Ahhhhh, tradition...Fourth of July and it''s time for burgers, barbecue, beer, fireworks--In a world that''s constantly changing, it''s nice to know there are some things that we can count on to remain the same. Like most of the musical offerings around town this week.

Blues guitar powerhouse Tommy Castro returns to Monterey tonight (Thursday). Castro was a fairly regular performer at Doc''s Nightclub and, with the Long Bar taking over Doc''s music niche (sort of), it''s no surprise that Castro is one of the first well-known names to play the Long Bar. In keeping with the LB''s policy of live music on weeknights only, there will be no opening band, and the show will start at 8pm--before the sun has even set. Providing you don''t overdo the beverage consumption, you''ll be able catch the show--and still wake up bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and eager to go to work. Or something.

Tommy Castro, Thursday, 8pm. The Long Bar, 180 E. Franklin, Monterey. 372-2244.

Returning to Sly McFly''s on Saturday night is Chris "Hammer" Smith and the Hammersmith Blues Band. Smith''s musical resum‚ reads like a who''s who in the music industry, where he''s an in-demand session harmonica man; artists as diverse as Dolly Parton, Michael Jackson, Rickie Lee Jones and Paul McCartney have turned to Smith when they were looking for someone to blow the harp. Smith, too, has developed a local following and should attract a large-enough crowd to justify the recent expansion at Sly''s. (Did you check Sly''s out after the Blues Festival last Sunday? The place was packed, pelvis to pelvis, with drinkers and dancers.)

Chris "Hammer" Smith, Saturday, 9pm. Sly McFly''s, 649-8050.

Here''s another good reason to go see the fireworks in Salinas on Sunday: Lory Lynn is performing her sometimes-bluesy blend of country rock. A couple months ago, Lynn released a very strong debut CD, The Life I Live. Lynn''s rich, gutsy vocals drive the album, which was recorded at Monterey Bay Recording Studio. Look for Lynn to perform a number of songs from the CD--it''s very danceable music that should feel comfortable to KTOM listeners; at the same time, the album manages to mix in enough other influences that it isn''t totally predictable. It''s a strong offering from the Salinas singer, and it''s worth checking out both the CD and her show.

Lory Lynn, Sunday, 8:15pm. Salinas Sports Complex, 775-3113.

At Fernwood in Big Sur, Terry Hiatt is making a return engagement. The Bay Area Hiatt has, in the last year, become a local in almost everything except his address. The eclectic blues guitarist has been a regular performer at Sly''s and now it looks like he''s adding Fernwood as a forwarding address.

Terry Hiatt, Saturday, 9pm. Fernwood, Highway 1, Big Sur. 667-2422.

The one roots-type local debut is at Morgan''s on Saturday, where guitarist/singer/songwriter Erin McKeown is playing. The young (early 20s) musician has made something of a name for herself on the East Coast, drawing comparisons to both Rickie Lee Jones and Ani DiFranco--not necessarily because of style (obviously) but for the range and passion of the music.

Erin McKeown, Saturday, 8pm. Morgan''s Coffee and Tea, $5. 373-1479.

The world-influenced Gypsy jazz of Willie and Lobo is brought back to MoCo by Sandy Shore Productions in the middle of next week. The duo--violinist Willie Royal and guitarist Wolfgang "Lobo" Fink--just released their sixth album Wild Heart earlier this year, and have played in the area several times in the last five years. Their appearance, on Wednesday at the Quail Lodge''s Covey Restaurant, is paired with dinner and attendance is limited to 75.

Willie and Lobo, Wednesday, 7pm (following the Jazz on the Deck happy hour with Dennis Murphy). Covey Restaurant, $49.50/dinner & show. 620-8830.

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