Trying to declare your independence from boring backyard barbecues? Whether you’re showing off your Yankee pride or celebrating our multi-culti melting pot, we’ve got just the way to color your weekend.
Spybar
Support our troops — literally — with $6 Absolut snow cones and $100 Operation Homefront Jim Beam bottles. Proceeds from drink specials benefit the USO of Illinois. DJs Mixin Marc and Alex Peace spin.
Who: Scenesters and soldiers
Where: Spybar, 646 N. Franklin St. 312-337-2191
When: 10 p.m. Friday
Cost: $20
DayRa 4th of July
Boat Cruise
Cocktails, appetizers and a view of the Navy Pier fireworks (9 p.m.) should start things off with a bang. Includes beats by Lady D and a performance by FFM. Meet at Lumen for transportation to the cruise; return afterward for a party. Rain or shine.
Who: Club kids on a field trip
Where: Lumen, 839 W. Fulton Market. 312-733-2222
When: 5 p.m. Friday
Cost: $75-$90. Tickets: music-101.com
The E Event: Summer Slammer
Get your temperature rising with performances by Wes Restless, Drunken Monkee and others. DJs Sp-1, Sean Doe and X-Ray spin. Also features a video shoot for Spqher and live art by Slang.
Who: Underground hip-hop and neo-soul freaks
Where: Darkroom, 2210 W. Chicago Ave. 773-276-1411
When: 9 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $7. No cover before 11 p.m.
In the Know
A night of stars and pinstripes hosted by actor Boris Kodjoe (best known from Showtime’s “Soul Food” series) features the Chicago debut of his new clothing line, Ziami. Kid Capri spins.
Who: Upscale urban professionals
Where: Joe’s Bar, 940 W. Weed St. 312-337-3486
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Cost: $20. No cover before 10:30 p.m. with RSVP: rsvpme@sldmarketinggroup.net
The First Annual Official Black Party
Fly a flag of a different kind at this bash held as part of the Chicago Windy City Black Pride celebration (through July 7). DJs Craig Loftis, Kenae and Anton spin. Wear black attire.
Who: Gay African-American men
Where: Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-991-7962
When: 10 p.m. Saturday
Cost: $20
Reggie’s Music Joint
Launch your own rock ‘n’ roll rebellion with live music by the Moist Guitars, The Riverbilly Cousin Touchers and others (9:30 p.m.). Get $2.50 PBR tallboys and menu specials, and hitch a round-trip shuttle to the Taste of Chicago (2-10 p.m.).
Who: Twentysomething guitar heroes
Where: 2105 S. State St. 312-949-0120
When: 11 a.m. Friday
Cost: No cover
MAEVE
Get your grill on with burgers and brats, plus domestic beer and cocktails. Also, play bags and watch baseball games on multiple screens.
Who: Old-school Lincoln Parkers
Where: 1325 W. Wrightwood Ave. 773-388-3333
When: Noon Saturday
Cost: $30
‘We Want You’
Soiree
Say Uncle (Sam) with $3 bomb-pop shots and 12-ounce cans of beer, plus cherry vodka lemonades with Pop Rocks rims. Music by DJ Daddy.
Who: Wicker Park scenesters on their night off
Where: Plan B, 1635 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-252-2680
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Cost: No cover
Freedom F*** Yeah
Fight for your constitutional right to party at this celebration of free speech and benefit for the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Includes live music by The Sound Conspiracy, beats by DJs Million $ Mano and LA Jesus, and anti-censorship videos. Also: Drink specials and the chance to win passes to Pitchfork Music Festival. Hilary Rawk of Rawk! Magazine hosts.
Who: House fans and
HIP-HOP HEADS
Where: Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave. 773-278-6600
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Cost: $8
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metromix@tribune.com
