Snap, crackle, Pops: Concerts combine patriotic tunes, pyrotechnics - July 3

There's something about the clang of cymbals to punctuate the boom of a pyrotechnic. Two Chattanooga-area orchestras and one big band will send off their freedom celebrations with a bang Wednesday, July 3, as fireworks finales put some extra snap and crackle into these annual pops concerts.

CHATTANOOGA

The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, conducted by Kayoko Dan, returns to Coolidge Park, 150 River St., for its annual Pops on the River concert at 8 p.m. The free concert will showcase a spectrum of patriotic and traditional tunes as well as music from some of America's most influential composers.

The concert is followed by a fireworks finale over the Tennessee River.

Blankets and lawn chairs are recommended for seating. Picnic baskets are welcome, or you can buy concessions from any of the establishments around Coolidge Park or vendors set up for the occasion.

For more information, call 423-265-0771 or visit www.ChattanoogaSymphony.org.

COLLEGEDALE

Veterans Memorial Park will provide the backdrop for "The Spirit of Independence" concert presented at 8 p.m. by the East Tennessee Symphony Orchestra at the Collegedale Greenway.

On the program are "Fanfare for the Common Man" by Aaron Copland, "Yankee Doodle" by Morton Gould, "From Sea to Shining Sea" by Samuel A. Ward, "Hymn to the Fallen" by John Williams, "Battle Hymn of the Republic" by Julia Ward Howe and the "1812 Overture" by Peter Tchaikovsky. Richard Hickam will conduct.

The site is accessible only by foot. Those attending are asked to park at Collegedale Library or City Hall on Swinyar Drive and walk down the greenway to the park.

For more information, visit www.etsomusic.org.

FORT OGLETHORPE

The Tabernacle Big Band, a full 1940s-era big band with four trumpets, four trombones, five saxophones and a rhythm section, will provide the soundtrack for the seventh annual Patriotism at the Post celebration at the polo field on Barnhardt Circle in Fort Oglethorpe.

The group performs jazz and patriotic arrangements as well as swing numbers by some of the big-band era's most influential figures.

"How can you not be ready to celebrate the Fourth of July when we open the concert with Glenn Miller's 'In the Mood,'" says trumpet player John Feezell. "We want to see people in front of the stage dancing and everyone joining in for the patriotic sing-along."

In addition to the concert, there are two contests for the youngest in attendance. For the Patriotic Kids Contest, children 12 and younger will line up at the bandstand to show off their best red, white and blue apparel. Prizes will be awarded to a boy and girl. Winners of the Patriotic Kids Coloring Contest also will be announced and their artwork displayed on the bandstand.

Concessions will be available.

Admission is free, though donations to the band are appreciated. Parking at the polo field is $5 per car.

For more information, visit fortotourism.com, email info@6thcavalrymuseum or call 706-861-2860.

STAR-SPANGLED SUPPER

The Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St., will offer air-conditioned comfort at a Star-Spangled Supper leading up to the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera's Pops on the River concert Wednesday, July 3. Guests can enjoy a meal in the theater lobby before heading outside to the patio and lawn for the concert. Gift baskets will be auctioned off during the evening. Tickets for adults are $50 and include barbecue and fixings from Sugar's Ribs. Tickets for ages 12 and younger are $10 and include hot dogs and chips. Tickets also cover iced tea, GiGi's cupcakes for dessert, plus two drink tickets for soft drinks, beer and wine. Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Early reservations allow time for a free parking pass to arrive by mail. Call 423-267-8534 or visit TheatreCentre.com.

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