If you go
› What: Red, White & Blue — Music From the Heart of America› Where: Veterans Memorial Park, across Apison Pike from Collegedale Library› When: Monday, July 3, 5 p.m. opening acts, 6:45 p.m. Sawyer Fredericks, 8 p.m. ETSO concert, 9:45 p.m. fireworks› Admission: Free› For more information: www.etsomusic.org
Sawyer Fredericks, winner of Season 8 of "The Voice," will be the featured guest at the ETSO pops concert in Collegedale.How will the East Tennessee Symphony Orchestra top last year's patriotic pops concert that featured guest star Ricky Skaggs?
By bringing Sawyer Fredericks, Season 8 winner of NBC's "The Voice," to Collegedale on Monday, July 3.
Fredericks and his band will play an hour-long set before returning to the stage later in the evening to join the ETSO for the finale of Red, White & Blue - Music From the Heart of America. This is the 12th year that ETSO has presented its patriotic pops concert, which is held in Veterans Memorial Park on the Wolftever Creek Greenway in Collegedale.
"We wanted to reach a slightly younger demographic this year," says Mathew Miller, ETSO executive director. Miller explains he watched Fredericks during his run on "The Voice" and has followed his career since.
"This will be Sawyer's first show with a symphony and he's excited about that. I am thrilled to have Sawyer as a part of our musical lineup this year. He is a great young man, and as an artist, he is truly cutting through the plethora of talent in today's music industry."
Miller says entertainment will start with Matt Chancey at 5 o'clock, a local musician who has just signed a Nashville contract. The Von Wamps will take the stage at 5:50 p.m.
Fredericks will come on about 6:45 p.m. for an hour of his music before "The Star-Spangled Banner," opening prayer and announcements mark the start of the ETSO concert at 8 p.m. Jeremy Francisco will conduct the orchestra.
Miller says the orchestra's program will include "Hymn to the Fallen" from "Saving Private Ryan," John Philip Sousa marches and "Hoedown" by Aaron Copland.
Fredericks will come back onstage to join the symphony for a couple of numbers before the fireworks finale ends the event.
"We will be celebrating the positive virtues of this great nation as well as all the freedoms we cherish as an independent country and free society," says Miller. "It's a casual, family friendly event, so bring your lawn chairs and blankets and prepare for a fun and memorable day."
Miller adds that Hamilton County and Collegedale police will handle traffic control, assisted by several officers from surrounding communities, and two Jumbotrons will be on-site so everyone can see the performers.
Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.