Theme Party - American Pride

Chambers Wedding - Lebanon Courthouse

Many of you who are not going to their towns Fourth of July Celebration are having a BBQ or some other form of party at your home.  In addition to the standard hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, and some ice cold drinks,  playing horseshoes or lawn darts, you will probably have some music going.  Why not make it something that says you are celebrating the birth of our nation?  Fly the flag. decorate everything in the Red, White, and Blue, have veterans tell their stories to the kids, and of course play some of the best patriotic tunes.

I have some favorites I plan on playing, and you may enjoy this list as well. In no particular order, here is my top ten, with links to the lyrics.  Have some fun,(the kids will love this), print out the lyrics, play the tunes and have a patriotic sing a-long! It is guaranteed to make you once again, Proud to be an American.

Great Songs For The Fourth

1. "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue"- Toby Keith - Lyrics (Also know as the "Angry American")
2. "American Soldier" - Toby Kieth - Lyrics
3. "God Bless The USA" - Lee Greenwood - Lyrics
4. "This Ain't No Rag, It's A Flag" - Charlie Daniels - Lyrics
5. "In America" - Charlie Daniels - Lyrics
6. "Some Gave All" - Billy Ray Cyrus - Lyrics
7. " I Just Came Back For A War" - Darryl Worley/Wynn Varble - Lyrics
8. " Born In The USA" - Bruce Springsteen - Lyrics
9. "8th of November" - Big and Rich - Lyrics
(And of course for all us Alabamians:)
10. "Sweet Home Alabama" - Lynyrd Skynryd - Lyrics

Make this Fourth one of pride in your country by playing songs that clearly reflect on things that have made America great.  God Bless The USA.

And for some cool new songs to show your pride in America Check out my list of "Patriotic Songs" on my You tube channel : Patriotic Songs

Pictures are of the decor from Airman Chambers wedding - July 9 - Lebanon Court House in Fort Payne, Alabama

Money Dance - Dollar Dance - Honeymoon Dance

Call it the Money Dance, Dollar Dance, honeymoon Dance, It is a time honored dance where the guests make an Monetary offering for the opportunity to dance with the bride or groom. This gesture is a way of wishing good fortune upon the newly married couple as well as helping them out financially.  The bills can be pinned to the bride and groom or placed in a purse-like pouch worn by them before the guest has the opportunity to dance with them.  Some wear a ribbon sash for pinning the money to.

It can be helpful to have "Special Attendants" help by organizing the line-up of guests, handing out the pins, or explaining to the guests to put money in the bag, and signaling when it is time to change partners. Children as well as adults of all ages can enjoy the money dance. Once the money dance starts, it is best to let it continue until everyone who wants to has had a chance to participate. When the dwindles down to zero, the bride and groom may finish the last song by dancing together.

To assure a smooth flow of events, it is best to do the Toasts and Cake Cutting immediately after the dinner, before the first dance and other special dances. The money dance is best done immediately afterward, this assures most of the guests are still there. The DJ can then open the dance floor to everyone.

This Dance can be used at Graduation parties and other events as well! .. 
The day is YOURS - make it special!


The Music

No one knows your guests better than YOU - so pick the style that best suits you and your guests.  Traditionally, the most successful songs for this dance has been slow yet upbeat ones.  To suggest a few:

Stand By Me                                               Ben E. King
That's What Friends Are For                       Dionne Warwick
You've Got A Friend                                   James Taylor
Why Don't We Just Dance                          Josh Turner
Kiss the Bride                                            Elton John
Count On Me                                            Whitney Houston
You’ve Got A Friend In Me                       Newman/Lovett
Ten Cents A Dance                                   Doris Day
At Last                                                      Etta James
Save The Last Dance For Me                     Michael Buble
My Girl                                                     Temptations
The Bridal Dance Polka                             Mark Buza Orchestra

Faster  and 'Fun' Songs suggestions:

Money                                                        Pink Floyd        
Money Makes The World Go Around         Kander        
Money, Money, Money                               ABBA
Hey Big Spender                                         Sweet Charity
The Money Song                                         Monty Python        
We Need The Money                                  Chuck Brown
If I Had A Million Dollars                            Bare Naked Ladies
When I'm 64                                              The Beatles
Take The Money And Run                          Steve Miller Band
For The Love Of Money                              O'Jays
I Got You Babe                                           Sonny & Cher
Mony, Mony                                                Billy Idol