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Pencil This In: Fireworks, BBQs, 'Willie Nelson's 4th of July Celebration' & A Pub Crawl
By Jessica McQueen
Fourth of July is full of patriotic festivities and fireworks, but for those who just aren't into loud explosions and smoke, L.A. still has plenty to offer today. Cinefamily hosts an all-day BBQ and film marathon, the Moth invites people to tell stories about freedom and the California African American Museum presents musicians, comedians and spoken word entertainment. Read on for details and more ways to celebrate Independence Day.
MUSIC
'90s R&B and neo-soul sensation D'Angelo returns to the limelight tonight at the House of Blues Los Angeles. 9:30pm. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets: $129.
ART, FOOD & MUSIC
The California African American Museum (CAAM) and Target will host a celebration of music, food and fireworks. The museum will be open, artist Teresa Tolliver will lead an art workshop and Ryman Arts will teach a drawing class. Vendors will sell BBQ and kettle corn all day, and the museum will host musicians, spoken word artists and comedian D'Lai in the evening. CAAM will reserve seating for attendees to take in Exposition Park's fireworks display to end the night. Museum and art events open at 11am; the evening music and performance program begins at 6pm. Free. Parking is $10.
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RED, WHITE & BREW PUB CRAWL SANTA MONICA
Those looking for some 21+ fun can head over to Main Street in Santa Monica for drinks and an all-day BBQ as part of the Red, White & Brew Pub Crawl. While $3 beers, $2 mixed drinks and $5 shots of Jack practically guarantee a good time, there will also be music courtesy of DJ Norman Rockwell. A portion of all proceeds will go to the Surfrider Foundation, giving you another reason to have a beer or two. Registration is open from 3pm-10pm, while most locations close at 2am. $10 for general admission. Special rates are offered for groups of 4, 7 and 12.
FILM & FOOD*
Cinefamily will celebrate the holiday with its Mondo America BBQ Party, an all-day movie marathon and barbecue. Bring something to grill before settling into one of their 35mm featured films about America the Beautiful, including "Americana," "Willie Nelson's 4th of July Celebration," "Jabberwalk (aka This is America)" and "Red Dawn." Film screenings begin with "Americana" at 2pm and end with "Red Dawn," which will begin around 9:45pm. Tickets: $12. Free for members.
LA MOTH STORYSLAM
The Moth, a non-profit organization committed to the art of storytelling, invites storytellers and those who would rather just listen to Zanzibar tonight for a July 4th performance of "FREEDOM." Attendees can sign up to tell a true story related to any kind of freedom and, if chosen by the judges, will be given 5 minutes to tell their tale. Stories will be judged, and the winner will be sent to the next GrandSLAM Championship. 7:30 pm(Doors open at 7pm). $16 pre-sale tickets for guaranteed admission. $8 at the door.
FIREWORKS
Looking for a good place to watch a beautiful fireworks display? Check out our guide to local fireworks shows, many of which are free!
*Pencil Pick
Want more events? Follow Lauren Lloyd (@LadyyyLloyd) and Christine Ziemba (@christineziemba) on Twitter.
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Have an event you'd like us to include in the future? Email us.
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