Sparks will fly at this year’s Patriotic Lakeside Band Concert.
The June 27 performance at the Furman Amphitheater will conclude with a booming professional fireworks display.
Before that, however, there’ll be plenty of musical pyrotechnics onstage in this 18th annual collaboration between the 80-member Lakeside Band and 90-member Greenville Chorale.
The chorale, for instance, is going to perform an a cappella version of “The William Tell Overture” — specifically, the section long associated with “The Lone Ranger.”
The band, meanwhile, will offer rousing Sousa marches and other patriotic pieces.
The admission-free event generally attracts audiences of 4,000 to 5,000.
“I really appreciate how the community embraces this event,” said Sue Samuels, director of the Lakeside Concert Band. “It’s a great gathering of people of all ages.”
“It’s a wonderful celebration of America,” added Bing Vick, the longtime music director of the chorale who will share conducting duties with Samuels.
The combined band and chorale numbers 170 performers, and on three numbers, the group will be joined by 50 additional Furman University alumni band members — for a total ensemble of 220.
The concert this year happens to coincide with a summer reunion for Furman band members from the 1970s to the 2000s.
Longstanding traditions
By longstanding tradition, the patriotic concert always spotlights a few audience favorites, including “America the Beautiful,” the national anthem, and John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
In addition, the band always offers an “Armed Forces Salute,” with military veterans invited to stand and be recognized as the hymns and songs associated with each military branch is played.
Among Vick’s favorites this year, meanwhile, is an arrangement called “Swingin’ With the Saints.”
“It gives the chorale the chance to be a giant jazz choir,” Vick said.
There’ll also be a patriotic singalong with the entire audience encouraged to join the performance.
Patrons are invited to bring lawn chairs, picnics and blankets.
In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved indoors to McAlister Auditorium.
The Lakeside Band and other groups offer several free concerts throughout the summer as a part of the Music by the Lake series.
Want to go?
What: 18th annual Patriotic Lakeside Band Concert
When: June 27, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Furman Amphitheatre at Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville
Tickets and info: Free admission, 864-294-2086
