Tonight in Seattle: Happy Independence Day with Pickwick, Campfire OK and more!

Since the 4th of July is typically celebrated accompanied by food and fireworks, most of the regular venues are not hosting shows tonight and the musical action is taking place outside, where the current forecast is for a beautiful sunny day.

Pickwick, Eldridge Gravy and the Court Supreme, Ayron Jones and the Way, The Cellar Door, Campfire OK, Star Anna and the Laughing Dogs, Hey Marseilles  @ The Family 4th | 7/4 | Park opens at noon |  | All ages (beer garden w/ID)

Photo courtesy of Pickwick’s Facebook page

The annual Family 4th event is now in it’s 25th year and has grown into a sprawling celebration taking place both in Gasworks park and Lake Union park. In addition to the fireworks and food, it features two stages of live music from popular Seattle performers.

The Starbucks stage at Gasworks Park features a trio of performers steeped in the funk, soul, and blues genres. Ayron Jones and the Way will be kicking things off at 4pm with a blend of blues and rock inspired by performers such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix (whom they sometimes cover live), and Muddy Waters. Next up, Eldridge Gravy and the Court Supreme will be continuing the party with their raucous brand of George Clinton-inspired funk music. Then, Pickwick will close things out with a set of neo-soul that recalls the oldies hits of Motown and Stax records. All 3 of these bands have a reputation as fun live acts.

Hey Marseilles photographed by Hayley Young

Over in Lake Union Park, the Microsoft stage will be focusing on more acoustic and Americana-flavored music. Hitting the stage at 3pm are The Cellar Doors, whose Fleet Foxes-inspired indy/folk sound won them a first place finish in the “Opportunity Rocks” young band competition and a set at Bumbershoot. Following the Cellar Doors will be another folk-tinged Seattle band, Campfire OK, whose video for the song “Brass” was one of SSG Music creator Nikki Benson‘s favorites of 2011. Next up will be Americana singer/songwriter Star Anna and her band The Laughing Dogs. Closing things out (before the fireworks) will be Hey Marseilles.

If you wish to avoid the crowds, most of the smaller outdoor celebrations around the area will also be featuring a variety of live musical performances. And, if you’d rather stay inside (or keep the evening going after the fireworks), the Funhouse is not only open, but is hosting five hard-rocking bands, including Neutral Boy and Good To Die record’s Deadkill.

Ben Harper @ PNE Amphitheater  | 7/4 | Doors at 5pm | $50adv (Get Tickets) | All Ages

Ben Harper has been carving out his niche in American music for more than two decades. Harper made a name for himself as singer-songwriter with his eclectic sound that draws from a diverse array of genres. The soulful blend of blues, folk, reggae and rock has earned Harper two Grammy’s and a pile of critical acclaim.  Some of his recent accolades include:

Paste Magazine:

Harper is in top form, crafting songs that succeed lyrically and musically, capturing much of the blues-driven energy of White Lies while mixing in a delicate simplicity that adds a layer of depth to the bluesman’s latest effort.

LA Times:

…rage cuts through any sentimentality, from the distorted primal screaming on “Do It for You, Do It for Us” to the passionate, ragged glory of his searing guitar solos… If this represents the sound of pain and letting go — well, then, Harper makes it hurt so good.

Harper is on tour supporting his latest album Give Till It’s Gone, a record that he has described as “a real extension of the last year and half in my life, and all these sounds are inspired by my experiences. It’s as honest a musical statement as I could make.”  This honest musical statement is Harper’s 10th studio album and is marked by a musical focus punctuated by raw emotion. This show is a bit of a hike from Seattle (it is in Vancouver, Canada), but will be an excellent occasion to see Harper in his element — and a great opportunity to have some pountine.