Concert Picks: The Swellers, Adam Freeland, The Dennis Hamm Trio…

The promise of fireworks seems to have cleared most venues this weekend; these acts, however, haven’t been deterred. What better way to celebrate independence than by putting on a first-rate show? Check out this weekend’s picks below:

• The Swellers | Friday, July 3 | 7:30 pm | $10 | The Knitting Factory, Hollywood, CA – Map | Yeah, we dig frontman Nick Diener’s powerful vocals, much similar to Chad Kroeger of Nickelback and John Warne of Relient K. The Michigan-based punk band – soon to release Welcome Back Riders, much to the anticipation of their fans – will be playing the front stage with Living with Lions, Max & the Marginalized, and Murder Majesty. Click here for tickets.
• Adam Freeland and Guests | Friday, July 3 | 10:00 pm | $1 – $25 | Webster Hall, New York, NY – Map | The venue’s weekly “Girls and Boys” club and Dj night will feature a set by remix master Adam Freeland and New Order’s Peter Hook. Click here to find out how you can get in for one dollar before midnight; otherwise, it’s $15 online, $25 at the door. For more information call (212) 353-1600.

• Wicked Mercies | Saturday, July 4 | 9:30 pm | $6 | Hemlock’s Tavern, San Francisco, CA – Map | The six-piece  female-fronted street soul revival group works wonders from its home base; this evening their act will support Led Zepplin tribute band Heavy Hindenberg. For more information, call (415) 923-0923.
• The Dennis Hamm Trio | Sunday, July 5 | 5:00 pm | Free | Vroman’s Bookstore, Pasadena, CA – Map | The piano-laden experimental jazz sounds of The Dennis Hamm Trip  marks the first of nine Sundays in which you can enjoy free music in a courtyard against the backdrop of a summer afternoon, thanks to the 6th Annual Free Jazz Summer Concert Series put on by The Pasadena Playhouse District. The best things in life are free, especially when it comes to music; take advantage. For more information (626) 744-0340.

Who would you like to see this weekend?

Photo by Erica Danger