Celebrate Independence Day!

I know many of you are either planning on taking a long weekend or all of next week off to celebrate our nation's birth. For those of you who'll be in the Sarasota area, I've listed some of the celebration's that'll be going on this fourth of July. However if your just planning a family barbecue be sure to add a sense of patriotism with a Beneva Signature Bouquet, or treat the kids with some all American cookies, lollipops, or some gourmet chocolate covered strawberries.

However if you are unable to be with your family and friends, then send them a FREE eCard to show that they are still in your thoughts.

Stars and Stripes Performs
The 15-member Sarasota Star Spangled Band that features singer Michelle Amato honors the armed forces. Tickets are $15 to $20 for the 7:30 p.m. show. The show is at Van Wezel Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Call 941-953-3368 or (800) 826-9303 or go to http://www.vanwezel.org/.

For the Veterans
The American Brass performs at 5:30 p.m. in a veterans tribute to be held at Island Park in Sarasota. It takes place before the annual fireworks display. Veterans and military groups will be there, and seven color guards will participate. Food and beverages will be available. Visit http://www.popsextras.org/ or call 941-362-7632.

Fourth of July Celebration
Gillespie Park in downtown Sarasota at 10th Street Gillespie Avenue, have an event from 9:30-11 a.m. There will be patriotic music, an honor guard and refreshments are part of the program. It's free. Call 941-377-5965.

Pre-Fourth Concert Set at Asolo
On Sunday, July 1, the historic Asolo has a concert with Gloria Musicae. It has an afternoon performance of Sarasota's all-professional chamber vocal ensemble. The theater is at 5401 Bayshore Road. It starts at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15. Call 941-360-7399.

A Tropical Holiday at Selby
Live Zydeco music highlights Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' Tropical Fourth of July celebration. It gets under way at 6 p.m. and has children's games, the Gumbo Boogie Band and prizes for the best patriotic costumes. Selby Gardens is at 811 S. Palm Ave. Tickets are $15 for Selby Gardens' members and $18 for nonmembers. Children 12 and younger are free. Call 941-366-5731 or go to http://www.selby.org/.