4th of July, Chris Cornell, Sly Stone & No Use For A Name

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Wed. Jul. 4, 5pm Discovery Meadow San Carlos Street and Woz Way, San Jose 408.294.2100, ext. 444 Free The Festival for Independence FAMILY FEST: Celebrate the diverse cultures that make up San Jose through live music, entertainment and activities--not to mention fireworks. Produced as a benefit for the Emergency Housing Consortium, this Independence Day celebration has something for everyone--two stages showcase local music and cultural performances all day while rides in Kidland and arts and crafts from around the world keep youngsters busy until the massive fireworks display blasts off. With all that Discovery Meadow's Festival for Independence has to offer, it's no surprise that this event has become San Jose's favorite Fourth of July celebration for family fun.

Wed. Jul. 4, 5pm Shoreline Amphitheatre 1 Amphitheater Pkwy, Mountain View 408.998.TIXS $15-$29.50 BUY TICKETS

Fourth of July Spectacular SYMPHONIC SPECTACLE: The San Francisco Symphony, conducted by guest Randall Fleischer, presents "The Best of Broadway" and Uunlike some events bearing the title "Spectacular," this one actually includes a jaw-dropping fireworks spectacle at the end of it. Pre-concert entertainment includes magicians and face painters which are sure to please younger audience members. Three huge screens playing film clips will accompany the San Francisco Symphony as the musicians perform classic patriotic themed music in time with a breathtaking fireworks display. Radio Disney's Fourth of July Spectacular is the perfect way to celebrate Independence Day with family or friends. For more Fourth of July events, check out our listings online.

Wed. Jul. 4, 1-9:30pm Pier 39 Pier 39, San Francisco Free

Pier 39 Fourth of July FRISCO FOURTH: Big Bang Beat and Tainted Love gear up to perform for all who attend the Pier 39 Fourth of July Celebration. Bands will begin in the afternoon and play until it gets dark while partygoers can pass the time with a bowl of chowder and ever-exciting street performers. Before the celebration ends, fireworks will light up the sky above Pier 39, quite the spectacle if you've never seen it. This event is free, so go ahead and bring the whole family or a date and enjoy the festivities for the nation's birthday.

Wed. Jul. 4, 9pm Starlight Room 450 Powell St., San Francisco 415.395.8595 Usual Cover

Indulgence Wednesdays: Independence Day INDULGE: Atop the marvelous Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco sits the Starlight Room, which on Wednesday nights is home to Indulgence Wednesdays. Dancing with a well-dressed crowd while drinking tasty cocktails and overlooking one of the most beautiful cities in the world could be described as an indulgent evening, especially if you're there early to see firework shows going off throughout the city. The DJ spins top 40 all night long, and there are plenty of places in the large banquets to take a rest and enjoy the picturesque scenery both inside and out.

Wed. Jul. 4, noon-midnight Kellys Mission Rock 817 Terry Francois St., San Francisco 415.762.3628 $25

Organic 'Fireworks with the Stars' NATURAL MYSTIC: For a true San Francisco Fourth of July, look no further than Organic Fireworks with the Stars. Held at Kelly's Mission Rock, the event is a techno infused BBQ with a list of DJs that promise to have you pumped from noon to midnight. There will also be veggies and fresh fruit (presumably organic) for those who prefer a meatless celebration. Come early--this is the fourteenth anniversary of the event, so it's sure to fill up quickly. So what if it's foggy? San Francisco knows how to party on the fourth.

Thu. Jul. 5, 8pm Red Devil Lounge 1695 Polk St., San Francisco 415.921.1695 $10-$12

Patrice Pike BOHEMIAN VIBE: Texas bred Patrice Pike is known for her involvement in the Austin-based band Sister Seven, and has been working to be a singer/songwriter since she was 16. After the Artists Records blow up, Sister Seven disbanded and Pike launched a solo career. Now on her third solo album, Traveler, Pike is stronger than ever. She rocks and rolls her way into the Red Devil Lounge on Thursday with a commanding voice accompanying her powerful guitar licks. The tattooed singer has a bohemian vibe and cool demeanor, with Pike working the hot rocker chic image.

Thu. Jul. 5, 9:30pm Aura Nightclub 4825 Hopyard, Pleasanton 925.416.0777 No Cover

Conscious Souls NOT UNCONSCIOUS: Well-blended rock, hip-hop and reggae make up the Conscious Souls cool, head bobbing sound. The Bay-based group of guys bring a laid back attitude for what's sure to be a good time after Fourth of July celebrations the night before. Relax to the beats of Conscious Souls in the swanky and plush red glow of Aura Nightclub. Late night dining is available for those who work up an appetite dancing the night away.

