Independence: A Tour of America, MECA's Fourth of July celebration, has plenty to aid your pursuit of holiday happiness. Saint Arnold's beer, hot dogs, music, dancing, a great view of the fireworks downtown - what else could you ask for on our country's birthday? The event will feature a slate of acts as culturally diverse as America, including Inner City All-Stars, a New Orleans-style jazz and old-school funk band; Houston's Urban Souls, a modern dance company; and DJs including Nibu Abraham of KPFT's Generasian Radio. "It's a festival to display what different types of ethnicities are throughout the city," Armando Silva, MECA's development director, tells us. "But really, it's just a good time to party." The event, which benefits the historic Dow Elementary School building, will happen rain or shine. 4 to 10 p.m. Old Sixth Ward Art Park, 1500 Lubbock. For information, call 713-802-9370 or visit www.meca-houston.org. Free.
Sat., July 4, 5-10 p.m., 2009