THE SHOWDOWN: July 4th concerts

It's a little-told fact that many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were big music fans. Of course there was Ben Franklin and his 'glass armonica,' but did you know that Francis Lightfoot Lee is a distant relative of Canadian troubadour Gordon Lightfoot?

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THE SHOWDOWN: July 4th concerts

POSTED: Thursday, June 30, 2011, 2:00 PM

It’s a little-told fact that many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were big music fans. Of course there was Ben Franklin and his ‘glass armonica,’ but did you know that Francis Lightfoot Lee is a distant relative of Canadian troubadour Gordon Lightfoot? Or that Edward Rutledge was the first person to refer to a fife solo as “bitchin’?” To best commemorate their legacy, head out to one of the many celebratory musical events that will be taking place throughout the city.

The weekend’s flagship concert event is the culmination of the city-wide Welcome America festivities. With an eclectic lineup curated by local treasure Questlove, the evening features sets from funky favorites Earth, Wind And Fire, singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, Master of Smooth Michael McDonald, British soulstress Estelle and DJ Jazzy Jeff. Additionally, The Roots will augment their own set by serving as the backing band for most of the other acts. Questlove’s vision of collaboration (perhaps even musical unification) seems right on point for Independence Day. The night will also feature local connections in the form of a local band-populated side stage and a tribute to Philadelphia International Records. 7 p.m., free, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 20th St. & Eakins Oval.

For an experience that’s slightly more intimate, head to Kung Fu Necktie for an evening of giddy psychedelia and punk rock. Outsider pop artist Justin “Nobunny” Champlin puts on a show that’s at once utterly repulsive and impossibly engaging. From the deeply unsettling visage of his bunny mask to his ever-changing array of improvised clothes and protective gear, Nobunny whips the crowd into a ruckus that could be considered patriotic. It’s the American dream, really. In what other country could you gallivant around in a bunny mask and not get strange looks? Well, not too many strange looks, anyway. w/ TV Ghost, Joe Jack Talcum & The Pussy Dogs, 5 p.m., $10, Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 215-291-4919.

Everyone caps off their Fourth of July with fireworks, but consider a DJ night instead. Pattern Is Movement’s drummer, Chris Ward, spins as DJ Bearbait at Johnny Brenda’s every first Monday and apparently doesn’t take holidays off. 8 p.m., free, Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 215-739-9684.

Remember: our forefathers didn’t establish this country by lounging around, so do your partisan duty and celebrate freedom or forever be branded an ungrateful hippie.

(eric.schuman@citypaper.net)

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Featuring everything from event roundups to concert reviews and sex talk, City Paper's Critical Mass is a space for off-the-wall coverage of Philly's A&E scene.

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