Liam's List

  Greetings chums.

The holiday weekend is here. A three day weekend at that with July 4th events all around the Bay. We have a few of the best on the list, plus some classic sounds from Michael Jackson and a happy hour in San Francisco that will make you everything but grumpy.

Cheers,
Liam

p.s. Keep up with other events each week by following me on Twitter.
twitter.com/liampmayclem

1 - ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR
Marin County Fair
Thursday to Sunday 11am - 11pm
Five days, and twelve hours daily of fun and frivolity for the whole family at Marin's Annual County Fair. Enjoy art, food, fun and music in glorious Marin. Highlights include The Wailers on Fridays and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band on Sunday.
http://www.marinfair.org/

2 - MORE FAIR FUN
Alameda County Fair
4501 Pleasanton Avenue, Pleasanton
Through July 19th
Daily 11am - 10pm (Closed Mondays)
The East Bay gathers for two weeks of fairground fun at the annual Alameda County Fair. Art combines nicely with agriculture at this summer fun fest. Bring the family and some feed for the livestock!
http://www.alamedacountyfair.com/2009fair/home/index.php

3 - JULY 4TH FIREWORKS
Waterfront Celebration
Pier 39, Embarcadero, San Francisco
Saturday 6 - 9pm
Look skyward as San Francisco hopes to beat the fog once again for the annual July 4th Celebration. Find a spot, drop your blanket and enjoy along the Embarcadero this Saturday night.
www.pier39.com

4 - JULY 4th PARTY
Fireworks and Symphony
Craneway Pavilion
1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond
Saturday 7pm
Enjoy July 4th with a double dose of happy - fireworks and the sounds of the East Bay Symphony. The sounds and sparks will fill the Richmond air from 7pm on Saturday.
http://www.craneway.com/OEBS/

5 - PHOTO EXHIBIT
Cliff Baker
Carmichael Salon, 619 Post Street, San Francisco
NOW through August 31st
One of America's great photographers is showing his impressive body of work and you are invited. The photography of Cliff Baker spans more than fifty years. Landscapes and lads are among his subjects. See a mere taste of Cliff's stunning work throughout the summer at Carmichael Salon. Meet the man behind the photos at a special artist reception on Thursday July 9th at 6pm.
http://carmichaelsalon.com/carmichael/Carmichael_Salon.html

6 - AT THE MOVIES
Public Enemies
NOW Playing
Bay Area Theaters
It's a landmark crime saga with Johnny Depp at the helm playing American gangster John Dillinger. In doing so Depp gives one of the most shining performances of his career. The cast is strong, the story well written, the direction beautifully captures America deep in the Depression. A warning, the shoot em up scenes are a full on and at times a bit much, for me at least. Michael Mann triumphs here with a movie to be proud of.
http://publicenemies.net/

7 - HEAR THIS
Michael Jackson - Off The Wall
iTunes
NOW online
The year was 1979 and Michael Jackson unleashed a stunning, disco era wall of sound upon us that was Off The Wall. From Wanna Be Starting Something to Beat It - every track pops, bright and shiny tunes, reminders of an MJ who had the world at his feet. Every single track sounds as good now as it ever did, except now when we hear those songs we are reminded that the man behind the music is gone. Howover go on, log on, download and become a teenager again. Lose yourself in the legend that is, or rather always will be Michael Jackson - King of Pop.
www.itunes.com

8 - MUST SEE TV
Eye On The Bay - Summer Movies
Friday 7pm
CBS 5 TV
It is not often I plug my own show but this Friday's edition of Eye on the Bay is a must see. It's our Summer movies edition of the show featuring interviews with the cast of Ice Age 3 - Dawn of the Dinosaurs and the Transformers stars Megan Fox and Shia Le Beouf. Our movie guy Chris Bollini also joins me for a look at the Summer's other big films. Set the tivo.
www.cbs5.com/eyeonthebay

9 - EAT HERE
Little Skillet
330 Ritch Street, San Francisco
Monday - Saturday 11am - 3:30pm
There is a new trend in the Bay Area of restaurants without tables. These street food vendors and chefs are popping up everywhere. The guys behind Farmer Brown are among the most recent food pirates to set up shop. A walk up window at 330 Ritch street has a chalk board with enticing offerings: Fried chicken and waffles, Prawn poy boy sandwich, Corn dog wrapped in a bacon - need I say more. This spot already has a healthy following so arrive early, grab your food and perch on a milk crate on the sidewalk. This food is fantastic, the service slow but it is worth the wait.
www.littleskillet.com

10 - HAPPY HOUR
Grumpys
125 Vallejo Street, San Francisco
Monday to Friday 5 - 7pm
My local watering hole offers two hours of happiness daily. Enjoy a beer and a shot during the happy hours for $7 and garlic fries for $1. Check the chalk board for other daily specials. "The Karl" is a regular's fave. The service is great, the vibe chilled, and the value unbeatable. No need to be grumpy in this joint. See you there.
http://grumpyspub.com/

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)