The fireworks have been all but snuffed by the coronavirus pandemic. Parades, concerts and other live celebrations and performances are out, too. But there’s still stuff to do and see this Fourth of July weekend. Here are some of our picks for your best options.
TV
“Hamilton”: You won’t want to throw away your shot to see Lin-Manuel Miranda’s electrifying, hip-hop infused stage sensation about American founding father Alexander Hamilton. The Tony-winning musical becomes available for streaming just in time for Independence Day via an intimate, “live capture” of a 2016 performance featuring Miranda and the original cast, filmed in the room where it happened — the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway. Here’s what you need to know about the show. Details: Premiering July 3; Disney+.
“Glory”: Considering the nationwide protests over racial injustice, and the ongoing debates over Confederate flags and statues, it seems like a good time to revisit this 1989 Oscar-winning film that tells the story of the 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry — a Black regiment raised by the Union to fight in the Civil War. Overcoming harsh treatment and racism, the troops perform heroically in combat. Denzel Washington won an Oscar for his supporting performance. Details: 1 and 4 p.m. July 4; OWN; can also be rented for $3.99 via Amazon Prime.
“The Fourth in America”: The San Francisco Symphony joins a stellar lineup of performers for this festive musical special. Co-anchored by Don Lemon in New York City and Dana Bash in Washington, D.C., the program will showcase fireworks displays in multiple U.S. cities, along with performances by Carlos Santana, CeCe Winans, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Jewel, Barry Manilow, Martina McBride, Andy Grammer, and Billy Ray Cyrus, among others. Details: 5 p.m. PT; 8 p.m. ET, CNN.
“Washington”: In an encore airing of a three-part, six-hour documentary miniseries that debuted earlier this year, Jeff Daniels narrates the epic story of the revolutionary leader George Washington as he evolves from soldier to commander to victor and America’s first president. The series, executive produced by author Doris Kearns Goodwin, features a mix of dramatic re-creations and interviews with historians as well as former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. Details: 6 p.m. July 4; History Channel.
“A Capitol Fourth”: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this annual holiday event won’t be be held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol as usual. But the special, hosted by John Stamos and Vanessa Williams, will still feature fireworks from Washington, D.C., along with pre-taped performances by Patti LaBelle, John Fogerty, the Temptations, Renée Fleming, Trace Adkins, Yolanda Adams and more. Also included: A tribute to the everyday heroes on the front lines of the pandemic crisis. Details: 8 p.m. July 4; PBS.
Food
July 4th means it’s grilling time. No, not as in Congressional hearings, we mean cooking yummy food with your family. Here’s a primer. And if your plans calls for (real or plant-based) dogs and burgers, here are some to-die-for fixings. Meanwhile, here’s a reminder that beer is a very patriotic beverage. And another reminder: Big get-togethers can still be risky, COVID-wise; please keep the gatherings as intimate as possible and practice the prescribed safety measures.
Movies
“The Outpost”: Filmmaker and former journalist Rod Lurie cleared numerous obstacles — an injured lead, a pandemic and the death of his son — to see this immersive re-creation of an heroic military episode in Northern Afghanistan get made. The result is a brilliantly executed and shot action epic with Scott Eastwood, Orlando Bloom and Caleb Landry Jones delivering some of their finest work yet. Based on CNN correspondent Jake Tapper’s investigative book, it’s an in-the-trenches depiction of U.S. soldier targeted by the Taliban in a bloody 2009 attack. This joins the ranks of the best military films. Details: Available July 3 on various platforms)
“John Lewis — Good Trouble”: On this particular Fourth of July we’re all in desperate need of an inspirational American story about a person and policymaker who has made this nation better. We get that in the form of the 80-year-old Lewis, D-Atlanta, the civil rights icon and revered member of Congress. San Francisco filmmaker Dawn Porter’s informative and timely documentary is the ideal family feature to watch, reminding us, among other things, that the fight to preserve voting rights for Blacks and other minorities is as fierce as ever. Details: Available July 3 on various streaming platforms as well as at Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive website ($12, followed by pre-taped conversation with Lewis and Oprah winfrey); as well as part of the Virtual Cinema series at Smith Rafael Film Center, and Roxie Theater ($12 each site, includes Q&A following the movie).
