Happy birthday, America!
Bay Ridgites will celebrate 240 years of American independence this weekend. But at some point between the barbecues and bouts of flag-waving, find some time to check out some shows!
There is no better way to kick off your Fourth of July weekend than by saluting the troops at Fort Hamilton (enter at 101st Street and Fort Hamilton Parkway) on Friday night. The gates open at 5 pm, and American Idol winner Fantasia and a half-dozen other will perform starting at 5:45 pm, with a spectacular display of fireworks to follow. The whole night is free, but you have to register in advance at www.hamil
While the American troops are distracted, our one-time imperial occupiers are sneaking into Bay Ridge! Patriots should patrol over to the Greenhouse Cafe (7717 Third Ave. between 77th and 78th streets) on Friday night to keep an eye on the British Invasion cover band the Windsor Terrors, who will start playing at 9:30 pm.
On Saturday night you can head to the Wicked Monk ( 9510 Third Ave. between 95th and 96th streets) to catch a cheery greeting from Hello Brooklyn, a party band playing the best modern hip-hop and pop hits. The show kicks off at 11 pm.
The fun does not have to end after your long weekend. After work on Tuesday, slip over to Shore Park (entrance at 79th Street and Shore Road) to hear Head Over Heels play an outdoor concert as part of state Sen. Marty Golden’s (R-Bay Ridge) Concerts in the Park series, starting at 7 pm.
