July 4 parties exploding this weekend
July 4 party at Skybox
This weekend brings forth a slew of July 4 parties for those wanting to ring in the holiday in a big way.
Here are some of those parties:
– Synergy’s fireworks viewing party is 7:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday on the 18th floor of the Hyatt Regency Riverfront. Music is by DJ Big D, and advance tickets are $10. synergystl.com.
– 1st Friday and Budweiser are presenting a fireworks party at Before & After at 8 p.m. Friday at the Cadillac Building Penthouse Loft, 3224 Locust.
The after party is at EXO. Complimentary champagne is before 10:30 p.m. The afterparty is free with paid $15 admission to the penthouse party, and women get in free before 10:30 p.m. www.1stfriday-stl.com.
– Pandemonium is at 10 p.m. Friday at Mike Shannon’s Outfield. DJ Okay spins. Admission is free before 11 p.m., and stylish dress is required. This is presented by Koncepts, MPAC, and Freetime. 314-397-4007.
– Stress Free Fridays: Fireworks Edition is tonight at Escalade, with free good, two-for-one drinks, DJ Nino, and a massage therapist. www.stressfreefridays.ning.com.
– IndepenDANCE with DJ Richie Hawtin is Saturday night at Koken Art Factory, with an opening set by JNX/Alphahouse. The second room features SlantE, Dylan Thomas, Robitaille, Brandon B, and Summer. This is a B&W and Disco Production. www.groovetickets.com.
– So Sexy Saturdays: Hotter Than July Edition is Saturday at EXO with DJs Charlie Chan and Reminise. General admission is $10, and it’s free before 10:30 p.m. Grey Goose bottle specials will be offered. Register to win VIP tickets for the Grey Goose Concert Series with Chrisette Michele at the Ambassador July 11. www.exostl.com.
– Loose Cannon, UCME and Derrty Entertainment are presenting the Red, White and Blue Party with Wells Fargo, S.L.I.M., and St. Lunatics’ Kyjuan and Murphy Lee Saturday night at the Skybox. “You already know how crazy it was last year. This is a new tradition” is the tagline for this party. 314-646-9917.
DJ Richie Hawtin, performing at IndepenDance
Kevin C. Johnson has covered the St. Louis' music and nightlife scene for the past decade. 
Wow, STL is on Fire this weekend!! Kick-it people!!!
R.I.P. DRAKE LEVIN.
After battling a lengthy battle with cancer, Paul Revere & the Raiders’ lead guitar player - Drake “The Kid” Levin - passed away on July 4th in San Francisco at the age of 61. At his side was his beloved wife Sandra. You can email your condolences to raiderdrakelevin@yahoo.com It may be hard for some of those to believe , but there was a time Paul Revere & the Raiders could not be stopped, putting out hit after hit. They gained fame as the house-band on Dick Clark’s “Where The Action Is” TV show which aired weekday afternoons. Why this band isn’t in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a cryin’ shame. For a tribute to Drake Levin hit the follwoing link: http://www.louielouie.net/blog/?p=1207 And remember, if you’re HUNGRY for a GOOD THING, you can get your musical KICKS by listening to Paul Revere & The Raiders!
Revered Forever,
Beatle Bob
Wow, a rundown of the lamest parties in St. Louis. Thanks!