THIS IS THE weekend when we hear booms and bangs and see fiery sparkles fall from the sky. Happy birthday, America!
Because we live in America and on the beautiful North Olympic Peninsula, we can listen to any live music we want.
Let freedom ring!
Port Angeles
• Tonight at Castaways Restaurant and Night Club, 1213 Marine Drive, the Sun downers host a jam from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. These fellas really know how to have fun!
On Friday and Saturday, rock out to the Spence Brothers Band from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $3 cover
• The Junction Roadhouse, junction of U.S. Highway 101 and state Hgihway 112 five miles west of Port Angeles, is quiet this weekend. Barry Burnett will be back with the Sunday jam the following week from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Jason Mogi will still be picking next Wednesday from 8 p.m. to midnight.
• On Saturday at Wine on the Waterfront, 115 Railroad Ave., the Bluenotes play classic American jazz from 8 p.m. $3 cover.
On Sunday, the Bdumpbumps play a wide variety of music, from bluegrass to jazz and a lot more in between, at 8 p.m. with a fireworks break at 10 p.m. $5 cover.
• Dave Secord and Rosalie and the whole Luck of the Draw gang are at the Fairmount Restaurant on U.S. Highway 101 west of Port Angeles from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with the Tuesday acoustic jam. Don’t be left out!
• Friday night, the Veela Cafe, 133 E. First St., has Jim Lind providing both rock and country, fast and slow, from his impressive repertoire, at 7:30 p.m.
• Every Tuesday evening, the Port Angeles Senior Swingers present Wally and the Boys, playing ballroom dance favorites for the dancing pleasure of all seniors 45 years plus from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Port Angeles Senior Center, Seventh and Peabody streets. $5 cover, first-timers free.
Sequim and Blyn
• Tonight, don’t miss the jam hosted by Chantilly Lace at the Oasis Sports Bar and Grill, 301 E. Washington St., from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Any Thursday night you’ll find some of the best jammers from your favorite bands joining in the fun. Classic rock and country from the ’50s and ’60s, blues and pop from later decades are all in the broad repertoire honed over 35 years. Jammers come in early and sign in on the sign-up sheet.
On Friday, Jim Hoffman goes solo from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with many of your favorite songs, and some originals, too.
At 9 p.m., hard rock takes over with Kill or Be Killed, Jack Havoc and Dying to Bleed until 1 a.m. or so. $3 cover.
Next Wednesday, enjoy the mix of jazz, standards and danceable hits by the Blue Hole Quintet from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• On Tuesday at The Buzz, 128 N. Sequim Ave., folk singer/songwriter Jon Crocker, down from Alaska, performs at 7 p.m.
• Kelly Thomas hosts the very popular and rousing open mic Wednesday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Sequim’s First Friday Art Walk has Kevin Lee Magner, Mary Pender and Scott Bradley playing acoustically at Damiana’s Best Cellars Bistro and Wine Bar, 143 W. Washington St.
• On Saturday, Denny Secord Sr. and the Northwest Country Boys play from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sequim Open Aire Market.
• On Friday at Stymies Bar and Grill at Cedars at Dungeness, 1965 Woodcock Road, Denny Secord Jr. goes solo with country and more from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• On Friday and Saturday at 7 Cedars Casino, Blyn, in the Club Seven Lounge, party and dance with Pop Culture from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
On Monday, jazz it up with Savoy Nights from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and dance the night away.
Port Hadlock
• Tonight at the Ajax Cafe, 271 Water St., Buzz Rogowski plays jazz and originals on piano from 6 p.m.
On Sunday, Jim Nyby plays blues, ballads, jazz, and soul from 5:30 p.m.
Port Townsend
• The Upstage, 923 Washington St., presents an All American Holiday Rock Weekend beginning Friday with Steppenwolf Productions’ Magic Carpet Ride with Goldy McJohn, formerly of Steppenwolf, at 8 p.m. $25 cover.
On Saturday, the rockabilly sound of Commander Cody will resonate through the Upstage at 8 p.m. with songs like “Hot Rod Lincoln” and “Smoke that Cigarette.” $25 cover.
Take a bite of the Apples of Eden for rock, country and folk Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Phone 360-385-2216 for reservations.
• Janie Cribs rocks and rolls out the stone blues on Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Port Townsend Brewing Co., 330 10th St.
On Sunday, The Pitfalls plays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
On Wednesday, House of Cards will get you through hump day from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• On Friday at Sirens, 823 Water St., the Gypsy Nomads visit Port Townsend with their concoction of music from around the world at 9 p.m. Cover.
• At the Uptown Pub, 1016 Lawrence St., Lowire provides the funk and rock grooves Friday at 9 p.m., $3.
• Visit Undertown, 211 Taylor St., for the Alternators’ fiddle and accordion magic with Celtic, Cajun and zydeco music Saturday evening.
Community concerts
• The Friends of Fort Flagler present a concert in the park by the Starlings. No, it’s not for the birds but for your listening pleasure at 7 p.m. on Sunday evening in Battery Bankhead. They play pin-dropping ballads to foot-stompin’ barnburners.
• On Friday at the James Center for the Performing Arts at Carrie Blake Park, 202 N. Blake Ave., Sequim, the 133rd Army Band plays popular music from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Next Wednesday, Electric Blue Sun plays original jazz fusion from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Next Wednesday in the Port Angeles Concert on the Pier series, the Wise Guys play songs from Sinatra to the Rolling Stones. You should get some “satisfaction” because they do it “their way.”
Music news
• The Festival of American Fiddle Tunes at Centrum in Port Townsend at Fort Worden State Park this Sunday and next Friday, July 9, is a chance to hear some world-class fiddlers and bands.
For tickets and info, phone 800-746-1982 or visit www.centrum.org.
Be safe and sane with your drinking, driving and fireworks this holiday weekend.
God bless America!
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John Nelson is a self-styled music lover and compulsive night owl who believes in SDLqKLMA — Keep Live Music Alive” on the North Olympic Peninsula. His column, Live Music, appears every Thursday.
Are you performing in or promoting a live music gig? Contact John by phoning 360-565-1139 or e-mailing news@peninsuladailynews.com (subject line: John Nelson).
Also, check out “Nightlife,” a listing of entertainment at nightspots across the Peninsula, in Friday’s Peninsula Spotlight magazine.