If you're looking for some live music on your Fourth of July weekend, here are shows in five different cities around the region!
First Friday jazz is here again with a duo of father-son duos (if that doesn't make sense to you, read on) playing Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids at 6 p.m. Joining regulars Sam and his dad Matthew Miltich this month are Trevor and his dad Doug Haining. The pair will bring drums and saxophone to the Miltich's guitar and bass, playing hot club and straight ahead jazz.
In Aitkin, acclaimed guitarist and composer Michael Gulezian is playing Sampaguita at 7 p.m. From the American Primitive guitar school, like his mentor John Fahey, Gulezian is known for his dreamy sound and dramatic compositions, often playing 12-string bottleneck guitar.
Over in McIntosh, jam-funk band Kitchi Boogie is playing 8 p.m. Friday night at Little Bobby’s Bar & Grill. The groove heavy four-piece rock band features longtime KAXE Dead Set host Papa Steve Ross on bass alongside Shane Corning, Jason Dowell and Doug Quance.
One more that evening is Corey Medina & Brothers at the Bemidji Jaycees 82nd Annual Water Carnival in Bemidji. The blues rock trio of Medina, Gary Broste and Eric Sundeen is playing the festival's 21-plus tent at 8 p.m. Friday night.
On to Saturday, July 4, the Squid City Slingers are at Smoke on the Water in Coleraine, 5 p.m. They are an old-time and bluegrass trio from Duluth who mix originals with traditional songs, and their latest release is a version of "Crossing Muddy Waters.”
Friday, July 3
- Sam Miltich & Friends - 6 p.m., Rapids Brewing Co., Grand Rapids, free
- Michael Gulezian - 7 p.m., Sampaguita, Aitkin, $20 suggested donation
- Kitchi Boogie - 8 p.m., Little Bobby's Bar & Grill, McIntosh, free
- Corey Medina & Brothers - 8 p.m., Water Carnival, Bemidji, free
Saturday, July 4
- Squid City Slingers - 5 p.m., Smoke on the Water, Coleraine, free
The weekly live music spotlight is made possible by the citizens of Minnesota through the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
