This Independence Day weekend, I call upon you all, to celebrate. In recognition of all things we hold dear, take time to cherish. Cherish your loved ones, cherish yourself. This Independence Day, recognize that on whatever whim we may exist, we are here with each other and without that, well, things would be much less interesting. Celebrate your freedom to express yourself through whatever means possible. If only a moment in a hectic day, make that moment yours.

It’s easy to cringe when somebody asks the music question, “Who is the best [fill-in-the-blank] player ever?” Opinions are opinions. But really, Stanley Clarke was, has been, and will always be the finest jazz bass player. Some would argue in favor of the alternative orchestral brilliance of Charles Mingus or the bewildering fretless arrangements of Jaco Pastorious, but its Clarke’s longevity and vastly diverse ventures as bandleader and sideman put him right up top.

Returning this summer, The Forecastle Festival, led by Sam Smith, My Morning Jacket, Widespread Panic and Modest Mouse, has released its daily schedule, available at ForecastleFest.com

For over 20 years, the genre defying sounds of Slightly Stoopid have satisfied the West Coast and the world’s need for psychedelic, bluesy, soulful, rock with a heavy hint of island reggae. The bands newest album, Meanwhile… Back at the Lab finds its way to eclectic listeners at the end of June just days in advance of their summer tour, Everything is Awesome. Slightly Stoopid will take on the road and more than 40 cities with The Dirty Heads, The Expendables (select dates), and Stick Figure (select dates).