Celebrate the Fourth of July with music
COUNTRY music, Gulf Coast soul and, of course, fireworks — welcome the Fourth of July in Houston.
The city’s annual Freedom Over Texas festival offers the usual assortment of mainstream music fare, including Darius Rucker and the Eli Young Band. There are more adventurous options, too, including hometown stars The Suffers and guitar virtuoso Zach Person.
Entertainment will be spread across four stages including a kid zone, and for those who don’t want to sweat under the sun, portions of the festivities will air live on KTRK (Channel 13).
The event culminates with a fireworks display beginning at 9:35 p.m. Monday.
And FYI, there is no re-entry to this ticketed gathering, which means you can’t see a band in the afternoon, leave and return later for the fireworks. Once you’re in, you’re in for the duration. With that in mind, here’s a look at the days’ star-spangled lineup:
Darius Rucker Start time: 8 p.m.
How you know him: Rucker fronted ’90s frat-boy rock band Hootie & the Blowfish, whose album “Cracked Rear View” sold more than 16 million copies. He’s gone on to a successful solo career as a country artist, scoring hits with “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” and “Homegrown Honey.” Most patriotic moment: Making the shift to country music — and sticking with the sound.
Eli Young Band Start time: 6:30 p.m.
How you know them: The country band from Denton has topped the country charts with “Crazy Girl,” “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” and “Drunk Last Night.” Members Mike Eli and James Young met at the University of North Texas. Most patriotic moment: The band’s latest single, “Saltwater Gospel,” ruminates on Jesus and the outdoors. What’s more American than that?
The Suffers Start time: 5 p.m.
How you know them: If you live in Houston and don’t know The Suffers, something is wrong. Kam Franklin and crew have taken their “Gulf Coast soul” sound as far away as France and China, but it’s celebrated the most at home. Easily the city’s biggest breakout act in years.
Fireworks: The band made its national TV debut on “The Late Show With David Letterman.” The Suffers also have appeared on “The Daily Show” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”
Brooke Eden Start time: 4:15 p.m.
How you know her: Eden isn’t a household name. But she’s making lots of noise with debut single “Daddy’s Money,” which plays like a hybrid of Shania Twain and Tanya Tucker. Eden has opened for Florida Georgia Line, Alan Jackson and Sam Hunt. Fireworks: Eden is signed to BBR Music Group, whose roster includes Jason Aldean, so she’s in good commercial company.
John Evans Start time: 4:15 p.m.
How you know him: Evans built a solid local following via several great albums before moving to Austin. He returns with “Polyester,” his first record in six years, which again incorporates atmospheric country, jaunty pop, rock and rockabilly.
American hero: The songs on “Polyester” are featured in the documentary “Butterfly Girl,” about Evans’ young daughter who passed away in 2013 from a rare skin disease.
Rusted Root Start time: 6:15 p.m.
How you know them: The rock-fusion outfit is best-known for its 1994 album “When I Woke” and hit single “Send Me On My Way,” which has been featured in “Ice Age,” “New Girl,” Enterprise Rent-A-Car commercials and too many quasi-hippie gatherings to count. American dream: Despite limited mainstream appeal, Rusted Root has found success as a touring act and has been on the road consistently since 1990.
Cowboy Mouth Start time: 8 p.m.
How you know them: The New Orleans, roots-rock outfit scored a modest ’90s hit with “Jenny Says” and “Whatcha Gonna Do?” American dream: Cowboy Mouth also has managed to cultivate a loyal fan base via touring and independent releases.
Zach Person Start time: 4 p.m.
How you know him: The Houston guitarist, singer and songwriter was featured on the final season of “American Idol,” where he wowed the judges with a Gary Clark Jr. song. Person recently released an album, “Working On Tomorrow,” and graduated from George Bush High School in Richmond. Most patriotic moment: It doesn’t get more red, white and blue than “Idol.”