PICK OF THE DAY

Hudson along the Charles

Vocal fireworks precede the 10:35 p.m. snap, crackle, pop when Jennifer Hudson performs at the “Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.” Emmy winner Michael Chiklis hosts the event which includes Dropkick Murphys, the 104th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, and cast members from “Mamma Mia!” And it goes without writing that Keith Lockhart and his Pops will show up. July 4 at 8:20 p.m., rain or shine (July 3 rehearsal at
8:20 p.m.; fireworks July 4 at 10:35 p.m.; if it rains, fireworks will be July 5 at 9:30 p.m.). Free. DCR Hatch Memorial Shell along the Esplanade, Boston. www.july4th.org

TUESDAY

Contra band Help the nice folks from the Folk Arts Center of New England make a Guinness Book of World Records-size crowd of contra and international dancers at “Folk Dancing by the Fountain.” The Perpetual e-Motion contra dance band, caller George Marshall, and Marcie Van Cleave will lead you through your contra paces. 7-9:30 p.m. (through July and August; rain location is Old South Church). Free. Copley Square, Boston. 781-438-4387.
www.facone.org

Emerald city This new lounge presents a new series showcasing new releases from new and established artists, acts, and DJs. Click your ruby slippers and check out the Emerald Lounge “Wicked New Music” listening series with this week’s offering of Jill Scott’s new remix album “Crates: Remix Fundamentals Vol. 1” and Brooklyn-based DJ Nickodemus’s “Moon People.” 6 p.m. doors (weekly Tuesday listening parties). Emerald Lounge, 200 Stuart St., Boston. 617-457-2626. www.reverehotel.com

Heart and soul Put yourself in the mood for this week’s Summer Soul at Boston Harbor Hotel by visiting www.soulcityband.com and grooving to Soul City sounds. And if you miss the group this week, they’ll be back Aug. 14. 6-10 p.m. (Tuesdays through Aug. 28). Free. Boston Harbor Hotel’s Rowes Wharf Sea Grille harborside terrace, Boston. 617-439-7000. www.bhh.com

Shivick and Sousa Jane Shivick doesn’t have far to travel for her performance at the Massachusetts Symphony Independence Holiday Concert. The Worcester soprano helps the orchestra kick off the Charter Summer Concert Series with a program of works by American composers including Bernstein, Copland, and Williams. Fireworks will be accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and Sousa marches. 8 p.m. (rain dates July 5 and 6). Free. East Park, Shrewsbury Street, Worcester. 508-754-1234. www.masymphony.org

WEDNESDAY

Jay Connor

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.

From fireworks to feats After the fireworks display, book it to Cambridge for the “Champions of Champions” game show and trivia night. Included are feats of strength (prior feats included thumb wars), an arts and crafts round where you build landmarks from household stuff, and a lightning round of questions. July 4 at
11 p.m. Free. 18+. Middle East Club Corner, 472-480 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 617-864-3278. www.mideastclub.com

The visit When Gene’s older brother comes home unexpectedly because of their sister’s ill health, tempers ignite and sparks fly in “Parasite Drag” by Mark Roberts. The Shakespeare & Company cast takes up thespian residence at Gene’s Baptist home in Tolono, Ill.
July 4 at 8:30 p.m. (through Sept. 2; for mature audiences). $15-$50. Shakespeare & Company Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre,
70 Kemble St., Lenox. 413-637-3353. www.shakespeare.org