Want to get a groovy head start to the holiday weekend and do good at the same time? We have your solution. Tonight, in the spirit of Independence Day and on day 72 of BP’s oil spill, music venues across the nation are hosting concerts to benefit those affected by the disaster, including several venues right here in town.

Legendary live music spots including the Viper Room, The Mint and The Roxy are hosting acts such as Mickey Avalon, Ben Lee and Cisco Adler with Shwayze (though word on the twitter page of @gulfbenefit says tickets to see the big-balled singer are all gone).

Shows are slated to start at 8 p.m. And all proceeds raised through ticket sales, auctioned items, and donations from the concerts will go to The Gulf Restoration Network, a New Orleans-based advocacy group working to ensure the restoration of wildlife and wetlands, as well as helping the fishermen and their families whose livelihood is now gone.

“We know through music and the generosity of people that we can help make a difference in the Gulf Coast,” said Nic Adler, owner of The Roxy on Sunset and one of the organizers of this event. “We hope this inspires others to make a donation, attend an event and get involved.”

To find out more about the benefit or to make a donation online go to gulfcoastbenefit.com — Rakhee Bhatt