As we prepare to celebrate America and her Independence on Wednesday, it turns out the week ahead in music is also a good way to celebrate the independent spirit.

Independent musicians -- the ones who live by a do-it-yourself work ethic -- aren't household names. But they embody that spirit that makes America great.

So in honor of Fourth of July, here are four independent acts in town this week who are worth a look:

He's My Brother, She's My Sister: They're a a folk group from Los Angeles with a funky name and a funkier style. The band has been in Fresno a few times and earned rave reviews. The band includes a cello player, tap dancer and a brother-sister duo who lead the band and share vocals. He's My Brother, She's My Sister plays June 29 at Fulton 55 with Strange Vine and Poor Man's Poison. 9:30 p.m. $8-$10.

Joe Taylor: New York City pop/rock singer Joe Taylor is another guy we've seen in Fresno a few times. Most recently, he opened a Beatles vs. Rolling Stones tribute show at Tower Theatre. As for his independent music chops: he's been dubbed the "Subway Idol" for playing to audiences of NYC commuters. Fans of '70s and '80s songwriters will probably enjoy Taylor. He plays June 29 at Swiggs, 1440 E. Shaw Ave. 9:30 p.m. $10.

Steven Roth: L.A. singer/songwriter Steven Roth's selling point is that he's got a foot in the past and another in the present. Roth started out in a rock band, but he has gone solo and is readying his solo debut album, which will come out on the record label he co-owns. His sound is pop/rock with a soulful twist. He's playing July 2 at Audie's Olympic, 1426 N. Van Ness Ave. 9 p.m. $5.

Panteon Rococo: Latin rock band Panteon Rococo has the independent hustle down. These do-it-yourselfers are beginning a 38-date U.S. and European tour here in Fresno on Thursday, July 5. This veteran band plays ska fusion and has played next to such acts as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters and Rage Against the Machine. Catch them at The Loft, a new banquet hall at 1028 N. Fulton St. in the Tower District. The event is open to 18-and-older. 7 p.m. $30-$40.

Farewell to The Ranch

Speaking of the do-it-yourself music scene: The Ranch, a underground concert venue at 8426 N. Sunnyside Ave. in Clovis, stages its final show June 30.

The venue has been popular with the younger rock crowd, who will send it away in rockin' fashion.

Six bands will play, including locals Fast Car, Light Thieves and Grow, plus out-of-towners Empty Eyes and headliner The Speed of Sound in Seawater. 9 p.m. $5.

Saviours save the day

9 p.m. June 29 / Audie's Olympic, 1426 N. Van Ness Ave. / $10 / (559) 233-3733

Bummer! Popular Bay Area metal band High on Fire was, at one point, supposed to play Audie's Olympic tonight. But not all hope is lost, if you're a metal fan. Audie's secured another Bay Area metal group, Saviours, to fill the spot. They'll play with Meth Leppard and Handlebarz.

High on Fire? They'll be back in September, says Audie himself.

Blimprov

8 p.m. June 29 / Broken Leg Stage, 1470 N. Van Ness Ave. / $7 / (559) 779-1087

Improv comedy trio Blimprov makes a triumphant return tonight after a sold-out run at this year's Rogue Festival.

Like the Rogue, Blimprov will do one of its 60-minutes long-form improv shows, which start with one suggestion from the audience. The laughs continue from there.

Seating is limited at the 50-seat Broken Leg Stage. If you miss it, you can also see Blimprov perform Saturday nights throughout July at Swiggs, 1140 E. Shaw Ave.

Finn Riggins

9 p.m. July 3 / Audie's Olympic, 1426 N. Van Ness Ave. / $4-$6 / (559) 233-3733

Rock trio Finn Riggins, leaders of the Boise music scene, come to Fresno for a headlining gig Tuesday night at Audie's Olympic.

The band plays what's been called progressive indie rock and has played with the likes of Built to Spill.

In Fresno, Finn Riggins will share the stage with local bands I Do Not Exist and Ornery Ones.