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Fri. Jul. 6, 9pm The Blank Club 44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.29.BLANK $10 No Use For A Name NAMELESS ONES: As one of the last clubs in San Jose to get a dosage of good, hard rock, The Blank has hosted its fair share of national and international acts. Friday brings one of the bigger names we've seen in a while--and they just so happen to be local. No Use For A Name rocks the late '80s skate punk that originated in good ol' San Jo. On Fat Wreck Chords, Fat Mike's SF based label, No Use For A Name has made their mark on punk rock and continue to impress black-clad fans worldwide. San Francisco's Texas Thieves and Razorburns open the night ensuring a slick floor--hold onto your beverages--and a riled up crowd.

Fri. Jul. 6, 9pm Taste Ultra Lounge 87 N. San Pedro St., San Jose 408.885.1016 Usual Cover

Ellen Ferrato @ Velvet Shop GODZILLA FOUNTAIN: With a DJ style that is sexy, groovy and funky, Ellen Ferrarto is one cool chick. A Bay Area DJ for over seven years, Ferrarto has busted her chops rocking San Francisco and Bay Area venues, impressing fans from all walks of life. She brings her energetic style to the Velvet Shop on Friday to work the crowd into a dancing frenzy. M3 and MJ Gamez will also be on the turntables to raise the roof while visuals light up the night. In another room, DJ Solarz will spin soul and hip-hop just to mix things up. The infamous Taste drink special, Godzillas, will be slung at the bar for a decent price. The Velvet Shop features live house, soul, R&B, hip-hop and party music all night long.

Fri. Jul. 6, 8pm The Catalyst 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831.423.1338 $16 in advance, $19 at the door BUY TICKETS

Squirrel Nut Zippers HOT JAZZ: It's a little disarming to see the Squirrel Nut Zippers out on the road again, headlining rooms like the Catalyst--not only has the group somehow parlayed a marginalized form of music into Platinum sales, but they also flamed out five years back in a bitterly litigious fashion. Add to that founder Jimbo Mathus' success as a producer and his up-and-coming solo career and it comes as some surprise that these chart-topping hot-jazz revivalists have reunited for another go-round. More power to them--though some might have written them off as a one-hit novelty act after the success of their 1995 single "Hot," the folks in the Squirrel Nut Zippers have made a career out of ably exceeding admittedly low expectations. Not every member has returned--founders Ken Mosher and Tom Maxwell, who both played a role in establishing the group's sound, are nowhere to be seen, but most will likely be there to see the sight of Mathus and earthy chanteuse Katharine Whalen sharing a stage once again.

Fri. Jul. 6, 9pm Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge 99 E. San Fernando St., San Jose 408.998.9998 Usual Cover

Glamorous @ Fahrenheit GLAMOUR SHOTS: It's that time of the month again--Fahrenheit gets glam with giveaways and DJs spinning amazing dance music. The Glamorous event will have DJ Fabian mixing things up with Top 40 and house, and Funky B gets things even hotter on the turntables throughout the night. Forget about getting stupid or hyphy, Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge puts on some of the most upscale parties and events in the South Bay. Make sure to get glam for this event because "dress to impress" is the way to go at Fahrenheit. You can dance in the streets and ghost ride the whip any night, but this Friday park your scrapper and head to Fahrenheit's glamour night.

Fri. Jul. 6, 9pm Johnny V's 31 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.947.8470 $5 BUY TICKETS

Atomic Love Bombs PSYCHEDELIC SOUP: Johnny V's is getting hit with four killer rock bands. The Privies are straight-up rock & rollers helping to warm up the crowd with melodious guitar licks and a hot chick on drums. All the way from Seattle, Mistress and the Misters shake things up with grungy garage rock. And from the other side of the West Coat, Butcher rolls up from Hollywood with eerie alt rock. They're hitting the stage tonight with the Atomic Love Bombs--a band to keep your eye on--laying down a psychedelic garage band soup full of noisy distortion, crackling guitar chords and gritty bass lines.