“Unsettled — Seeking Refuge in America”: Four LGBTQ+ refugees escape to the Bay Area in hopes of a better, and safer, life. Stanford graduate Tom Shepard’s award-winning documentary tracks the journey of the four resilient individuals as they adapt to a new home and a another reality filled with unique challenges and hope. Details: Available through July 28 at worldchannel.org; free.
“Captain America: The First Avenger”: Though I prefer Cap’s second cinematic adventure — “Winter Soldier” (2014) — over Joe Johnston’s 2011 nostalgic deep dive, there’s no denying this is pure popcorn entertainment for families. Chris Evans suits up quite nicely as the superhero who was a nerdy kid. Cap’s always been a subversive character, the very definition of someone who rebels against injustices and a foe of those who abuse their powers. How patriotic is that? Details: Available now on Disney+.
Out and about
Six Flags: OK, so the rides won’t be running, you can still take the family to enjoy the “Marine World Experience” portion of the Vallejo theme park, which features lots of animals and marine life on display, and which reopens July 2. Crowds will be limited to observe coronavirus pandemic safety regulations, so reservations are required. Details: $36.49, Six Flag members and season pass holders get in free; sixflags.com/discoverykingdom.
Fireworks, parades,etc.: Although Gilroy will be setting off fireworks this year, officials say the display — to be aimed higher in the sky — is designed for people to watch at home; there will be no public viewing accommodations or ceremony (more information is at http://www.cityofgilroy.org). In general, community July 4th ceremonies won’t be happening live this year, but several cities have slated virtual celebrations, including San Ramon, Concord, Orinda, Fremont, Pleasant Hill, Foster City, Redwood City, Milpitas and Morgan Hill. And here is a complete holiday roundup of community events and attractions.
Theater
San Francisco Mime Troupe: The Mime Troupe’s annual tour that debuts July 4 is a staple of the Bay Area summer theater season, bringing the Tony Award-winning company’s singular brand of humorous agitprop to parks around the region. That won’t be happening this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the Mime Troupe is releasing a series of four new radio plays (the young’uns can call them “podcasts” if they want) that kick off Sunday and run through Oct. 24. The plays — one noir mystery, one adventure, one sci-fi and one horror — each have two chapters and will be offered in a rotating schedule until a last production unites all the stories in a madcap finale. Expect the usual amount of liberal politics and silliness in each show. The company also plans to release a streaming version of its 2015 production of “Freedomand.” Check the troupe’s website for updates. Details: Productions are free but donations to the Mime Troupe are appreciated; catch the podcasts, a schedule and more information here.
“Les Blancs”: Here’s an independence story told from an African point of view. Lorraine Hansberry’s final play (completed posthumously by her husband) takes place in a mythical African country about to break with its European oppressors. The controversial drama, which examines the brutal costs of colonialism, was revived by the National Theatre of London in 2016, and is available for streaming beginning this week. Details: Accessible today through Wednesday at San Jose’s Hammer Theatre Center website; free but donations encouraged.
Music
Playlist: We know what you’re thinking, a proper July 4th weekend needs a playlist of awesome fireworks songs, with Katy Perry, Drake, X and Jimmy Eat World on it. Here you go.
SFJazz: We can’t think of a better way to get in the celebratory mood than catching an hour or so of good old-fashion New Orleans-style jazz and R&B. And that’s was SFJazz Center is offering his weekend as part of its Fridays at Five virtual concert series. Tune in 5 p.m. this Friday for a performance featuring legendary singer-songwriter Allen Toussaint performing with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Details: Concert accessible at www.sfjazz.org; you must be a digital member of SFJazz to watch, which costs $5 a month.
