Tim’s Picks: Ready for the Fourth
Stars and Stripes and then some.
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Setting you up for the Fourth and beyond, it’s …
By Tim Brouk/For Based in Lafayette
Roots and Roll BBQ, 7 p.m. Friday, July 3, People’s Brewing Company, 2006 N. Ninth St., Lafayette — The annual July 4 weekend celebration of American music — folk, country, blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, among other genres — and meat will feature a menu of three bands from three states and savory dishes from People’s kitchen. Originally from New Orleans but now scattered around the country east of the Rockies, The Deslondes will begin its July tour at this outdoor event. The band has been performing its brand of roots music for 20 years and are bopping around the Midwest and East Coast for two weeks in support of its new album, “Don’t Let It Die: Vol. 1,” a collection of deep cut country, folk and blues covers. Opening this summer bash will be The Minks, a Nashville, Tennessee, psychedelic rock and blues combo, and Lafayette’s CoyoteBear, who will be backed by his usual all-star assemblage of local killers (the musical variety). Tickets.
Stars & Stripes, 6 p.m. Saturday, July 4, downtown Lafayette — America turns 250 this weekend, and Lafayette will do its part to sing “Happy Birthday.” “Stars & Stripes,” a free concert that serves as a prelude to Lafayette’s largest fireworks display, was presented first by Lafayette Symphony Orchestra but Lafayette Citizens Band took the baton in 2006 as music headliners. The event has evolved into a community band extravaganza leading up to dusk and those brilliant explosions in the sky. For the big 250th, the Jefferson High School Jazz Combo and Alumni Band will kick things off before a set of salsa, bachata, merengue and cumbia music from Clave Caribe. The Citizens Band, joined by The Freedom Singers, will then take the stage around 8 p.m. for two sets of patriotic musical fanfare before fireworks, which are scheduled for about 10 p.m. Food trucks will be parked around Riehle Plaza because all that Sousa works up an appetite.
Bonus cut: As part of the city’s July Fourth, piano man Bruce Barker and his band will play noon-3 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Columbian Park’s Memorial Island amphitheater. Free.
Lil’ Flip, 7 p.m. July 9, Rat Pak Venue, 102 N. Third St., Lafayette — Houston rapper Lil’ Flip will star in a big hip-hop event in downtown Lafayette. The emcee had major success in the ’00s, even appearing on the “2 Fast 2 Furious” soundtrack with “Rollin’ on 20’s.” From 2002-2005, Flip scored two platinum-selling albums, “Undaground Legend” and “U Gotta Fell Me,” hit singles in “The Way We Ball” and “Game Over (Flip),” and collaborations with then hip-hop A-listers in Nelly, Three 6 Mafia, Ludacris, Chamillionaire and even the Queen Bee herself, Beyoncé. In the ’10s, Flip had battles with his labels and went back to releasing independent records. He even wrote a book — “Don’t Let the Music Industry Fool You” — about his struggles with music business suits. Flip then took some time off, but the 45-year-old artist is back touring and will make his Lafayette debut next week. $25. Tickets.
Sixth & South, 7 p.m. July 10, MatchBOX, 17 S. Sixth St., Lafayette — The annual fundraiser for MatchBOX Coworking Studio will drum up entrepreneurial spirt and support with live music, dance beats, eats and drink next weekend. The 2026 edition of Sixth & South will welcome The Silkies to downtown Lafayette. The young Cincinnati band has an energetic rock vibe while Lafayette’s own DJ Karabella will also get the crowd moving with her brand of house music. Between sets, be sure to check out live watercolor painting by local artists, personalized candle pouring, live screen printing, a scavenger hunt with Mission: Breakout and tastings with Generation NA. $50. Tickets.
Henry Cho, 8 p.m. July 11, Long Center for the Performing Arts, 111 N. Sixth St., Lafayette — The first standup comedian since 1973 to be inducted into the “Grand Ole Opry,” Henry Cho cultivated a successful career cracking relatable, clean material before and/or after country music’s top performers more than 100 times since his 2011 “Opry” debut. Claiming to be one of the few “full-blooded Koreans with a Southern Accent,” Cho also rules more traditional standup venues as evidenced by his specials on Comedy Central and Netflix. The comic also appeared on “The Tonight Show,” “The Late, Late Show” and even his own “The Henry Cho Show” in 2011 on the Great American Family (GAC) cable network. Cho’s rubbed elbows with movie stars on-set like Sally Field (“Say It Isn’t So,” 2001), Hillary Duff (“Material Girls,” 2006) and one Tom Arnold (“McHale’s Navy, 1997). Cho’s style is observational, often dipping into his own family life for his always strong material. Tickets are selling fast for this upcoming Long Center show. $46-$57. Tickets.
Tim Brouk is a longtime arts and entertainment reporter. He writes here (almost) weekly, tracking things to do for Based in Lafayette.
Thanks for support from Purdue Convocations, presenting Shucked, Riverdance 30, KODO, Clue, Black Panther in Concert, The Wiz, and more! Single-show tickets are now available. Grab your favorite show today or create your own season package and save 10% with a PICK5 subscription! View the full season of dance, theater, music, and ideas, and BUY TICKETS today!
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Tips, story ideas? I’m at davebangert1@gmail.com.