Fourth of July in Monterey.

Monterey has a new Independence Day tradition that’s as explosive as fireworks: a 14-piece Michael Jackson celebration. Last year, tribute group Foreverland tore through epic renditions of the King of Pop’s biggest hits, from “Billie Jean” to “Beat It.” This year, the MJ big band returns to Monterey’s Fourth of July celebration at Colton Hall.

Here’s more about Foreverland, plus some other options for good listening on Independence Day:

Big Little Backyard Barbecue and Entertainment Extravaganza at Colton Hall in Monterey (11am-4:30pm)

In 2004, Foreverland singer Lisa Leuschner competed on American Idol. Judge Randy Jackson said she had the best voice in the competition that season. Though she didn’t make the finals, she still views the experience as a win, because it inspired her to improve, and to make music her full-time career. Also, being one of the final 14 on Idol foreshadowed Leuschner’s future role in the 14-piece Foreverland.

But the group wasn’t always massive. The outfit began as a foursome, before the original members decided to recreate Jackson’s music without any pre-recordings or samples. Now Foreverland has the resources to tackle the icon’s vast repertoire, from the Halloween-inspired favorite “Thriller” to the mellow ballad “Rock with You” to the old-school Jackson 5 catalog.

Before Foreverland’s 3pm spectacle, the music kicks off at 11am with the 2015 Monterey County High School Battle of the Bands winner Operation Rock, who unload a mix of blues-rock originals and classic rock covers. At noon, Pop Fiction! unleashes a set spanning six decades of popular rock, R&B and dance music. Locked-N-Loaded follow at 1:30pm with country hits, ranging from Patsy to Merle.

Monterey County Pops at Golden State Theatre (7pm; 6pm doors)

The 40-piece orchestra, under the leadership of Dr. Carl Christensen, has their own Fourth of July tradition: concluding their annual Independence Day program with the last portion of Tchaikovsky’s patriotic “1812 Overture.” Additional highlights: Aaron Copland’s “Rodeo” and John Williams’ “Star Wars.”

Monterey County Pops’ 15-member brass/percussion ensemble also performs a 10am set at Spreckels Memorial Park (8:30am open rehearsal), featuring special guest trombonist Elijah Taurke, 11, who plays H.A. VanderCook’s “Topaz.” The program includes patriotic numbers “Liberty Bell March” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” the spiritual “Down By the Riverside” and the Civil War staple “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.”