The sounds of celebration

Because the Fourth of July falls on a Saturday this year, you now have a decent excuse to turn the holiday into a two-day celebration. If you’re not beating the heat inside or floating on a lake somewhere, consider taking in some live music. There are plenty of shows going on both tonight and Saturday evening. Here are some of your choices for great local music on Independence Day weekend. (See our listings on page C4 for more regional and local events.)

• Red Lion at the Park – The new summer concert series at the Red Lion, 303 W. North River Drive, kicked off last weekend and continues tonight and Saturday with a performance by local bluesman Sammy Eubanks. Future concerts in the series, dubbed Jammin’ by the Dam, will boast appearances by the Sweeplings, Soul Proprietor, Bakin’ Phat and Pine League. Saturday’s concert starts at 1 p.m.; all other shows start at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/HotelRLsummerconcerts.

• Rocket Market – There’s also an ongoing concert series at the South Hill Rocket Market, 726 E. 43rd Ave., and its July Fourth event will feature music from Olde Soulz Revival. Upcoming concerts include Angela Marie Project on Tuesday and Sidhe on July 11. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.

• Two Rivers Casino and Resort – Perched on the shore where the Columbia and Spokane rivers meet, Two Rivers Casino in Davenport is an ideal (and idyllic) place to spend a July Fourth evening. Starting at 7 p.m., Two Rivers will host a live performance by South Dakota blues rock band Indigenous, fronted by virtuoso guitarist Mato Nanji. Fireworks to follow; the event is free. 6828 B Highway 25 South, Davenport, Washington.

• Dopest of the Locals at Swaxx – Here’s a new event that serves as a showcase for local hip-hop talent. Starting at 8 p.m. today at Swaxx nightclub, 25 E. Lincoln Road, the all-night bash will feature performances from up-and-coming artists like King Skellee, Young Neeves and King Kuzey. Ages 18 and older only; $5.

• Zola – Here’s another opportunity to take in some local music and bask in the air conditioning: Zola will have local favorites the Jesse Weston Band playing rock and blues tunes both today and Saturday starting at 9 p.m. 21 and older only. 22 W. Main Ave.

• Carillon Concert – For the past five years, St. John’s Cathedral has hosted a Fourth of July concert showcasing the carillon, a striking instrument made up of large bronze bells. California-based carillonneur Wesley Arai will be performing. The concert begins at 9 p.m. and will wrap up in time for the downtown fireworks, which are visible from the north side of the cathedral, 127 E. 12th Ave.

• Spokane Jazz Orchestra – It’s become an annual tradition: The Spokane Jazz Orchestra, now in its 40th year, will put on its Fourth of July concert in the Lilac Bowl at Riverfront Park. The orchestra’s programs tend to include a mix of standards and jazzy reinterpretations of popular songs, and their performance immediately precedes the big fireworks show. The music begins at 8 p.m.

• Sandpoint Summer Sounds – There’s a lot going on in downtown Sandpoint on Saturday – a parade, a farmer’s market, fireworks. There’s also live music: Guitarist Ron Criscoine performs at the Pend d’Orielle Winery, 301 Cedar St., at 1 p.m., and the Selkirk Society Band will play at the outdoor stage on First and Cedar.