LightMyFuse

Just in case you've forgotten what state you live in, July 4 traditionally means one thing in Texas: Willie Nelson's Fourth of July Picnic. Luckenbach is the site of musical convergence, and a partial list of this year's acts includes: Asleep at the Wheel, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Robert Earl Keen, Kimmie Rhodes, Leon Russell, Billy Joe Shaver, the Geezinslaws, Little Joe y La Familia, Jesse Dayton, Waylon Jennings, Supersuckers, 81/2 Souvenirs, Kinky Friedman, Ray Price, Doug Supernaw, and Tenderloin. Gates open at 8am with the music starting at 10:30am and continuing well into the evening. Tickets are $24.50 at all Ticketmaster and Star Ticket outlets, and for more info call (201) 997-3224.

Of course, leaving one's own backyard on the biggest barbecue day of the year might not be for everyone, so we've listed some of the bigger fiesta & firework events happening closer to home. And if you thought the above listing of musical acts was an embarrassment of riches, check out the Chronicle's club listings. Musical convergence happens in Austin every night of the year, and July 4 is no exception. -- Raoul Hernandez

CARLOS & CHARLIE'S BAR & GRILL are having one of the largest fireworks display of the season on the lake at 5981 Hiline Rd. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, but leave your coolers at home (they'll provide the refreshments). JumpStart do the musical honors from 7-11pm, and if the parking lot fills up, the restaurant will be running free shuttle buses from both Lakeway elementary and high school. Wed, July 3, at dusk. 266-1683.

THE AUSTIN SYMPHONY presents its annual fun, festive, and free Fourth of July Celebration on the shores of Town Lake. Conducted by Austin Symphony Orchestra Assistant Conductor, Timothy Muffitt, this yearly happening may always end the same way, but then what better use for Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" than as a lead-in to the canons and fireworks, which start at the conclusion of the program. Thu, July 4, 9pm. 476-6064.

AN ALL-AMERICAN 4TH OF JULY EN EL BARRIO is actually taking place not in El Barrio but at Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Bergman. The celebration, sponsored by the Greater East Austin Youth League and the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, includes all sorts of fiesta prerequisites as well as performances by Los Garcia Brothers, Rebelde, Fama & C'est La Vie, and Jay Perez. Thu, July 4, noon-midnight; Fri, July 5, 5pm-midnight. 499-6718.

A FOURTH OF JULY and Founders Day Celebration takes over San Gabriel Park, Georgetown, near the downtown square. Family entertainment and food will be offered throughout the day, with a special fireworks show in the evening. Thu, July 4, 10am-10pm. 930-3546.

FREEDOM PAINTED IN LIGHT, featuring Jeane Zekowski and Allison, celebrates Independence Day with Lumia (the art of light). Called "crystalumes," their "vusic" instruments weave together traditional and avant garde music. Also featured is a major fireworks display, the SWT Swing Band, and more. Free, at Aquarena Springs in San Marcos. Thu, July 4, beginning at noon. 396-3336.