Top 8 things to do this week: July 3-9

Aahz Legacy: The Final Reunion

Wednesday, July 3

9 p.m.

The Beacham, 46 N. Orange Ave.

407-246-1419

thesocial.org

$25-$50

In a week that finds us raving about Orlando’s halcyon days of sweaty walls pulsating to beats of (sometimes) narcotic abandon, it’s worth noting that the seemingly endless holiday revisits to AAHZ – the celebrated early-’90s ecstatic lovefest at the Beacham that inspires a reunion each summer – appear to be coming to an end. Our morning-after Facebook feeds will never be the same! Anyway, for the uninitiated, AAHZ is and was always more than a simple nightclub throwdown; the loved-up philosophy of electronic euphoria has inspired an actual AAHZ army of devotees (some of whom must be a little gray around the muzzle by now). Resident DJs Kimball Collins, Dave Cannalte and Chris Fortier – plus host Stace Bass – will all return to bid a glorious adieu to a movement they each helped create. But nobody is allowed to cry, OK? As an added bonus, every ticket holder will get a double CD of the soundtrack to that more liberated time of your life. The party never has to stop. – Billy Manes

Fireworks at the Fountain

Thursday, July 4

4-10 p.m.

Lake Eola Park, 195 N. Rosalind Ave.

cityoforlando.net

free

Nothing says “America” (‘Merica!) better than a day full of barbecue, beer and a bombastic display of colorful explosions. To celebrate the day that defines our country, the city of Orlando hosts its annual Fireworks at the Fountain event at Lake Eola, which is considered one of the best fireworks shows in Orlando (take that, Disney!). Before the fireworks begin, relish the recently restored fountain at the center of the lake that boasts new LED light bulbs for the light show. There will be live entertainment, food, games and activities for the little firecrackers, plus two wine and beer gardens to be enjoyed by those old enough to be star-spangled hammered. WMMO (98.9 FM) will host an Acoustic Café in the early evening, and a K92.3FM stage will be set up on the corner of Robinson and Eola Drive with live performances by local artists, including a special set by country singer Joel Crouse at 7 p.m. This Independence Day event will fill up fast, so we suggest parking as far away as possible and walking to the lake. Gather up your blankets or chairs and maybe a picnic basket and get there early for a good spot on the lawn to celebrate the good ol’ red, white and boom. – Kelly Chambers

Jay and Silent Bob's Super Groovy Cartoon Movie

Friday, July 5

7 p.m.

The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave.

407-228-1220

plazaliveorlando.com

$29.50-$46.50

As if we didn’t feel old enough, knowing that next year it’ll be 20 years since Clerks hit theaters, we almost spit out our teeth when we read the press release headline for Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes’ latest project: “Jay & Silent Bob are drawn out of retirement.” (What!?) It’s for good reason, we suppose, as the duo launches a Red State USA Tour redo, this time for their new low-budget comic book movie, Jay and Silent Bob’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie, a collaborative effort with filmmaker Steve Stark starring superheroes Bluntman and Chronic. The movie tour opened back on April 20 (natch) in Atlanta, making one-night-only stops at theaters all over the country through August. With Smith and Mewes in tow, after the screening they’ll engage the audience in a live Q&A session. We might be getting up there in years alongside these guys, but if life after retirement is anything like making cartoons and weed jokes, we’re in. – Aimee Vitek

Ladies' Art Lounge: Bookbinding

Friday, July 5

5:30 p.m.

Art & History Museums – Maitland, Germaine Marvel Building, 210 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland

407-539-2181, ext. 265

artandhistory.org

$25

There’s nothing better than a brand-new notebook, just sitting there waiting for you to pour your words and drawings onto its pages. Actually, scratch that: Making your own notebook while enjoying a glass of wine with friends might be even better. The Maitland Art & History Association continues their popular Ladies’ Art Lounge workshop series – a lighthearted evening out with friends where you can “talk, have a glass of wine, and learn something new in a casual and fun atmosphere” – with a class led by Whitney Broadaway, who plans to teach participants how to assemble a sketchbook or journal using the Japanese stab stitch. Combining “wine” with “stab” is a bold choice, we think; those who pay attention will leave with the know-how to combine patterned paper, bright thread and fancy stitchwork into a repository of wishes and dreams, while those who do not may have only a hangover and a puncture wound to mark their participation. – Jessica Bryce Young

TGT: Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank

Saturday, July 6

8 p.m.

Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, 401 W. Livingston St.

407-849-2020

orlandovenues.net

$59.50

If R&B had a boy band of its own, it would be TGT. All of the members – Tank, Ginuwine and Tyrese Gibson – are hot guys who’ve worked as actors and models as well as singer-songwriters. They sing about being in love and having sex (they actually have a song called “Sex Never Felt Better”) and being shirtless, and in case you haven’t already guessed it, the ladies love them. Big time. They originally got together in 2007 and announced that they’d formed a new R&B super group, only to disappoint fans in 2008 by announcing that they couldn’t release an album because each of the members had a commitment to a different record label. It looked like TGT was going to be little more than a middle-aged woman’s fantasy, but in 2012, Tyrese announced on Twitter that they’d struck a deal with Atlantic Records and would be working on a debut album ready for release this summer. It’s going to be called 3 Kings, and they’re touring in support of it now. They’ll be sexing up the stage and making women swoon in the not-very-sexy Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, and we’re pretty sure the Amway Center is going to be soooo jealous. – Erin Sullivan

Chance the Rapper

Saturday, July 6

with Mac Miller

9 p.m.

Hard Rock Live, 6050 Universal Blvd.

407-351-5483

hardrock.com

$30-$37.50

When Chance the Rapper released Acid Rap in April, he practically broke the Internet because of the instant high demand. One listen (if you’re living under a rock and haven’t spun it yet), and you’ll see why there’s really nothing chance about this young rapper’s success. Not only is his stylish locution engrossing – especially on ballads like “Lost” and “Cocoa Butter Kisses” – but when he parties, it’s an all-out bounce-house in your brain. And it seems his rap performances are an even more satisfying experience than each repeated spin of this crucial 2013 mixtape. There’s plenty of pomp in the rap game, but Chance straightens his shoulders and stands tall enough to gracefully substantiate song title claims like “Good Ass Intro” or “Favorite Song.” Did I mention that Chance the Rapper is the opener? The rest of the night will be dominated by throwback Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller. – Ashley Belanger

14th Annual Independence for the Animals Vegan Potluck Picnic

Saturday, July 6

2 p.m.

Mead Garden, 1300 S. Denning Ave., Winter Park

407-968-2400

arff.org

$3 with a dish, $5 without a dish

Those other Fourth of July bashes can keep their hot dog-eating contests and baby backs, because the furry-friendly folks with the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida host their annual potluck shindig again this year, offering a meat-free option of the “old-fashioned summertime picnic” variety. We’ve tasted first-hand the delicious vegan fare served up in Orlando (Dandelion’s Giddyup Mondays, how we love thee), so if you’re picturing bowls of raw broccoli and mushy tofu, think again. It’s a chance to spend an afternoon in the gardens with fellow animal supporters and their little ones (pet, if they’re on a leash, or otherwise), while grubbing on the likes of grilled Boca burgers, homemade hummus and marinated Portobello sammies – at least that’s what we’re hoping they’ll bring. Before joining the party, be sure to RSVP and let them know the delish contribution you’ll be bringing – even if that means ordering a catered side dish from Ethos Vegan Kitchen or Dandelion Communitea Café. – Aimee Vitek

Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me

Sunday, July 7

12:30 p.m.

Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland

407-629-0054

enzian.org

$8

Big Star’s documentary Nothing Can Hurt Me got a huge response during the Florida Film Festival this year, and we know that the limited showing schedule prevented a lot of would-be viewers from enjoying the unique backstory of one of the ’70s most (unfortunately) stunted yet (awesomely) influential American rock bands. If you missed it then, don’t miss it now, because the Enzian has graciously brought it back. Offering a window into the legendary Ardent Studios and rare footage from an undeniably happening time in Memphis, even if you’re not a super-fan (caution: after viewing, that may change), it’s a thrilling spectacle with compelling interviews, exciting behind-the-scenes insights and, inherently, a perfect soundtrack. So even if your sister says it’s no good, spend some time with Big Star anyway this Sunday, because fears will soon fade away as soon as the opening credits roll and those first notes of “Thirteen” play. – Ashley Belanger