Live patriotic music will soar across north Carrie Blake Park in Sequim at 3 p.m. on July 4 as the Sequim City Band presents its traditional Independence Day concert.
Outfit yourself with a lawn chair with shade for the sunny Sequim weather and a full picnic basket while having your spirits lifted with both classic and modern musical salutes to the U.S.A.
The band’s own Uncle Sam (Paul Martin) provides assistance as announcer and narrator.
A sampling of the concert includes classic marches from three composers of the golden age of the American patriotic march: “National Emblem” (E.E. Bagley), “Americans We” (Henry Fillmore) and “The Invincible Eagle” (John Philip Sousa).
A 1998 composition, “Prairies Dances,” by David Holsinger, captures the 1880s hustle and bustle of shipping cattle and grain from the railhead at Wichita Falls, Texas.
As per band tradition, musicians will honor military veterans and current military personnel with both the “Armed Forces Salute,” featuring each military branch’s song, and a special feature: “Each Time You Tell Their Story,” as the words by poet Dr. Samuel J. Hazo are set to music by his son Samuel R. Hazo.
“This Is My Country” will have you humming along with the band and the familiar tune, “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” has many variations in “An American Salute,” arranged by Morton Gould.
A July 4 celebration would be incomplete without “America, the Beautiful.”
The Sequim City Band, now in its 26th season of presenting free public concerts, typically has its largest summer audience for this Fourth of July concert. Lawn seating at The James Center for the Performing Arts can easily accommodate 800 people.
To reach the James Center, enter the north section of Carrie Blake Park from North Blake Avenue at the Fir Street intersection. Follow the sign to the parking lot.
For more information about the Sequim City Band, find it on Facebook or visit www.sequimcityband.org.
The band’s next concert at The James Center is “A Night at the Movies,” set for 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12.
