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Plenty of untraditional and unique options to have fun this 4th of July weekend
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Living in or around DC always seems like the best place to celebrate Independence Day. There is always so much entertainment out there to satisfy everyone on the 4th of July. But if fireworks are not everyone's ideal way to get their Independence Day party on, then fear not there are still plenty of fun and interesting choices that aren't just about the lights exploding in the sky. There is everything from culturally diverse concerts, festivals, parties that celebrate drinking and living it up and everything in between. Below are some music related standouts that will offer something to either do in addition to fireworks or could make for a good alternative. Because if there is one thing America stands for it is freedom of choice, that also includes each individual choosing how they want to celebrate this nation's independence, be it in a traditional or untraditional way.
• If it’s a little dancing you want this Independence Day then 4th of July at Black Cat is the answer to your prayers. Go get your dance on this Fourth at the official Radio Free DC album release party, featuring DJ Regal, Fort Knox Five, and the All Good Funk Alliance. There is sure to be fireworks at the always fun Black Cat but it just will of a different kind this time on the dance floor. The party begins at 10pm and the cost is only $10. For more info go to: http://blackcatdc.com/djregal.html
• The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is a free festival presented by the Smithsonian Institute. The festival presents various international culture events which included music and dance performances, arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations, storytelling and many other activities as well. This year's main theme is the power of words in African American culture, the power of music in Latino America, and the rich culture of Wales. The Folklife Festival is held on the National Mall between the Smithsonian museums and the event will take place everyday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through July 5th. For more info. go to: http://www.festival.si.edu
• If it is still traditional entertainment you seek but not so much the fireworks then The Air Force Band show at could be a good fit for you. It is absolutely free and the show will take place on the Southwest corner of the Washington Monument ground starting at 6 p.m. So whether it is an alternative or something to check out in between party hopping or before watching fireworks, this is a great chance to hear patriotic tunes by the men and women of the Air Force. For more info. on getting to the National Monument go here: http://www.nps.gov/wamo/
• A Capital Fourth Concert is a yearly DC tradition that is almost as much a part of the area's culture as fireworks. This concert features a show by the National Symphony Orchestra along with a few pop artists, all performing patriotic tunes at the U.S. Capitol Building on the West Lawn. This always entertaining concert is followed by fireworks over the Washington Monument. The concert is free and open to the public but make sure to get there early since it will no doubt attract a crowd. Admittance begins at 3pm. The event is broadcast live on PBS with a rebroadcast at 9:30-11:00 p.m. FYI for those who don't want to brave the crowds this concert will also be broadcast over National Public Radio on WAMU - 88.5 FM. For more information go here: http://www.pbs.org/capitolfourth/
• For those closer to Maryland, National Harbor has put together a very cool festival. The Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor, Maryland will kick off the July 4th weekend with an outdoor festival on July 3, 2009. Admission is $5 per person except for kids 4 and under who are free. Along with live music by: We The Band (who perform Pop, Rock and Country music) and Ewabo (who perform Caribbean,) there is a lot more to do at this festival. There will be plenty of food and drinks to choose from, the festival even has a Wine Garden for the adults. But the kids aren't left out either since there is also plenty to do for the kids too including a Kids Zone and face painting. Of course there will be a fireworks show too over the Potomac River. The entertainment begins at 3pm. For more information on tickets and more go here: www.gaylordnational.com/july3rd
If it is very non-traditional you seek:
• Why not kick the 4th of July weekend off in a very unconventional fashion by catching one amazing rock legend. Peter Murphy will be playing the State Theatre in Falls Church, VA tomorrow night. Go out and see the former Bauhaus singer bring his signature blend of rock and goth to the masses. Although Murphy has been making music since the 80s which has included solo releases, his most popular hit is perhaps "Cuts You Up." But Peter Murphy still is best known for his deep, sultry voice that made the band Bauhaus goth legends. Recently Murphy collaborated with Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor and Murphy is definitely an inspiration to many musicians who are trying to emulate the band's classic dark sound. Tickets are $30 and the show starts at 9pm. For more information go here: http://www.thestatetheatre.com/index.xml
• Does sitting by a pool drinking beer or sangria while listening to music sound like an ideal way to celebrate? This event put on by Lindy Promotions will feature plenty of amazing food to choose from and there will also be drink specials, including: $3 Coors Light, $4 Blue Moon, $5 Imperial vodka, $5 Skyline sangria, and $4 'buckets' of food. There will be music pumping all night long to keep this pool party rocking. There will also be plenty of water related fun as well including swimming, belly flop contests and more. There will also be raffles with prize including a chance to win Miller Lite Beer Pen tickets at Nationals Stadium and a free night at the hotel. For more information including tickets and more information go to: http://www.xorbia.com/rsvp/2008/MMXAdultSwim/tickets.cfm
• Celebrate the nation’s independence at K Street Lounge in downtown D.C. by taking a trip to foreign lands without leaving the nation's capital. This July 4th party will feature DJs spinning Arabic, Bollywood, Persian, Bhangra, and assorted mashups all night long. This is good for those who want a completely unique experience this holiday or just want to see what it is like for those who come from other countries to live the American dream. Tickets are $20 and the party runs from 9 p.m. - 3 a.m. For more info go to: http://www.desiclub.com/events
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