Enjoy a free Fourth of July concert of patriotic music outdoors at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, then stay to watch the fireworks shot from atop Red Mountain.
The UAB Summer Band will perform a collection of popular and traditional patriotic songs, including selections by composers Gershwin, Fillmore and Sousa. The band will also offer an opportunity for an audience member to conduct the band playing “Stars and Stripes Forever” for the grand finale. The concert is presented by the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Music.
The concert will begin at 7 p.m. This year, the performance will be held in a new location, on the University Green between The Commons dining facility and Blazer Hall. The concert will return to the Bartow Arena location next year. Audience members are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and even picnics to enjoy during the concert. The fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m.
The UAB Summer Band is approximately 80 people, including UAB faculty, students and alumni, as well as professional and amateur musicians from the community. Some members have played with the group for more than 15 years. The group has been rehearsing weekly since Memorial Day. New UAB Director of Bands Sean Murray, Ph.D., will conduct, along with Assistant Director of Bands Gene Fambrough, DMA, and fellow Assistant Director of Bands Cara Morantz, Ed.D.
A map to the new location is posted on the UAB Bands Facebook page to assist patrons. Restrooms will be available in the Chemistry Annex. The traditional venue for this event, the lawn in front of Bartow Arena, is under construction; signs will be posted there to redirect patrons to the concert location.