Orchestra announces free show

SANDUSKY — The Firelands Symphony Orchestra has announced a free Independence Day outdoor concert for 7:30 p.m. on July 4 at Jackson Street Pier in downtown Sandusky. No tickets are required. Just show up. People might want to bring blankets or lawn chairs to sit on. The annual concert was created by the orchestra's music director and conductor, Carl Topilow. Dean Buck will serve as the guest conductor for the show, and guest artist Dawna Rae Warren will sing. The patriotic-themed show will include the national anthem and two numbers from famed film composer John Williams, the "Midway March" and the "Imperial March" from "Star Wars." The orchestra also will perform Aaron Copland's "Hoe-Down" from the "Rodeo" ballet, Richard Rodgers' score from "Victory at Sea," a medley of Duke Ellington tunes and Michael Kamen's theme from "Band of Brothers." The program also includes the "Armed Forces Salute" and Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever." Warren will sing tunes such as "I Could Have Danced All Night," "La Vie en Rose," "What a Wonderful World," "America the Beautiful," and selections from "The Music Man." People attending the show will also be able to view Cedar Point's fireworks show. Warren is based in Cleveland and has performed in many operas and shows. More information is available at her website, dawnaraewarren.com. The orchestra has just announced its lineup of shows for the 2025-2026 concert season. With the date for completion of renovations at Sandusky State Theatre still uncertain, most of next season's concerts again will take place at Sawmill Creek Convention Center in Huron.