Independence Day weekend is upon us. Time to escape this island we call home and head to the beach, the mountains or any other location where you can bask in the glory that is America.
Wait a second. What? You are stuck in New York? Well, I’d feel bad for you if there weren’t so many great concerts at your disposal this holiday weekend.
So maybe your car is in the shop, your college buddy decided this would be a good weekend for a New York City wedding or your trusty dog sitter beat you to the vacation punch. All is not lost.
Just because you are stuck in the ghost town that is New York on Fourth of July weekend doesn’t mean you have to stay at home playing Words With Friends all day. There are plenty of options this weekend and some of them will have you basking in the sun while giving your bank account a breather.
Here is what I so humbly deem to be the best shows of the 2011 Independence Day weekend.
For the punk rockers:
July 1 | Ceremony (583 Johnson Ave) – Freshly signed to Matador, this Bay Area band blurs the line between punk and hardcore. Big things to come from these guys, but first on the agenda – an old school Brooklyn throw down.
July 1 | Cro-Mags (Bowery Ballroom) – Classic New York hardcore fronted by the legend John Joseph who now hosts rock ‘n roll walking tours in lower Manhattan.
July 2 | NOBUNNY + TV Ghost (Mercury Lounge) – More of a Ramones, stripped down, head bopping style punk than the circle pit inducing bands mentioned above, but aren’t we taught to find beauty in simplicity?
For the indie kids:
July 1 | The Thermals (Bell House) – In case you missed them opening for Matt & Kim at Terminal 5, these delightfully fun, power pop folks from the Northwest are giving us all a second chance to party with them.
July 2 | Beach Fossils + Puro Instinct (285 Kent) – A terrific double bill weighted down by headliners and Brooklyn’s finest dream pop outfit Beach Fossils. Come early to see the girls of Puro Instinct and to make sure you can get into what is sure to be a jam packed show.
July 3 | The Suzan (Bruar Falls) – A mere $6 will get you all the energetic indie rock you’ll need on a Sunday night. These four Asian girls get it done with style and smiles.
For the party people:
July 1 | Body Language (Glasslands) – Wear so movement closes because this is going to be a groovy, sexed up dance party and you don’t want to reveal all your goods on the get down.
July 3 | Home Video + Millionyoung (Brooklyn Bowl) – Are all the great shows in Brooklyn? Maybe so, but at this party you can throw rocks, eat delicious fried chicken and shuffle around on the primo dance floor.
For the budget watchers:
July 1 | Lower Dens + Dirty Beaches (South Street Seaport) – Knock off early, head down to the South Street Seaport and settle into this terrific double bill with a frosty one and a sunset. Also, the price is right at zero dollars.
July 2 | Delicate Steve (PS1 Warm Up) – For the price of admission to the museum, you get a wild dance party in the playground outside the building. Cool off inside while gawking at some mind bending modern art.
So there are a few suggestions. They are by all means not all that is out there, but they are what I would recommend. No matter what you do this holiday weekend make sure to do two things – have a good time and be safe doing it.
