An Independence Day Pops Celebration

For their inaugural performance at the newly renovated Jackson Street Pier, The Firelands Symphony Orchestra (FSO) presents “An Independence Day Pops Celebration” on Sunday, July 4 at 7pm. The program features patriotic classics, showtunes, family sing-alongs – plus a prime view of fireworks following the concert. The concert is free and open to the public due to generous funding from the Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation. Freewill donations will also be accepted at the event.

“An Independence Day Pops Celebration” offers a wide range of musical selections from every genre that are sure to delight all attendees. The program offers everything from patriotic classics like Star Spangled Banner, Stars and Stripes, and Over There to musical presentations from West Side Story, Ice Castles, and George and Ira Gershwin. Rounding out the program are family sing-alongs and even more familiar favorites from Lee Greenwood, Frank Sinatra, and Louis Armstrong.

The concert showcases the full orchestra, with music direction by Carl Topilow. Joining the FSO for this celebration is guest conductor Jason Seber, who leads the Kansas City Symphony in over 70 concerts each season and has served as a guest conductor for leading North American orchestras, including the Charleston Symphony and Cleveland Pops.

In addition to Seber, the FSO also welcomes two guest vocalists to add to the night of music and patriotism: Shane Patrick O’Neill, whose extensive credits include the orchestral premier of Jason Robert Brown’s Songs for a New World; and Pamela Shirtz, whose diverse musical background includes singing for the NYPD Port Authority following September 11th.  

Audience members are encouraged to bring their own blanket or chair to enjoy the concert. Tents will also be available for audience seating if needed. Free parking is available at many downtown lots, including the Jackson Street lot on the corner of Jackson Street and Market Street. Drop off is available at the pier for disabled persons.