Hello and happy almost holiday weekend,

Here's the second version of our new "Weekend Insider" column. Please comment and leave your feedback; I'd love to know what you think, if there's anything specific you'd like to see in the future, etc. We're really hoping to make this a regular feature and I want it to be something that benefits YOU each and every weekend. Enjoy and have a happy 4th of July weekend! Thanks again.

SKL

PS. Please forgive the choppy editing... I'm still trying to get the hang of this thing they call Final Cut Pro.

FRIDAY, JULY 1.

Get groovy at Beatles Fest

• Beatles Fest II. Beatles tribute band Across the Pond headlines this 60s-infused night at Derby Park. Sure it’s a bit of a hike to drive the 30 minutes to Hudson Falls, but how often do you get the chance to have your own personal Beatle-mania in your own backyard? The Jonathan Newell Band, Acoustic Pleasure and the Hudson Falls High School string ensemble are scheduled as opening acts and there will be a variety of food and drink vendors. It’s been a hard days night…so get down to HF and start your weekend off right. Derby Park, Coleman Avenue, Village of Hudson Falls. Friday, July 1. 6-10 p.m. (747-5426 ext. 206). $3. Kids 12 and under free.

Dance under the stars for a rooftop jazz concert

• UpBeat on the Roof Concert Series — Sonny and Perley. Now in its 11th season, UpBeat on the Roof - Skidmore's TANG Museum free rooftop concert series welcomes jazz duo Sonny and Perley to the stage. Sonny and Perley of the New Orleans Jazz program will headline this night of music under the stars with a tribute to jazz legend Louis Armstrong. If you couldn't get enough of Jazz Fest at SPAC last weekend, this is the perfect chance to get your jazz groove back on. Not to mention, it's free and on the roof of the TANG, one of Saratoga's coolest seasonal venues. Tang Museum, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway. Friday, July 1. 7 p.m.  (580-8080 www.tang.skidmore.edu). FREE.

Get glam at the Opera ball

• Opera Saratoga’s 9th Annual Opera Ball. Dress up in your finest for this fabulous annual opera gala. Celebrate the kick off of Opera Saratoga’s summer season at a night full of glitz, glamour and gowns. The event features an auction, dancing and complimentary appetizers, food and wine by Joseph Carr Winery straight from the Napa Valley in California. Saratoga Hilton, 534 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Friday, July 1. 7 p.m. (584-6018 www.operasaratoga.com). $150—$250.

SATURDAY, JULY 2.

Bring your boys to Dango’s for wings, beer and women.

• Dango’s Fashion Runway Show. This dude-food hotspot is famous for its sexy bartenders, cheap wings and constant stream of sports that play across multiple big screen TVs. This Saturday, Dango’s is creating a true man paradise with a sporting attire fashion show hosted by Jake Allen. The show will feature sports illustrated wear (aka swimsuits?) along with other athletic-themed clothing. The night also features live entertainment, a band and plenty of drink specials. Dango Fitzgerald’s Irish Pub, 38 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs. Saturday, July 2. Doors at 11 p.m. (587-2022). FREE.

Support local blues band MaryLeigh and the Fauves at the Den

• MaryLeigh and the Fauves Concert. MaryLeigh and the Fauves are a blues-pop group hailing from our own Saratoga Springs. Opening acts feature local solo artist Kyle Miller, followed by the Boston-based soul rock group the Brothers McCann. With a seductive style driven by MaryLeigh's powerful vocals and The Fauves' energetic guitar riffs, it's no wonder this local group was named runner up in the 2011 Saratoga Battle of the Bands and has also opened for Rusted Root in the past. Check them out this Saturday! Putnam Den, Saratoga Springs. Saturday, July 2. Doors at 9 p.m. (584-8066 www.putnamden.com). $5.

 SUNDAY—MONDAY JULY 3, 4.

Celebrate the stars and stripes all weekend in Saratoga Springs

• All-American Celebration in Saratoga Springs. A weekend of patriotic festivities kicks off on Saturday morning and runs through Monday. Read on for some of the most anticipated events. For a full list schedule of events and more information visit: www.saratogajuly4th.com. July 2—Monday, July 4.

• Ghosts of Saratoga Tours. Meet in front of the Saratoga Springs History Exhibit to embark on a spooky “Ghosts of Saratoga” tour, which will feature eerie stories from our town’s folklore and history. The tour also celebrates the opening of the history museum’s new exhibit and will feature complimentary refreshments. Saratoga Springs History Museum, 1 East Congress Street, Saratoga Springs. Sunday, July 3. 12—2 p.m. FREE.

• Firecracker Road Race. Cheer on your community members as they run four miles through the scenic streets of Saratoga. Monday, July 4. 9 a.m. $25 to register day of race. Free to watch. All-American Parade. Enjoy a patriotic parade down Broadway following the Firecracker Road Race. Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Monday, July 4. 10 a.m. FREE.    

• All-American BBQ and Dessert Festival. Sample classic USA-themed cuisine at participating local restaurants and the Holiday Inn around town. Think burgers, hot dogs, ice cream… Monday, July 4. 11 a.m.—3 p.m. FREE.

• Family day & fireworks in Congress Park. Bring the family to Congress Park for a day long celebration featuring live music, entertainment, face painting and much more. The night culminates with a grand fireworks spectacular show at dusk (9:15 p.m.). Happy fourth! Congress Park, Saratoga Springs. Monday, July 4. 12—9:15 p.m. FREE.