Fri. Jul 6, 9pm VooDoo Lounge 14 S. Second St., San Jose 408.286.VODO $5 before 11pm, $10 after

The Poplock LOCK IT UP: It's time to pop, lock and drop it to the beats of some bomb DJs at San Jose's Voodoo Lounge this Friday night. DJ Aspect, DJ AS-IS and special guest DJ Shortkut will have you grooving till the wee hours of the morning. All styles of hip-hop, old school, funk and disco will be featured so there's something for everyone. The $5 cover before 11pm will give early partiers twice the fun for half the price.

Fri. Jul 6, 9pm Ruby Skye 420 Mason St., San Francisco 415.693.0777 $30

Steve Lawler DEEP TRANCE: Originally inspired by Depeche Mode albums in the late 1980s, DJ Steve Lawler has expanded the genres of techno, house and electronica music. Credited as the pioneer of twisted house, the UK's Lawler keeps his beats dark and sexy at his worldwide appearances. Ruby Skye on a Friday night is the perfect destination to sink into a music-generated trance guided by Lawler.

Sat. Jul. 7, 7:30pm Great American Music Hall 859 O'Farrell St., San Francisco 415.885.0750 $20

Motion City Soundtrack AHH, POP PUNK: This all-ages show promises to rock the Great American Music Hall with the pop-punk vibes of Motion City Soundtrack, Sherwood, Higher and Forecast. With catchy tunes and poppy rock, it's hard not to sing along to the bands' songs of heartbreak and fading adolescence. Motion City Soundtrack's last album, Commit This to Memory, is being played extensively on airwaves of all kinds, and their new album Even if it Kills Me is set to be released this September, so you can bet on getting a sneak-listen to the new material at the show this Saturday. Bushy haired San Luis Obispo rockers Sherwood open the show with Vegas boys, The Higher and Illinois indie rockers The Forecast. If you're tired of counting the number of tiles in the ceiling at home or the local dive bar, head out to see the Motion City Soundtrack show.

Sat. Jul. 7, 10am-8pm Arena Green Guadalupe River Park, off West Santa Clara St., San Jose 800.620.6300 $15

Sly Stone EVERYDAY PEOPLE: Sly Stone and his merry funksters return to the Bay Area after two decades of absence, and we're betting the one-time Woodstock standout is glad to be back. With trademark grooves, provocative politics, and badder-than-Shaft attitudes, Sly and the Family Stone represented everything we've come to know and love about the flower power. Sure, the astoundingly perfect afros were cool, but it was the rousing melodies of post James Brown funk that helped stir souls into action--on the dance floor and off. Thought critics had a tough time digesting Stone's drug addled record attempts of the '80s, the ingenious contributions of his earlier works are undeniable. Artists like George Clinton, War, and even Lenny Kravitz owe immeasurable debts to the original masters of groove, appearing live and in the flesh Saturday at San Jose's "Back in the Day" Summerfest 2007, along with Average White Band and the Latin Sensations featuring Jorge Santana.

Sat. Jul. 7, 9pm Vivid 8 S. First St., San Jose 408.279.4444 Usual Cover

Stardust @ Vivid NUDIE MODEL: Not that Vivid is ever without the bling, but Stardust assures that this will be one especially glitzy night. Hosted by Playboy and FHM Magazine model Bobbi Sue Luther, who is known for her acting, modeling and spokesperson work. Luther has appeared in film, television and Maxim Online . While soaking in some hot model eye-candy, dance along to music spun by DJ Nasty Nick and DJ Devious Dave in the main room. To step things up a notch, head to the VIP room and get a taste of David Q and DJ Sequence.

Sat. Jul. 7, 8:30pm Bottom of the Hill 1233 17th St., San Francisco 415.621.4455 $10

Gravy Train ALL ABOARD: Some find them offensive, other see the kitschy humor in gold lamé-clad cuties spouting sexual innuendos. Taking new wave to a whole new level, Oakland's Gravy Train is throwing their record release party on Saturday night to kick off All the Sweet Stuff on a sweet note. With tracks like "Club Situation" and "Strip 4 Me" it's hard to not want to get down and take off some clothes along with Gravy Train. Fellow Oakland based band Experimental Dental School adds some metal to the night. In from Tuscan, Arizona are the Okmoniks, a grungy garage band with an awesome screaming female lead singer. If you have yet to experience Gravy Train, brace yourself and get ready for a show like very few others.

