind Albert playing the red, white & BLUES at Narrows Tavern 8 p.m.

Sunday, July 6

1. Jazz Jam at The Highlands Coffee House in Thomaston 1-3 p.m. Come join in or just listen and enjoy.
2. The FOG Bar and Café has Drink and Draw starting at 7 p.m.  They supply art materials and there is a different theme each week. You also get to enjoy happy hour all night during the event. $2 off all drafts. So, another chance for craft beers! Also food specials on bar menu and $6 select cocktails like a Blackberry Cosmo (delish!)
3. Did you know — Every Sunday you could be on a BOOZE CRUISE!? Reggae Cruise with The Dani Tribesman Band aboard the Harbor Princess 6pm-9pm. $30 per ticket. Gotta get tix in advance. FMI and to get tix go here.
4. The Pearl has $3 Mimosas & Bloody Marys for Sunday Fundy. Go get some brunch and enjoy live music by Alex & Shayna.

Have a happy 4th!