In this special program Nick Spitzer uncovers the music and cultural traditions of Los Angeles: from Hollywood to neighborhood. Nick travels across the City of Angels to hear from L.A. legends — including Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys and songwriter Randy Newman — and explores musical cultures with Cambodian-born rapper praCh Ly, Louisiana Creole zydeco accordionist T -Lou, and East L.A.‘s Ersi Arvizu. Plus conversations and music from Mexican-American rock band Los Lobos, R & B saxophonist Big Jay McNeely, and rockabilly guitarist Glen Glenn. And along the way we visit L.A. musical landmarks — including the famed Capitol Records recording studios.

This Fourth of July, American Routes celebrates our nation’s birthday with two live concerts of all-American music from the French Quarter in New Orleans. We’ll stop by the Ponderosa Stomp, dedicated to the “unsung heroes of rock ‘n’ roll” for a good dose of rockabilly, soul, country and R&B classics. Then it’s down the street to Preservation Hall, where bluegrass masters the Del McCoury Band mix it up with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. So fire up the grill, pull out your lawn chair, and turn up the radio for American Routes.