BPO program for July 3rd concert

19th Annual event to feature military, culture tributes

By Blake Arlington

May 7, 2013

The great summer Western New York tradition is back! The Bisons' 19th annual KeyBank Independence Eve Celebration with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus is less than two months away: Wednesday, July 3rd as the Herd hosts the Rochester Red Wings at Coca-Cola Field (6:05 p.m.).

TODAY, the Bisons announced the concert program for the annual night. In the previous 18 seasons, nearly 400,000 fans have shared in Coca-Cola Field's celebration of America's Independence.

At the heart of the post-game concert each year is the recognition of each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces during the performance of Bob Lowden's Armed Forces Salute. In honoring each branch of the military, the Bisons invite all current or former veterans of the military to proudly stand and be recognized for their supreme sacrifice and service to our country during the hymn of each branch.

Other patriotic classics to be played include Tchaikovsky's Overture 1812, Morton Gould's American Salute and Sims' Fantasia on Patriotic Themes. The BPO will also play a pair of John Philip Sousa's marches, Washington Post Marchand Stars and Stripes Forever, whichwill conclude the concert and start the Bisons' Largest Fireworks Show of the Season.

Customary to the annual event, the other songs in the program will help celebrate iconic events in American pop culture. Music composed by John Williams for the movie J.F.K. will be played to honor the life and accomplishments of the 35th president of the United States. Kennedy was assassinated 50 years ago this year.

1963 was also the year of Martin Luther King Jr's 'I have a Dream' speech. To honor this historic moment, the BPO and Chorus will play the musical representation of James Weldon Johnson's famous poem, Lift Every Voice & Sing.

A Beatles Hits Medleywill be performed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic group's debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. Kids will enjoy Alan Menken's and Danny Troob's Aladdin Suite, which will pay tribute to the 90th anniversary of the Disney Company.