Uncle Sam Jam lights up Metairie

You don't have to wait for tomorrow for professional fireworks. The Uncle Sam Jam is tonight at Lafreniere Park in Metairie.

Gates at Lafreniere Park will open at 3 p.m., with entertainment starting at 4 o'clock.

"Marine Forces Reserve band will be playing some patriotic and historic favorites," said Uncle Sam Jam producer Greg Buisson. He says that will be followed by a lineup of top country music talent.

"Mad City is a local group, that's at 5 o'clock," said Busisson. "The Frontmen, this is three lead singers from three country groups that combined have 30 hits."

He said Niko Moon will perform next, followed by the group Chapel Hart.

"Chapel Hart will be singing through the fireworks and after the fireworks," he said.

The fireworks, by the way, will begin some time after 9 p.m.

"The fireworks are going to happen around 9, 9:30 p.m.," said Buisson. "It's a flow-of-show kind of situation, so it's not a specific time they'll go off, but they're usually  around 9:30."

And Buisson said local food trucks will be at the park to sell plenty to eat and drink.

"Watermelon and pineapple cups and sushi tacos and barbecue ribs and of course, all the basics, too: chili dogs and hamburgers," he said.

Parking is limited, but parking passes can be bought starting at $20. Click here for more details . There is also free parking at the Shrine on Airline, with buses shuttling people back and forth to Lafreniere Park.