Sat. Jul. 7, 8pm Red Devil Lounge 1695 Polk St., San Francisco 415.921.1695 $6-$8

AC/DShe HELL'S BELLES: The all-women tribute band AC/Dshe takes over the Red Devil Lounge on Saturday, and don't think they can't rock just as hard the original male version. The ladies stick to the era of Bon Scott--the man behind the most successful AC/DC album Highway to Hell--and manage to be just as sexy as they are talented. As an added bonus, the Red Devil Lounge prides itself on serving strong drinks while maintaining an intimate atmosphere.

Sat. Jul. 7, 9pm The Blank Club 44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.29.BLANK Usual Cover

Immigrant TRIPLE THREAT: Immigrant, Death of a Party and Mercy Mercy are slated to rock the Blank Club hard this fine Saturday night. Immigrant, whose dark and meaningful lyrics dig deep, bring their indie punk vibe from San Francisco. Death of a Party, hailing from Oakland, joins the lineup to release their debut album, The Rise and Fall of Scarlet City, and perform out-of-control sets that could be mistaken for on-stage riots. Mercy Mercy will leave show-goers satisfied in this hard-rocking triple lineup.

Sat. Jul. 7, 10pm-4am Crash Nightclub 34 Mason St., San Francisco 877.34.CRASH Usual Cover

Hard Eight with Tommy Lee LEE DEBAUCHERY: A freak show, go-go dancers, great DJs, and Tommy Lee. This can only mean one thing: the best night of your life. Tommy Lee hosts this crazy night of fire-eaters, human sword swallowers and Bozo the Clown while DJ Aero spins rock, top 40 and all your dance favorites all night long. Just hope that Crash Nightclub doesn't get crashed when this party turns in to a partially naked booze fest--we can't make any promises, but this could be a night you won't remember. Just be sure of one this: between going home with Tommy Lee and Bozo the Clown, you might be safer with the latter.

Sat. Jul. 7, 8pm Campbell Recital Hall Stanford University 650.725.2787 $40

Bobby Hutcherson Quartet FEEL THE VIBE: The Stanford Jazz Fest continues with celebrated vibraphone player Bobby Hutcherson and his jazz quartet, composed of pianist Joe Gilman, bassist Glen Richman and drummer Eddie Marshall. Regarded as a technical genius and brazen instrumentalist, Hutcherson represents the lasting legacy of the New York post-bop era. Seasoned jazz buffs will revel in the purity of Hutcherson's unrestricted melodies, while those less acquainted with the genre will get a taste of avant-garde expressionism at its best. See the vibraphone extraordinaire tonight at Stanford's Campbell recital Hall.

Sun. Jul. 8, 8pm Slim's 333 11th St., San Francisco 415.255.0333 $15 BUY TICKETS

Supersuckers featuring Jordan Shapiro SUCKTASTIC: Supersuckers, the Seattle-based rock group fronted by Eddie Spaghetti, or "Your worst fucking nightmare," as he is known to some, tear up Slim's on Sunday with help from Jordan Shapiro. We know Sunday isn't he night you'd usually rock out, but the rock, country and hardcore amalgamation presented by the Supersuckers is surely hard to resist. Los Angeles native Jordan Shapiro is slated to wail on the guitar, only adding to the rock madness. Put on your aviators and cowboy hat and get ready for a wild night featuring some good ol' boys with rock star mentalities.

Sun. Jul. 8, 6pm The Attic 931 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831.460.1800 $10-$12

Vetiver FREAK FOLK: Fans of the so-called "freak folk" movement led by folks like Joanna Newsome and Six Organs of Admittance will inevitably find themselves emerging from a self-reflective haze to witness the despondent doldrums of Vetiver. The San Francisco-based group first caused a stir in the neo-folk world with their self-titled debut album in 2004, which featured collaborations with gifted songwriter Devendra Banahrt. Together with Banahrt, Vetiver frontman Andy Cabic constructs wistful melodies that seem to float from the sound-holes of their acoustic guitars out into the summer air, gently stroking listeners into a hypnotic dream-state. But their songs are more than just relaxing lullabies--Cabic's vocals range from delicate to delirious, resulting in a bizarre mixture of sound and emotion. Vetiver's eccentric attitude and calm demeanor translate into a wonderfully strange work of art that is as sweet as the aromatic lemongrass from which the band takes its name. Also appearing tonight at The Attic are the Papercuts and the all-female folk-rockers, the Dry Spells.

