Fourth of July Rocks

SATURDAY, JULY 1

Doris Henson, String and Return, New Tragedies at the Grand Emporium

The thesis of this show is “we are all young and in relatively good health, but we tend to drink too much.” I’m not sure exactly how that applies to this lineup, except that each band contains its share of brooding romantics (see: Andrew Ashby, Matt Dunehoo, Aaron & Bev Widener). The dance club sheen of the Grand Emporium should provide an interesting setting for these local favorites, and it’ll be fun to watch the club’s regular Saturday night crowd (read: sexy gayboys) react in confusion when they walk in and get hit with either S&R’s waves of darkness or DH’s blasts of joyous, desperate, loud rock and roll.

Neon at the Record Bar

Neon, hosted by Edwin Morales (aka DJ Konsept) and Stevie Cruz (whose other night job is lead screamer for the Esoteric) has for years been Lawrence’s favorite ’80s-plus dance night, luring out people who don’t want to freak and grope each other but just get drunk and have a good time shakin’ it on the floor. I’ve tested it myself, and the Record Bar is a great place to do just that, so let’s quit being barflies for once and tear it up on the hardwood, whaddaya say?

SUNDAY, JULY 2

Pink Socks and Brimstone Howl at P. Ott’s

Pink Socks?, you ask. Here’s your answer, bitch.

Deepthinkers, Qwell, Robust, Rift Napalm, Anti-Crew and A Packed Lunch

Hey, look at all that hip-hop you get — and a packed lunch. Seriously, the Deep Thinkers are onto something new. Datura Records’ Jeremy Willis, their local man in the industry, is positively stoked about the new record they have. He even told me a couple weeks ago that it’s the best thing ever to come out of KC hip-hop. Hmmm. Meanwhile, our fine young lads of Anti-Crew are kickin’ it on their summer break. I have to say, doing this story on Matt and Jeff was one of the most fun writing assignments I’ve taken on — and I swear no llamas were injured during the process. And the other acts tonight will Qwell your Robust urge for underground progressive flow and… uh… Rift Napalm you. Yeah.

MONDAY, JULY 3

Malachy Papers and Mike Dillon’s Go-Go Jungle

The Malachy is a local fave with surprising longevity, considering its experimental, jazzy edge. Ever seen a guy turn a cymbal into a synth-boom machine or a saxophone into a jet engine? It’s “out,” but in a good way. Mike Dillon is the Frog Brigade’s vibes player. If that doesn’t impress you, then neither will this.

TUESDAY, JULY 4

Byron House, J.A. Moonchild & His Aura’s Parasites, Me Infecto, This Is My Condition at American Ice

OK, I have no fucking idea who three-fourths of these acts are, but I know (a) if you still haven’t seen Craig Comstock freak out like a wild bear, you suck, and (b) American Ice (3125 Wyandotte) is a new all-ages venue worth supporting. Plus, it has a very patriotic name.

And don’t forget about this.