Rock‑and‑roll rumors of death have been exaggerated for decades, but step inside any dimly lit club in Portland and you’ll feel its pulse kicking like a stubborn bass drum. That lifeblood courses loudest right now through Chris Margolin & The Contraband, a Northwest foursome that introduced themselves last year with the riff‑packed Carnival Station.

Part of the Terrapin Roadshow series, a fine ensemble of talented musicians with shared music pedigrees gathered on July 19 at a 500‑capacity amphitheater in San Rafael, California, for a two‑set, kaleidoscopic performance of (mostly) Grateful Dead music. This was the second of three weekend shows at the venue, typically utilized by the Marin Shakespeare Company, within the Dominican University of California campus, each of which had a different ensemble cast.

On July 13, 2025, the Vina Robles Amphitheatre buzzed with excitement as a sold‑out crowd gathered for the eagerly awaited Happy Together Show—a nostalgic celebration of 1960s music presented by the stars of the 2025 Happy Together Tour. The evening featured legendary acts including The Turtles, Jay and the Americans, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett, The Vogues, and The Cowsills, all of whom delivered engaging performances.

The Fourth of July is a celebration that represents the soul of this country in the heart of many Americans. It is a time when we recognize our historical ability to overcome the odds and make good through perseverance and industry and it is these qualities that have made this nation great. Although some do not always agree with the finished product or those whose hands are at work, the outcomes of these United States prove that we are unique, diverse, and deliver on inspiration and tradition.