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The Fourth of July is this Saturday and, for most of us, that means fireworks, pool parties and backyard barbecues. It also marks the much-anticipated return of Westhampton Beach’s fabulous Village Green concerts!

The Jumpers will kick off this year’s concert series with a performance that begins at 7:30 p.m. today, Thursday, July 2. The concerts, which are sponsored by the Westhampton Cultural Consortium, are offered every Thursday evening at the Village Green, which is located on the northeast corner of Main Street and Mill Road, near the gazebo.

The rest of the Thursday evening concert schedule is as follows: The Isotope Stompers will perform on July 9; The Long Island Brass Guild on July 16; Caroline Doctorow on July 23; The Sound Symphony on July 30; The Swingtime Big Band on August 6; The Merry Makers Steel Band on August 13; Mary Mancini and Mario Tacca on August 20; and the Atlantic Wind Symphony on August 27.

All of the concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. If it rains, the venue will be moved to the Westhampton Beach High School auditorium. As always, there is no charge to attend thanks to the generous folks with the Westhampton Cultural Consortium. Remember to bring a lawn chair or a blanket to share while enjoying some live music.

The Hampton Synagogue on Sunset Avenue has a very special guest coming to town this weekend. Rabbi Capers Funnye Jr., the first cousin (once removed) of First Lady Michelle Obama and the founder of the Alliance of Black Jews, will be the guest speaker during the synagogue’s Congregational Shabbat Dinner that will begin at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 3. Tickets to the dinner are $50 each and reservations are required. They can be made by calling 288.0534, ext. 10.

Rabbi Funnye, who happens to be the first African-American member of the Chicago Board of Rabbis and the spiritual leader of Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation in Chicago, will also be the synagogue’s guest speaker on the Fourth of July. That event begins at 7:30 p.m. and there is no charge to attend.

Additionally, Independence Day weekend Shabbat services will be conducted by Rabbi Marc Schneier and Cantor Netanel Hershtik, who will be accompanied by the New York Synagogue Choir. Shabbat evening services begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 3, and will be followed by dinner. Shabbat services begin at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, and will be followed by a Congregational Kiddush reception. Rabbi Schneier will then deliver a sermon at 11 a.m.

Three cheers for local businessman Tom Kerr. Mr. Kerr, the president of the Westhampton Rotary Club, was just installed as Suffolk Rotary District 7260 governor. As part of his new duties, he will visit all 32 Rotary Clubs in his district and, next spring, host the district’s annual conference. Congratulations and good luck!

Jill Simson of Westhampton Beach recently graduated magna cum laude from SUNY at Albany, earning her bachelor’s degree in business administration. Good job!

Also, Kyle Horn of Westhampton made the dean’s list at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts. A first-year college student, Kyle is majoring in interactive media and game development. Congrats!

There is a bit of sad news to report this week. Joe “Deli” Grady’s house burned down Sunday night and he and his family lost everything, including two pets. Donations are now being accepted.

Gift cards or checks can be made out to the “Joe Grady and Family Fund” and they will be accepted at the German Deli and Deans Market. They can also be left with Steve Arrasate. Let’s all help out our neighbor who makes our breakfast and lunch almost every day. Thanks in advance for your generosity.

The folks down at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center have a packed schedule this weekend, starting with a performance by comedian Paula Poundstone on Friday, July 3, at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $40, $50 and $60. Please keep in mind that this show is for mature audiences only.

Then The Wallflowers will come to town for a show at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. Concert attendees do not have to fret about missing the fireworks show put on by the Westhampton Country Club, as they will be allowed to exit the theater to watch the show after the opening act. Attendees will then be able to return to catch the Wallflowers. Tickets for the concert are $80, $100 and $140.

And legendary singer/songwriter Joe Cocker will perform on Sunday, July 5, at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $175, $200 and $250.

For tickets or more information, call 288-2350, ext. 102, or stop by the box office at 76 Main Street in Westhampton Beach.

Here is an event for the little ones. Children’s entertainer Mr. Scott the Music Man will perform on Tuesday, July 7, at 5:30 p.m., at the gazebo on the Westhampton Beach Village Green. For more information, call 288-3148.