Published: July 03, 2009 12:36 pm      

Entertainment week of July 3-9

The Fourth of July holiday weekend has arrived, and that means tons of activities for people of all ages, including fireworks displays and live music.



Fireworks

There are several options for families who wish to attend large fireworks displays this year, especially when considering the current drought and burn ban.

Although there will be no official fireworks display in Orange this year, there are still Fourth of July options for family fun.

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center will hold its first every Fourth of July event from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday.

Visitors who purchase admission to Shangri La prior to 6 p.m. are welcome to remain onsite to enjoy patriotic music, which will be presented by the Orange Community Band beginning at 7 p.m. Those who wish to attend only the patriotic concert will be admitted to the Shangri La Orientation Center area without charge beginning at 6:30 p.m. The musical concert begins at 7 p.m., and visitors are welcome to bring folding lawn chairs.

Just down the road from Orange County, First Baptist Church in Deweyville will hold its annual fireworks display. The event starts around dark and will take place at the baseball park on State Highway 12 in Deweyville. Call the church at 409-746-3809 for details.

The City of Beaumont’s annual fourth of July celebration starts at 5 p.m. at Riverfront Park, behind the Beaumont Civic Center, with live music from the Bryce Shaver Band, followed by Regina Richards, skydivers at 6:30 p.m., and a 7:30 p.m. performance by the Texas Renegades.

The Symphony of Southeast Texas will perform at 8 p.m. and the fireworks extravaganza begins at 9 p.m. Call the Beaumont Civic Center at 409-838-3435 for more details.

Lamar State College-Port Arthur welcomes the public to its Independence Day celebration starting at 7 p.m., at the Carl Park Center. The Orange Community Band will perform, and there will be a joint performance by the Port Arthur Little Theater and the Lamar State College Theater department of “Annie Get Your Gun.”

The fireworks celebration will begin at 9 p.m. over the Intracoastal Canal on Lakeshore Drive in Port Arthur.



Capistrano

Get your dose of weekly music tonight at the Capistrano in downtown Orange as Darren McGill and the Texas Speedbumps make their first appearance of the summer.

Admission is free of charge for patrons ages 21 and older. Call 409-883-8175 for more information.



Eagles Lodge

Check out something new tonight at the Eagles Nest in Orange, as the venue welcomes the first ever appearance of Pope n Yung at 8 p.m. Admission is $5 at the door.

And, once you are done with your Fourth of July festivities, swing by the Eagles for a little karaoke fun with host Patty Ferguson. It’s always fun and always free of charge. Call 409-886-7381 for more information about this venue.



Cow Bayou Marina

Cow Bayou Marina is quickly becoming a hot spot for live music every weekend in Orange County, especially with performances by The Memories, which start at 4 p.m. every Friday, and the Texas Country Cajuns, which begins at 4 p.m. on Saturday.

A special concert is slated for 2 p.m. Sunday with a performance by Sgt. Doobie and the Revolution Band.

Ages 21 and older are always welcome to attend. Call 409-738-3133 for details or visit www.cowbayoumarina.com online.



Cotton’s Cay

Take a ride up State Highway 87 North and check out Cotton’s Cay, one of the friendliest music venues and hangouts in Orange County. Live music is featured every weekend, and the band No Limit is on tap starting around 9 p.m., today.

Admission is $5 at the door for ages 18 and older.

And, if you are looking for some fun with your friends, then stop in on Saturday for a little karaoke. It’s free and always good for a laugh. Call 409-886-9042 for more details.



Club 87

Travel to Club 87 after your fireworks fun on Saturday because Jerry Stanley and Twisted Saddle are returning to the Orange-area for a performance at this charismatic little venue.

Admission is just $5 at the door for ages 21 and older. And remember to start your weekend early with karaoke every Thursday and Friday night when entry to the club is free. Visit www.club87online.com for details.



Scout Bar

It’s doesn’t get much heavier than it will tonight at the Scout Bar because three metal outfits are taking over downtown Beaumont.

Performing on stage is The Hippie Coalition, plus special guest local bands The Kingdom Mafia and the recently reformed Skrump.

This is a special all ages holiday party, and admission is just $10 at the door.

Friday’s concert may feature a little bit of the wild side of music, but Saturday’s will feature the youthful joy of rock expression.

Area quartet Uptown returns to the Scout Bar stage for the first time in many months with a headlining performance that will dazzle you. Whether it is pop-rock originals, or great cover songs by acts like My Chemical Romance, Van Halen, Michael Jackson or Billy Idol, this rock band knows how to have fun.

Joining Uptown on Saturday are The Research Turtles and, a new area band, The Roaring 20s.

Admission is $5 and $10 at the door for ages 18 and older. Visit www.scoutbar.com for details.



The Barking Dog

All ages are invited to visit The Barking Dog, located at 493 Pearl St. in downtown Beaumont, especially on the weekends when live music rules the stage.

Performing at 8 p.m., today, are Gretchen Schmaltz and Sree Konda. Admission is $5 at the door. Call 409-835-2275 for more information.



Logon Cafe

As with the first Friday of every month, the trio known as Ward, Bowen and Steinman are performing at the Logon Cafe in Beaumont.

The trio of friends, which has been performing since 1988, perform a mix of country, rock, bluegrass, folk and a little jazz. You won’t be disappointed.

Admission is $5 at the door and the show begins at 8:30 p.m., today. Visit www.logoncafe.net for more information.



Dylan’s

Get the best of all worlds this weekend at Dylan’s as this Mid-County venues welcomes two talented, and very different, bands to its stage.

Todd Howard and Tightrope will amaze you with its variety of music and guitar skills tonight, while area hard rock cover band Knotch performs some of the best current and a few classic rock hits. Admission is charged at the door for guests ages 21 and older.

Then, on Tuesday, enjoy a little acoustic music with friends as Jimmy Kaiser performs for your listening pleasure. Admission is free on Tuesday. Visit myspace.com/dylanson9th for details.



Pine Tree Lodge

Take a trip to the Pine Tree Lodge in LaBelle this Sunday as Curtis Breaux and The Cadillacs perform on the patio starting at 2 p.m. Whether its music or Mother Nature, there is always plenty of both to experience here. Call 409-796-1600 for information.



Zydefest V

The Delta Downs Event Center is the place to be starting at noon, Sunday, for Zydefest V.

Admission is free for guests ages 21 and older who possess a “B Connected Card.” Musical acts scheduled to perform include the Dog Hill Stompers, Leon Chavis, Brian Jack, J. Paul and The Nu Breeds.

The doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the concert concludes at 9 p.m.



The Place

Mark your calendar for some of the best music in Southeast Texas as the Larry Tillery Band performs at this Port Arthur hangout every Wednesday night. And, best of all, it’s free for ages 21 and older. Call 409-736-2650 for details.



Orange VFW

If it’s Thursday, and that means the weekly dance and concert featuring live music by Crossfire is happening at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 at the door and the good times start at 7 p.m. for ages 21 and older. Call 409-886-9738 for details.



Send all entertainment listings to tmann@orangeleader.com or call 409-883-3571, Ext. 2619