The City of Miami Beach, The Coca-Cola Company, and KCC Productions present the Fred Thomas Band at Fire on the Fourth, July 4, on Ocean Drive and 8th Street. July 4, 2012

Things are heating up this Fourth of July in South Florida. The City of Miami Beach announced a 10-year agreement with The Coca-Cola Company to serve as the presenting sponsor of its Independence Day celebration, “Coca-Cola Presents Fire on the Fourth Brought to You by Miami Beach and Classical South Florida.”

The Fire on the Fourth celebration, located at 8th Street and Ocean Drive, includes live performances, including The Fred Thomas Septet, produced by KCC Productions and the City. Fred Thomas occupies a very special niche in the history of R&B. As James Brown's principal bassist since 1971, he participated in one of the most prolific periods in the Godfather's incredible career as a member of Brown’s band "The New JBs”. Brown's first single with the New JB's, "Hot Pants", was number one on the charts, but that was only the beginning for Fred. Many hits followed, including "Make It Funky", "Get on the Good Foot", and "Papa Don't Take No Mess." As a result of his work with James Brown and the New JBs, Fred Thomas became one of the most sampled bass players in R&B history. Though Thomas' bass playing has been heard by millions, his contributions as singer, songwriter, and arranger have long gone unnoticed by the general public. No longer the best-kept secret of the James Brown organization, Fred Thomas and his new band is his vehicle for expressing his special brand of funk in its own right.

The festivities on July 4 begin at noon; the Fred Thomas Band will play from 6:30-8:00 PM. Fireworks are at 9 p.m. The event is free.