Stephen Centanni

This year's Fourth of July promises to be one for the centuries. The United States of America will be celebrating its 250th birthday. After the fireworks explode over downtown Mobile, an Azalea City native will be bringing his talents home for an electrifying display of talent on the guitar.

Band: PBE Pluto & Friends Date: Friday, July 17, with doors at 8:30 p.m. Recommended for you

Mardi Gras is a treasured Azalea City tradition that has spanned the centuries. Excelsior Brass Band is a local musical institution that has fueled the season's energy for 143 years of Mobile's celebration.

Mardi Gras is one of the Gulf Coast's most beloved holiday seasons. Unfortunately, this revelous celebration only takes place once a year. However, Fairhope Brewing has a remedy for those who need a Fat Tuesday fix in the summer. This local brewery's “Mardi Gras in July” event promises to bring the sights, sounds and spirit of the season to its patrons. As is tradition, Fairhope Brewing will craft a lineup of special brews for the event along with food trucks offering a variety of delicacies.

All musicians dream of taking their art to the professional level. Making this move could be likened to diving into unknown waters to be embraced or overwhelmed by waves of uncertainty. Austin-based singer-songwriter Blake Robert has taken the dream of making a living through making music to an experimental and somewhat extreme level. On April 27, Robert embarked on a nationwide tour featuring 100 dates.

This Sunday, The Merry Widow is inviting the denizens of the Azalea City to embark on musical exploration with three inventive acts. Regional up-and-comers Aren't We will serve as the headliner for the evening. With past opening sets for notables such as George Porter Jr. and Rebirth Brass Band, this sonic collective has already been making strides in the Gulf Coast music scene.

Years have passed since Sleepytime Gorilla Museum presented one of their musical expositions in downtown Mobile. A 13-year hiatus left many wondering if this enigmatic group would return to either the studio or the stage. Now, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum has shown back up to the highways and byways of the world with another unforgettable live show that should not be missed. This Oakland-based band's avant-garde mix of unique instruments, abstract aesthetics and passionate live delivery is used to create a sound that refuses to be labeled.

Mobile cannot deny the city's abundance of jam rock fanatics. Local crowds cannot get enough of the earthy, boundless sounds resonating from groups ranging from Goose to the Grateful Dead.

One of the greatest talents comedians can have is the ability to deliver relatable material that connects with the audience.

Since its invention, the electric guitar has been the industry standard for blues. However, one must not forget the acoustic guitar gave birth to the blues.