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06/05/2024 10:30 AMMadison Cultural Arts’ (MCA) Fourth of July Concert is returning to the Madison Town Green this Independence Day for an evening of music celebrating “Great American Melodies.”
The annual concert, featuring the music of the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra (WSO) under the direction of Madison resident Phillip Ventre, is scheduled for Thursday, July 4, at 7 p.m. with a rain date of Saturday, July 6. In addition to the orchestra, this year's event features vocalists Susan Yankee and Robert Garner.
According to a press release from MCA, the concert will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the WSO, the 100th anniversary of Metro-Goldwin-Mayer (MGM), South Pacific's 75th anniversary, and Billy Joel's 150th concert at New York's Madison Square Garden. The concert will feature selections from That's Entertainment, Singin' in the Rain, Be My Love, Honeysuckle Rose, and more, including a tribute to Loui Armstrong and Billy Joel. Following the show's traditional closing, MCA presents a salute to veterans with selections from the 1812 Overture and patriotic songs. Madison Lyric Stage Company will open the concert at 6 p.m. with selections from The Fantasticks.
Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets as well as a picnic. Space on the Green fills quickly, and patrons may stake out their space after 1 p.m. on July 4. No spaces may be reserved in the morning as has been past practice. Tarps and stakes, alcoholic beverages, and fireworks are not permitted.
MCA, a nonprofit organization that encourages creative and performing arts in Madison, produces the free concert, which draws an average of 3,000 to 4,000 people annually. According to the organization, the costs are projected to be close to $50,000, and MCA actively seeks sponsors and donations for the event. Sponsors for the 2024 concert include Davis Realty, the Madison Foundation, Liberty Bank, the Madison Rotary Club, Richard and Lisa Scheffler, William and Sharon Crain, Liz and Mark Daly, Clinton Veterinary Hospital, Dan and Judi Miglio, William and Laura Downes, Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, Joan and Franklin Green, Laura Miller, Dr. John G and Mrs. Suzanne M. Muller, Principle Wealth Partners, River Valley Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, and Philip and Antoinette Ventre.
For more information, visit www.madisonculturalarts.org.