Happy Thursday, dear readers! For once, this Weekend Preview is truly aptly named, as many DC-ites have tomorrow off of work as part of their Independence Day holiday celebrations. (Many of my friends also had today off, but I’m mad at those people, so let’s not discuss it.) While the 4th of July conjures up for most people images of fireworks, picnics, bbq’s, outdoor concerts and other such Americana-drenched images, for me it always reminds me of (surprise) a musical. The musical 1776, to be specific, which I would “make” my father watch (it was his VHS copy of the 1972 movie and he always requested we view it, though he’d probably deny it) around this time each year, to mark the founding of this country with none other than showtunes. (Nothing like sparklers and movie-musicals to drop clues about one’s eventual sexual identity…)

However you choose to celebrate the fact that, to quote Tokyo Police Club, “the Republic is just one more year older,” make some time this weekend to check out the following events going down in our nation’s capital.

Tonight

• Wanna learn how to DJ? Then swing by DC9 this evening for the First Ladies DJ Collective and TAINT’s DJ Workshop. Details: DC9, 1940 9th Street, NW, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., $25 – pre-registration recommended at 202-468-5275.
• After you’ve had your DJing lesson, stick around DC9 and check out how the pro’s do it with TAINT’s Lady Liberty Dance Party. Details: DC9, 1940 9th Street, NW, 9:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m., $5 Town-only OR $8 for combo cover of TAINT/WTF? wristband, 21+, Featuring DJs: K La Rock, The Pinstriped Rebel & Junebullet.
• Make your Thursday night a package deal and head to Town for their first ever WTF? Dance Party featuring TNG’s own Summer Camp, Natty Boom and Ed Bailey as DJs. Details: TOWN Danceboutique, 2009 8th Street NW, 9:00 p.m. – Close, $5 Town-only OR $8 for combo cover of WTF? + TAINT wristband, 18+.

Friday

• Celebrate the 4th a little early at our Homo/Sonic dance party at the Black Cat. Details: Black Cat, 1811 14th St., 9:30 p.m., $10.
• Make it a party-hopping double-header by checking out Blisspop and Upfront Industries’ DC Summer Extavaganza at the 9:30 Club. Details: 9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, 9:00 p.m., $10, All Ages.

Saturday

• Strap on your party hats and celebrate America’s birthday in style as MIXTAPE presents a special dance party at a special new location. Details: Rock & Roll Hotel, 1353 H Street NE, 9:30 p.m. – 2:30 a.m., 21+, $5 Cover, Drink specials from 9:30 to 11:00 p.m.: $5 Redbull + Vodka, $3 Rail Vodka.