Pops on the River is at Coolidge Park July 4.
ArtsBuild announces that Pops on the River will take place on Independence Day, Saturday, July 4, in Coolidge Park, thanks to the support of the city of Chattanooga, along with sponsorship from Integrity Buick GMC Cadillac and Integrity Chevrolet. This community celebration will feature a free outdoor patriotic concert by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, as well as a fireworks finale over the Tennessee River.
This year the entertainment will start early with a tribute to veterans, featuring veteran songwriters from Operation Song and two other local and Nashville bands. Taking the stage at 5 p.m. will be the all-veteran hard rock band from Nashville called Ironglide. Following their set at 5:40 p.m., a few veteran songwriters participating in the pilot music therapy program called Operation Song will take the stage along with Grammy-winning songwriter Bob Regan. Then from 6-6:40 p.m. Chattanooga-based Mitch Rossell and his band will perform a country music set in honor of veterans. The veterans’ portion of the Pops on the River schedule is sponsored by SunTrust Bank. For more information about the innovative therapeutic mission of Operation Song for veterans and its pilot program in Chattanooga visit operationsong.org.
Then at 8 p.m., following an introduction by Mayor Andy Berke, the CSO will begin their patriotic program featuring Sousa Marches, the “Armed Forces Salute,” and “Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture,” as well as “Raiders March” from Raiders of the Lost Ark. The symphony will be directed by guest conductor Jacob Harrison, and the guest soloist will be local baritone, Brett Hyberger.
This will be the first Pops on the River concert with Mr. Harrison, who has done several others concerts with the CSO. As Chattanooga Symphony & Opera’s executive director, Molly Sasse states, “We're so glad that Pops on the River is taking place again and we're very grateful to ArtsBuild, Chattanooga Presents, the sponsors, and particularly to the city of Chattanooga for doing the hard work to assure that this beloved community event takes place. We’re also thrilled that Operation Song is a part of this year's celebration.”
The fireworks display, shot from the neighboring Renaissance Park, will begin immediately upon the conclusion of the symphony’s performance at approximately 9:45 p.m.
A variety of food, beer and non-alcoholic drink concessions will be available on site and supports the event financially. The public is invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a picnic during the Pops on the River program.
Coolidge Park will be closing to vehicular traffic at 4:30 p.m. on the day of the show. There will be free shuttle service running from the Republic parking lots (previously owned by UNUM) between 4th and 5th Streets from 6-11 p.m. The lots are pay-to-park lots. Shuttle pickup and drop off on the north side of the river will be near the Chattanooga Theatre Centre at the intersection of Tremont and River Streets.
Individuals may offer financial support for Pops on the River by going to www.causeway.org/causes/pops-on-the-river-2015.
For more information on the event, visit www.chattanoogapops.com or call 265-0771.