Happy 4th of July….Whatever you decide to do, take a break and enjoy yourselves…

In Venice…

If you are an early riser…stop by Muscle Beach to enjoy the beautiful bodies….The Mr & Mrs Muscle Beach event starts at 9:00 am. See Website for all the details. http://musclebeachvenice.com/

In Santa Monica….

Start your day off early with a 4th of July parade….Santa Monica’s 8th Annual Fourth of July Parade produced by the Ocean Park Association (OPA).

The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Main Street and Pico Boulevard. Its theme is “May the 4th Be With You!”  The SM Mirror staff will be marching…(no I will NOT be there. Way too early for Mama….hey I’m a musician!).

This year’s parade promises to better than ever! So get out there and enjoy!!!

What: 4th of July Parade down Main Street in SM
Where: Starts at Main & Pico, then heads south on Main
When: 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Website: http://www.opa-sm.org/parade/

Also in Venice…

At the Venice Bistro, enjoy the July 4th party on the Venice boardwalk with the Venice Street Legends…These guys rock out with blues, country etc….you name it they can play it.

Be aware I do perform with these same musicians as “the Country Legends,” however I am NOT scheduled to perform at this gig (I may stop in, but cannot guarantee it)… I highly recommend this band as they are Fabulous!!!

Greg Cruz has a powerful voice and truly rocks out on his electric guitar.

The Venice Street Legends include Greg Cruz, (vocals guitar), Petr Hromadko (bass), and Mitch Montrose (drums).

What: Live Music, The Venice Street Legends
Where: The Venice Bistro, 323 Ocean Front Walk 90291
When: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Looking for some FIREWORKS?!!!…Well stay home with your honey and make some of your own!!! OR….go out and see some and tonight’s the night.

In Marina Del Rey….

Red, White & Booze…Enjoy a 4th of July Bash at Whiskey Red’s.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

$3 select “Old School” beers & $5 Fireball shots from 5:30-8 p.m. DJ -5:30 p.m. to 2 am; Live music by Jack of Hearts from 5:30-9:30 pm.

Take advantage of this fabulous location to see the Marina fireworks 9:30 pm

Complimentary Dessert Bar at 10pm

Classic BBQ Menu – Whiskey Red’s salmon burger, signature hamburger, bratwurst, hot dogs, BBQ ribs and garlic fries available for purchase. An All-American Buffet will be available. Reserve a table on the patio. Call (310) 823-4522 to reserve a table from 5:30-10 p.m.

What: 4th of July Celebration
Where: Whiskey Red’s, 13813 Fiji Way Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
When:  5:00 pm – 2:00 am
Website: www.whiskeyreds.com

If you prefer to take in the fireworks outside with a crowd of local onlookers…

Enjoy a 20-minute pyrotechnic fireworks display presented by the famed Zambelli Fireworks Internationale.

The fireworks begina at 9 pm explosives are shot from a barge across the marina’s main channel, mirrored by the harbor below.

Synchronized music can be heard from KXLU 88.9FM playing over loudspeaker throughout Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way.

Parking will be a nightmare…so ride your bikes, rollerblade, walk, run or skip. Just get there!!! Here’s two websites for you…   http://beaches.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dbh   www.visitmarinadelrey.com/events/4th-of-july

Pacific Palisades hosts it’s 65th parade this year taking place at 2 p.m. The fireworks show at Palisades Charter High School with entertainment starting at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. $5/$10 at the gate (BE SURE TO CHECK WEBSITE).  You can also order ViP tickets for the concert that come with parking. www.palisadesparade.org

The Hollywood Bowl celebrates the 4th with it’s annual party.

This year’s spectacular includes Steve Martin, Edie Brickell, The Steep Canyon Rangers, patriotic music from the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West and breathaking fireworks.

50% discount for children, 12 and under – perfect for the whole family!

What: July 4th Celebration at the Hollywood Bowl
Where: Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Ave, Hollywood, CA 90068
When:  7:30 pm
Admission: SEE WEBSITE + fee
Website: www.hollywoodbowl.com

The Culver City fireworks are back and will be taking place at West LA College. Sponsored by the Exchange Club of Culver City, the event starts at 4 pm! There is a $5.00 charge…so be sure to check the website.  http://culvercityfireworksshow.com

Or in Downtown LA…

Grand Park is launching the biggest rooftop fireworks display in DTLA and expanding festivities from Temple to Second Streets, with doors opening at 1pm (no prior admittance) stages going live at 4pm and fireworks at 9pm.

This year the event will feature several stages….ck the website for full line up. Grand Park’s 4th of July Block Party is bigger, better and FREE FOR ALL!

Be sure to check their website….they will have some pretty strict safety checks for securtiy.
Event runs from 4-9pm See Website http://bit.ly/1xnSRsZ

How about an art party?

In Silverlake…

Celebrate the 4th of July at La Luz de Jesus Gallery with two new exhibits, and a backyard BBQ. Live Performance by The Insect Surfers at 9 pm with beverages courtesy of Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum.

Parker’s Red Tiki Lounge combines the paint stroke of old Flemish masters with counter culture subject matter from a childhood of adoring comic books, cartoons, and Universal Monster movies. This show features skate decks, beach towels, pencil sketches and paintingsa. Brad will be present at his opening reception to sign cards, calendars and prints.

Also on view is “RAD!” Damian Fulton’s BMX cartoon character Radical Rick has turned 35. To commemorate his anniversary, the gallery will feature the largest collection of original Radical Rick artwork ever assembled, featuring original paintings, magazine covers, and beautiful water colored story pages from the artist’s personal collection. “RAD!” also includes new, never seen before artwork painted just for this exhibit.

What: Opening reception
Where: La Luz de Jesus Gallery, 4633 Hollywood Blvd. LA 90027
When: 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Phone: 323-666-7667
Website: www.laluzdejesus.com