Mon. Jul. 9, 8pm Kuumbwa Jazz Center 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz 831.427.2227 $23-$26

Jane Monheit YOUNG CHANTEUSE: A favorite on the jazz vocalist/cabaret singer circuit, Jane Monheit has seven albums and numerous world tours to her credit and she's not even 30 yet. The traditional stylist favors romantic selections from Hollywood's glamorous musical era, spiced with Brazilian classics and swinging standards such as "I Won't Dance" and "Honeysuckle Rose." A wide vocal range, great rhythm and natural poise are obvious gifts, but most astounding is her use of restraint, delivering traditional American standards without destroying the essence of the song with overripe production. As the hip and sexy Monheit celebrates her new CD, Surrender, it seems a bit silly to argue whether she's a jazz vocalist or cabaret singer. She's both, and she's spectacular.

Tue. Jul. 10, 8pm The Warfield 982 Market St., San Francisco 415.567.2060 $38-$43 BUY TICKETS

Chris Cornell BLACK DAYS: As the lead singer of Soundgarden, Chris Cornell has become one of the most recognizable voices of today's musical generation. After rocking the lead vocals for Audioslave in early 2000, Cornell has moved onto to a solo career,releasing his second solo album, Carry On in June 2007. Not only had his personal life become more "grown up" with a recent marriage and the birth of his third child, his musical life has matured and ripened with age as well, butSeattle-born Cornell still knows how to rock an audience. Come on, it's summer, it's not like you have anything better to do on a Tuesday night.

Tue. Jul. 10, 5:30pm Mountain Winery 14831 Pierce Rd., Saratoga 408.998.TIXS $50-$60 BUY TICKETS

Blues Traveler, Neville Brothers THE BIG EASY: The upbeat sounds of Blues Traveler and infamous R&B siblings the Neville Brothers serenade the Mountain Winery with some smooth tunes this Tuesday. Growing up in one of the toughest neighborhoods in New Orleans, the Neville Brothers rose out of their surroundings to become one of the best selling R&B groups in history. The brothers play alongside high school chums Blues Traveler, who are touring for their 13th album Bastardos! The mellow music and serenity of the Mountain Winery is a recipe for the perfect midweek treat.

Tue. Jul. 10, 6:30pm The Catalyst 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831.423.1336 $27-$32 BUY TICKETS

Stephen Stills MAN ALIVE: When Stephen Stills sang "Love the One You're With" in 1970, the world listened, if only for a fleeting moment. The song was a fitting closure to the peace and love decade of the '60s, which soon transitioned to the darker, druggier, and all together less optimistic mood that characterized the '70s. Though his classic contributions to Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young solidify his status as a folk-rock icon, Stills remained largely out of the spotlight in the decades following the days of CSNY. Now, thirty years later, the gifted singer-songwriter is back in the mainstream, thanks to his critically acclaimed 2005 album, Man Alive. Currently touring to support the release, which features contributions by Neil Young and Graham Nash, Stephen Stills is once again flying high on his old wooden ship.

coming up

Tue. Jul. 13, 9pm Vivid 8 S. First St., San Jose 408.279.4444 Usual Cover

Mario Lopez @ Vivid SAVED BY THE BELL: Finally, a real celebrity known for his acting skills on Saved by the Bell, his charismatic hosting of entertainment news program Extra and his amazing dancing on Dancing with the Stars. Mario Lopez brings his dimples to Vivid for a VIP party like one we haven't seen yet in San Jose. Advance tickets can be purchased to party in the lap of luxury with Lopez up close and personal while he gets his drink on. Perhaps a lucky someone will have the chance to experience Lopez's dancing skills first hand, with Vivid's Top 40, hip-hop and Latin house bumping all night long. Besides, who didn't want to party with Slater when watching his high school sitcom?

Sun. Jul. 17, 8pm The Fillmore 1805 Geary, San Francisco 408.998.TIXS $25 BUY TICKETS

Smashing Pumpkins ZEITGEIST: After nearly a seven-year hiatus, Smashing Pumpkins are heading back to the stage. In the early '90s, Billy Corgan and company almost single-handedly defined the alternative rock genre with their seminal release Gish that was followed up with the even more stellar sophomore release, Siamese Dream. If you followed the Smashing Pumpkins from there on out, it seemed as though the Chicago based foursome wholeheartedly traded in their scathing, alt-rock fire for some cool goth duds and a whole slew of disappointment. Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin are all that's left of the original lineup and we believe that the Pumpkins just won't sound the same without guitarist James Iha and D'arcy on bass, but, a string of 10 shows at the Fillmore lasting until early August, says otherwise

--This week's newsletter by: RO, AL, GW, SL, DB, MC, PD & GS

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