A rousing program of Big Band music from the 1940s, a 13-year-old trumpet virtuoso and Gershwin will take the stage on July 4 in the second annual Independence Day on the Green concert at Sonoma State University
The concert is one of three showcase Festival on the Green events this summer that offers picnicking, fine wines and food in a relaxing lakeside setting on the SSU campus beneath Sonomaís beautiful mountains.
On Wednesday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m., Jeff Tyzik, Principal Pops conductor for the Rochester Philharmonic, leads the Santa Rosa Symphony through an evening of swing-era, patriotic music that includes performances by 13-year-old trumpet virtuoso Oliver Hunt.
Jeffrey Kahane, the Festivalís newly appointed Artistic Director, will perform Gershwinís Concerto in F. Dazzling fireworks will immediately follow the concert.
Pre-concert activities from 4-7:30 p.m. include games for kids, a trio of all-American mini-concerts, and appearances by legendary creative Californians strolling the lawn like Jack and Charmian London, Janis Joplin and Julia Morgan.
Other Festival showcase concerts planned this summer are a Midsummer Night on the Green with an all-Tchaikovsky program on August 12 and Jazz on the Green with Grammy winner Joe Lovano and his nine piece ensemble. A Jack London lecture series and a Youth Festival Weekend is also being staged this season.
Ticket prices for lawn area seating for the Independence Day concert are $28 adult, $7 youth and $70 families. Food, wine and picnic suppers will be available. Special rates for reserved tables are offered.
For tickets, phone (707) 546-8742. For further information, call the Festival office at (415) 931-3924 or see the website at http://festival.sonoma.edu.
Last yearís inaugural season of Festival on the Green attracted almost 5,000 people. The Festival will move to its permanent home, the Donald and Maureen Green Music Center at SSU, in a few years.
