1) Independence Day is on Wednesday and the city is hosting the annual Go 4th on the River celebration. This free "dueling barges" fireworks show is rated 5th "must see" in the country by the American Pyrotechnic Association. City Park will be hosting fireworks on July 3 with The Marine Corps Band New Orleans playing patriotic music including the 1812 Overture, America the Beautiful, and other favorites. Music starts at 7p and fireworks begin at 9p.

2) Essence Fest returns to New Orleans on Thursday, July 5 and runs through the 8th. Performers this year include Janet Jackson, Doug E. Fresh, and Erykah Badu. Local performers include Mykia Jovan, DJ Jubilee, and Big Freedia. See the whole lineup here. 

3) A few live music weekend picks: Bon Bon Vivant at 21st Amendment, Friday 6p; Shotgun Jazz Band at Maison, Friday at 7p; Marc Stone at Buffa's, Saturday 6p; Corey Henry & the Treme Funktet at Gasa Gasa, Saturday 9p; Grayson Brockamp & the New Orleans Wildlife Band at Snug Harbor, Sunday 8p; and Mem Shannon at Three Keys Ace Hotel Sunday at 8p.

4) Check out the latest from the WWOZ video team! We've got a ton of great videos on Vimeo and here are our recent live video streams, available to view at any time.

5) Did you know you can hear WWOZ programming at any time? Hit up our early mornings, late nights, and everything in between on the 2-week archive.