Here's a rundown on where to watch the bombs bursting in air this Independence Day. Sam Houston Race Park celebrates the Fourth with some good ol'- fashioned horse gamblin', followed by a fireworks show. Or, those with more refined tastes may enjoy the annual Houston Symphony Pops concert, with patriotic songs, a 16-cannon salute and fireworks over Hermann Park. The best bang, though, will be the 25-minute "Sky Freedom" fireworks show at the BP Power of Freedom event, featuring has-been Kenny Loggins. Bets on whether F-16s buzz the festival when Loggins launches into "Danger Zone"? Sam Houston Race Park: 5 p.m. horse racing, 9:30 p.m. fireworks. 7575 Sam Houston Parkway West, 281-807-7223. $3. Houston Symphony Pops at Miller Outdoor Theatre: 8:30 p.m. concert followed by fireworks. 100 Concert Drive, 713-284-8351. Free. BP Power of Freedom at Eleanor Tinsley Park: 8 p.m. Kenny Loggins, 9:25 p.m. fireworks. Allen Parkway at Taft, 713-522-9723. $6. -- Troy Schulze
WED 7/9
That's Incredible
For Gen-Xers, the real Hulk will forever be Lou Ferrigno, the muscle
man with the old-school green makeup and wig who ran amok in the 1978-82 TV
series and a handful of movies with co-star Bill Bixby. Ferrigno, the two-time
(and still youngest) Mr. Universe, is coming to Houston for a Q&A/autograph
session and a screening of the Ang Lee film, in which he has a cameo. Kermit
the Frog may have thought that it's not easy bein' green, but Ferrigno still
embraces the role that endeared him to millions of Underoo-wearing fans.
7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Wednesday, July 9. The Alamo Draft House at West Oaks
Mall, Westheimer and Highway 6. For information, call 281-556-5200. $15. --
Bob Ruggiero
WED 7/9
Pink Pictures
In the 1991 film It Doesn't Wait, a group of dancers performs in the
streets of New York -- literally. "We'd do it in between red lights," says Jane
Weiner, who had a role in the film and later founded the Pink Ribbons Project,
a local group that raises money for breast cancer victims. The film is playing
at "Pink Popcorn," a film festival/fund-raiser at Aurora Picture Show. Also
on the bill is Rachel's Daughters, a documentary about breast cancer
survivors, which will be followed by a panel discussion with medical and alternative-medicine
specialists. And the Art Guys will introduce the original Pink Panther film,
though Weiner's not sure what antics they're planning. "I'll be just as surprised
as you," she says. It Doesn't Wait: 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 9. Rachel's
Daughters: 8 p.m. Thursday, July 10. Pink Panther: 8 p.m. Friday,
July 11. 800 Aurora Street. For information, call 713-526-1907 or visit www.pinkribbons.org.
$15; $30 for all three nights. -- Eric A.T. Dieckman
