Mayor Jim Newberry and Lexington Philharmonic Maestro Scott Terrell today set the stage for Lexington’s Fourth of July Festival, which begins this Wednesday, July 1, as workmen built the stage for the July 3 Patriotic Concert on the steps of Old Morrison.
“The city has many new reasons to be excited about the Fourth this year, and one of them is Maestro Scott Terrell,” Newberry said. “This will be an opportunity for many citizens to see our new Philharmonic conductor for the first time.” The Patriotic Concert will be Maestro Terrell’s first as the new conductor of the Lexington Philharmonic. The orchestra, along with the Lexington Singers, has always been the cornerstone of the popular concert.
Terrell has kept many of the crowd’s favorite selections on the program, but has also added his own touches. “I am truly excited to kickoff my tenure with the Lexington Philharmonic at this great community celebration,” Terrell said. “It will be a terrific program, highlighting the breadth and variety of American music. It will celebrate the patriotic traditions, but also look toward some great film and television music, Broadway hits, and jazz inspired works. It will be an exciting evening featuring the great Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, joined by the Lexington Singers. I look forward to beginning a long and thrilling musical relationship with this great community.”
Newberry said for the first time this year the event will include an “Instrument Petting Zoo” for young people. “Children get the opportunity to see the instruments, touch them and even play them,” Newberry said. “It’s a great way to interest children in music.”
Newberry encouraged citizens to pack a picnic and come early for the 8 p.m. concert. The “Young at Heart Dixieland Band” will warm up the crowd for the Philharmonic and the Lexington Singers. The Mayor expressed his appreciation to concert sponsors PNC, Keeneland and the Kentucky League of Cities, and to Transylvania University, which hosts the concert every year.
Other Fourth of July events include:
· The Great American Pie Contest and Downtown Lexington Corp. Ice Cream Social, noon, Wednesday, July 1, at Cheapside Park. Bring the whole family downtown for free pie, cool treats and toe-tapping music.
- Cheapside is again the place to be on Thursday for Thursday Night Live, sponsored by the Downtown Lexington Corp. The free concert begins at 5:30 p.m. and features Rob Dread, a reggae band.
- The Bluegrass 10,000 kicks off a full day of activities downtown on Saturday July 4. The day-long festival features arts, crafts, food, music, a parade, fireworks and fun stretching well into the night.
Newberry encouraged everyone to enjoy the festivities. “There’s nothing like Lexington’s Fourth of July Festival. You don’t want to miss it,” the Mayor said.
More information about the Festival is available at www.lexingtonky.gov.
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PHOTO CAPTION: (Top photo) Mayor Jim Newberry announces plans for concert and other Fourth Of July activities. Maestro Scott Terrell and Sarah Emmons, of Transy, also spoke. (Inserted photo) Member of the Young at Heart Dixieland Band.