It's been a surprisingly busy news week here, considering the holiday that usually everybody takes off early for to go relax - but what a TON of great happenings this Fourth!

One of the coolest things I've ever done was cover the Olympic Trials under way in Eugene this week. Oregonians pad the ranks for team USA this year, check it out, it'll be a great way to celebrate the holiday too.

(By the way, if I were forced to change the national anthem, it would be Ray Charles doing America the Beautiful)

Here in town, on Thursday night Isaac Hayes keeps it steady and sizzling as he rolls into the Waterfront Blues Festival.

And of course, the Fort Vancouver extravaganza, which if you didn't know, is the biggest show west of the Mississip.

If you're into Americana check out the Legendary Shack Shakers at Dantes, dude sings through a harp microphone, they got a bucket of hillbilly soul, and rocking gospel.

Bustin out Lucille - Saturday night the Maryhill Vinyard in Washington is hosting BB King, fireworks and BBQ too.

And remember kids - be careful with the explosives.

MOVIES!

Cinema 21 starts the run for director Alex Gibney's latest 'Gonzo: the life and works of Hunter S Thompson.' See the foul and terrifying world of journalism from those that knew him.

At Clinton St. - It's been 15 years since singer Mia Zapata of Seattle's The Gits was murdered, and now a film follows the band from their Antioch beginnings through that dark period, but really, this was the town's killer up-and-coming band and it's the music that will stay forever strong. The Gits Movie - July 4-10.

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