What better way to express patriotism than to go to a local show on the 4th of July? There are two great options for pre- or post- fireworks festivities:

– Born on the Fourth of JuLive – Thee oh Sees, Death Sentence: Panda!, Tussle, Mystic Paradise, Sic Alps, The Fresh and Onlys and No Boss at Cellspace (2050 Bryant St in SF).

Thee Oh Sees, who just played a Bay Bridged Presents show, are a freaking blast live – no other way to describe it. Their stage antics, tight harmonies and let’s face it, “bizarre” songs make this band a must-see. They’ll be touring with Sic Alps later this year. Death Sentence: Panda!’s raucous and arhythmic tunes are sure to wake you up, and Tussle will definitely get you dancing if you aren’t already. A great variety of bands at this joint. 7pm, $7.

– The 3rd Annual El Rio Big Time Freedom Party – I Was Totally Destroying It (Chapel Hill, NC), Paper Airplanes (Wichita), Low Red Land, Pope of Yes, Time & Place (ex-members of Sky Pilots), Two Sheds and Caves on two stages at El Rio, presented by West Coast Performer Magazine and Thread Productions.

Our good friends from Thread Productions have gotten together an amazing lineup of local and out-of-town talent for this afternoon extravaganza. All these local bands have been playing great shows locally, from house parties to headlines. Two Sheds and Low Red Land in particular have rocked the local scene the past few months with amazing acoustic performances and endless local coverage. Definitely check this show out. 2-8pm, $7.