Billy Idol: The ’80s pop star made millions turning a mix of a punk attitude, dance-pop and peroxide into mega-selling hits. Idol has been at the forefront of the punk-pop movement since forming the seminal band Generation X in the ’70s. With his spiky bleach-blond hair and S/M leather fashion sense, he has cultivated a diverse fan base. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the House of Blues, located at 1055 Fifth Ave. (619) 299-2583.

Summer Pops on the Embarcadero: Conducted by Matthew Garbutt and narrated by Kenneth Bell, the La Jolla Symphony Chorus presents its Summer Pops Fourth of July concert July 1-3. The program includes selections from West Side Story and The Music Man, as well as the traditionals like “America the Beautiful” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $65. (619) 235-0804.

Vampire Lesbians of Sodom: Writer Charles Busch wrote this 70-minute play spanning several millennia, premiering at the Adams Ave Studio of the Arts. The three scenes jump from ancient Sodom to 1920s Hollywood to present-day Las Vegas. It is during the Roaring ’20s that two divas discover they had shared a close encounter many years ago when one was a virgin sacrificed to the monster Succubus. The play shows through July 24 at 8:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and Sundays at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $12-$15. (619) 584-3593.

Urban safari: Take a tour of the Gaslamp Quarter. In 1867, Alonzo Horton purchased most of what is our present-day downtown for $267. Many of the buildings from these early years have been preserved in this nationally registered historic district. Tour begins at the fountain in front of the former Planet Hollywood in Horton Plaza at Fourth and Broadway, and runs from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Tickets are $10 per person; RSVP to (619) 944-9255.

Barbecue and fireworks: Start your Independence weekend celebrations early with the annual All-American BBQ and Fireworks Extravaganza at Paradise Point Resort & Spa in Mission Bay. Kick it off with an all-you-can-eat, family-style Kansas City barbecue, which begins at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $49 for adults, $20 for children under 12 and free for children 5 years and younger. Enjoy live entertainment on the outdoor stage and the largest fireworks display in San Diego, overlooking the bay at 9:00 p.m. For tickets, call (858) 274-4630 or (800) 344-2626.

B-Side Players: An ethnically diverse group of artists with various passions for a broad range of musical styles, the B-Side Players have been turning heads since their beginning in southern California in 1993. With a heavy ‘70s influence, the seven-piece combo blends Latin, funk, rock, reggae and soul. They play the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $12. (858) 481-8140.

L.A parties: Two supersonic parties in Los Angeles are happening. John Brady presents Pandora is at Avalon Hollywood, from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. with DJs Kimberly S., De Leon and Eddie Baez. E-mail info@johnbradypresents.com for more information. If you’re still not tired, go to Tease after hours from 3:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at L.A.’s new theatrical venue Club 740. DJs Frank Abraham, Mike Oldenkamp and Casey Alva appear. For more information about Tease, call (213) 627-6277.

Fireworks cruise: The San Diego Maritime Museum’s (1492 North Harbor Drive) schooner Californian will kick off the fifth annual Big Bay July 4 Fireworks Show with a thundering broadside from her cannons – and you can be on board! The cruise leaves from the maritime museum and will offer an unprecedented view of the fireworks show. There will be a no host bar on board. (619) 234-9153.

Coronado Parade and fireworks: The festivities begin with a two-hour parade down Orange Avenue that starts at 10:00 a.m. There will be an array of other outdoor events, including an art fair in Spreckels Park and an afternoon concert by West Coast Iron Works. Arrive early enough to avoid the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge backups and island gridlock just before the 9:00 p.m. fireworks over Glorietta Bay. (619) 437-8068.

Big Bay fireworks: Three floating barges located off Shelter Island, Harbor Island and the North Embarcadero area launch fireworks for 20 minutes, with pyrotechnics enhanced by music from 94.1 FM. The display is best seen from the areas surrounding North San Diego Bay; grassy spots for picnics can be found on Shelter and Harbor Island. Arrive early to claim your spot as parking is limited. (858) 751-5755.

Rainbow Cyclists: Get rid of those midweek cobwebs by getting out on the trail for a while. The bike ride course will vary, but may include Penasquitos, San Clemente Canyon and Mission Trails. The distance will take a couple of hours. The ride starts at 5:30 pm. For location call Bill Roundtree at (858) 467-1090 one to two days ahead to get the ride and starting point details.

Book signing: Best-selling and award winning author Dan Simmons will discuss and sign his book Olympos at 7:00 p.m. at Mysterious Galaxy Books, located at 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite 302. (858) 268-4747.

Comedy: The Comedy Store in La Jolla, located at 916 Pearl St., spotlights San Diego’s rising comedy stars on Wednesday and Thursday nights at 8:00 p.m. Treated as an incubator for comedians who want to fine-tune their craft in front of a live audience, the 90-minute shows generally run through 11 to 12 comics a night, ranging from promising up-and-comers to pop-ins from Hollywood. Call (858) 454-9176 for tickets.

The Heart of Hillcrest: There’s always something new going on in the heart of Hillcrest. Be a part of the action the first Thursday of every month with a community walkabout. Shops and restaurants will have music, munchies, beverages and fun from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. – all for free. What more could you ask for in a neighborhood? Call any participating location in town to check out what they’ll be offering this month.

Sirens on the mic: The first Thursday of every month is Siren, an open mic for women at Korova Coffee Bar, located at 4496 Park Blvd., from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. Sign-ups begin at 7:30 p.m. The free event is dedicated to inspiring women via the expression of the creative arts, highlighting spoken word, hip-hop, comedy, music and activism. (619) 260-1917.