the hum / By Bob Doran

Dancing for Independence

Fourth of July festivities, drummer wanted, and The Kids of Widney High

(July 3, 2008)  What do you think of, musically, when the Fourth of July rolls around? Brass bands and military drumlines maybe? “The Star Spangled Banner”? For me the old X song “Fourth of July” comes to mind: “On the stairs I smoke a cigarette alone. Mexican kids are shootin’ fireworks below…” and that great chorus, “Hey baby, it’s the Fourth of July. Hey baby, it’s the Fourth of July. Hey baby, baby take a walk outside.”

My plan for the Fourth: Take a walk outside and on down to the Arcata Plaza, where Independence Day festivities kick off with a decidedly non-military drumline as Bloco Firmeza pounds out a Brazilian batucada (at 11:15 a.m.) and the Samba de Chuva dancers shake things up. There’s an international array of dancers as the day rolls on: step-dancing by the Emerald Coast Irish Dancers (at 1), bellydancing by Shoshanna and friends (2:45), all-American breakdancing by Humboldt Rockers (4:30). In between you can expect some noodle dancing when the Dead tribute band The Miracle Show plays at noon. Since we’re in Humboldt, homegrown reggae is a must: Jah Sun and High Voltageplay at 1; Ishi Dube and Massagana take the stage around 5 (assuming things run on schedule, which they seldom do). Later on, come nighttime, Ishi and Jah Sun team up as Lion’s Camp for a show at Humboldt Brews. (They’re also part of a Thursday, July 3, showcase at the Red Fox with Messenjah Selah.) Back on the Plaza, Arcata’s No. 1 jamband The Nucleus plays in between the reggae. (You’ll also find them at the Red Fox that night as part of Sub/Sab.) Closing things off on the Plaza, we have the Brazilian drum and dance ensemble that always plays at the North Country Fair, Quente Samba Amore, who will lead a samba line from the Plaza to the ballpark, where the Crabs will be heading into the second game in a double header. Fireworks follow.

GALLERY >

Elsewhere in Arcata, specifically at the D St. Neighborhood Center, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom hostsan“Interdependence Day” Brunch(and book sale) with music by Marianne and Maria and The Raging Grannies.Since my mom is one of the Grannies (she’s actually a great-granny) I’ll have to stop by.

There was a time when Blue Lake’s finest groove-rock band Kulica played every Thursday night at Six Rivers Brewing. They return to their roots Friday playing for a Six Rivers all-day Fourth-o-July bash that includes St. John and the Sinners and four other bands.

There’s also the usual food, art, etc. all along Second Street in Eureka’s Old Town on the Fourth with music on several stages, although I can’t tell you exactly who.

And for those looking for something more traditional and patriotic, Ferndale has its annual parade down Main and a Celebrate America! musical extravaganza at the Ferndale Rep.

Don’t miss the return of worldly rockers WoMama, fresh from their first tour and ready to “Afrock” the Arcata Farmers’ Market Saturday morning. Later they play at Six Rivers as part of a Warriors Walking for Wellness Benefit (I believe connected to Relay for Life) along with the above-mentioned Quente Samba Amore.

Saturday at the Alibi it’s Humboldt honky tonk and all-American Americana with Rooster McClintock. The music may be country-flavored, but they rock.

1 2 3 NEXT PAGE >SHARE