By TOM LAVIS
TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM
Music and fireworks will be the basis of a patriotic theme for the Fourth of July celebration in Johnstown.
The Johnstown Symphony Orchestra will present an Independence Day Extravaganza, a free concert that draws a large and enthusiastic crowd, to mark the holiday.
The orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Istvan Jaray, will perform a program of spirited and patriotic music at 8 p.m.
“This has become one of the most anticipated programs we do all year,” Jaray said.
The event returns to Point Stadium following a short stay at Festival Park, which is located across the river from the reconstructed stadium.
Jaray said the event is an opportunity to celebrate this great nation and the freedoms people enjoy.
Jaray said the musical program will include selections that honor the personnel of every branch of the service.
“We ask those who have served in each branch to stand and be recognized,” he said.
“The applause is a small tribute to those who have sacrificed so much to preserve our freedom.”
He views this year’s concert as a special tribute to those who are placing themselves in harm’s way in Iraq, Afghani-stan and other hot spots around the globe.
Along with patriotic favorites, the orchestra will perform light classics and an audience sing-along of familiar patriotic songs.
The orchestra, along with White Noise, a local a cappella group, will take concertgoers on a musical tour down memory lane.
White Noise features Beth Good, soprano; Kristen Santos, alto; Mark Weakland, tenor; Nathan Santos, tenor; and Doug Wilkin, bass.
The group will present a medley of songs including “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” Walking My Baby Back Home,” “Over the Rainbow” and “Rock Around the Clock.”
White Noise will join the orchestra for another medley including “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” “Always,” “Blue Skies,” “God Bless America,” “Puttin’ On the Ritz,” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business.”
Members of the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Pennsylvania Army National Guard stationed in Johnstown will provide the cannon fire during Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.”
The fireworks display will begin during the overture and continue while the orchestra plays John Philip Sousa marches.
The event will be capped off at 9:30 with fireworks by Starfire Corp. of Northern Cambria. They will be launched from the hillside in the Prospect section of Johnstown.
In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena, 326 Napoleon St.
Information: 535-6738.
On stage
What: Independence Day Extravaganza featuring Johnstown Symphony Orchestra.
Where: Point Stadium, downtown Johnstown.
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Admission: Free.
