The Week in Arts and Entertainment: Independence Day Weekend

Bridge Street Live

Just in time for the Independence Day holiday weekend,  has released their printed July & August Calendar of Events. Pick up a copy at the venue or look for it at one of several locations around town. The current flier features a legend of performance genres for the first time, helpfully denoting each show with a symbol representing one or more of the following categories: Comedy, Blues/Rock, Film, Celtic, Dance, Acoustic, Indie and Oldies. 

Friday, The Random Concept will play their driving combination of acoustic and electric rock originating in the psychedelic era. Along with other original members, the line-up includes the legendary Garry Higgins. 

Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds bring their electric stage presence and big noise to Bridge Street on Saturday. The nine-piece band's powerful sound includes a mix of soul, rock and funky New Orleans-inspired beats.  

This venue's full, diverse weekend of music continues on Sunday with Delta Rae, whose four-part harmonies and unique South Carolinian soul style reflect their deep bonds of friendship as their popularity rapidly grows. Co-headliner Little Ugly, based right down the road in Hartford, promises a set of music that defies classification and captivates audiences with their "imaginative, introspective lyrics and classically-trained musicianship." 

Next Thursday, innovative six-string guitarist Johnny A. will perform his soulful, all-instrumental music, including tunes from his latest recording, "One November Night," a DVD/CD combination. Johnny A. expresses a range of emotions through his guitar alone, no small feat, and has won critical acclaim along with the honor of a signature Gibson Guitar design.  

All shows this week are scheduled for 8 p.m.; get tickets at www.41bridgestreet.com.

Crown and Hammer Restaurant & Pub

Friday, singer/songwriter Shawn Taylor returns to the to kick off the holiday weekend with a solo acoustic performance of originals and covers featuring his gritty vocals and guitar playing. The Dan Marolda Band performs on Saturday, promising "acoustic rock from the '70s to today plus high-energy original songs." There is no cover charge; performance start around 9:30 p.m. 

Dish n' Dat

Visitors to  can take a break from shopping and enjoy music at  at least four days a week; happy hour specials run seven days a week from 3 p.m. to close, and there is never a cover. They host live music most Wednesday and Friday evenings, and on Thursdays and Saturdays guests in the bar area are invited to "be the DJ" with free jukebox selections all night. Tonight, Friday, Mike P. will play live music from 8-11 p.m.  

The Flatbread Company

On Thursday (July 7), Luke Stills, a singer and songwriter from New Hartford, will perform at Flatbread starting at 6:30 p.m. Luke identifies himself as a storyteller in describing his songwriting style, performing original songs written from a depth of experience and emotion many would consider beyond his age. His debut album, "The Sound of Everything," was recorded in 2009.

Hub Bar & Grille

Live music at  is cancelled in observance of the Independence Day holiday weekend but will continue on Wednesday as usual at 9:30 p.m.

Canton Public Library

Registration is open for two free Readers' Theater Clubs at the for kids who are able readers and love to perform. The regular group (ages 6-12) meets weekly on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. from July 11 through August 8. A "special edition" group (ages 8 and up) will meet daily from July 21-28 at 4:30 p.m., reading and rehearsing "Tales of Beedle the Bard" to perform at the library's Harry Potter Birthday Party on July 28 at 5:30 p.m. Find more information here.

Free Weekly Events

Participate or lend an ear at Open Mic Nights hosted by singer-songwriter Joanna Szymanski on Wednesdays at the Crown and Hammer starting at 9 p.m. and on Thursdays at the Fireplace Cafe on River Street at 9 p.m.

Open Mic Night on Fridays at  at 6 p.m. is hosted alternately by Conrad Doty and Eric Paradine; LaSalle's event is "B.Y.O.B.," beer and wine only, until soon in early July, when LaSalle's new bar will open on weekend evenings.

Entertainment at  Restaurant features classic jazz by Swing ’39 with a guitar and upright bass duo on Thursdays from 7-10 p.m. and a trio, including a clarinet and saxophone player, on Fridays from 7-10 p.m.

At , artist Jim Koplar hosts an "Art Jam" on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For a $10 cover charge, art supplies and instruction are provided in a casual, supportive, fun environment.