Enjoy July 4th Family Friendly Fun With The Cincinnati Pops At Riverbend

A cherished tradition returns to Riverbend Music Center on the Fourth of July when the Cincinnati Pops presents the annual "Patriotic Pops" concert celebration. Entertaining for the whole family, John Morris Russell leads the family-friendly Pops performance also featuring the United States Army Chorus and local singer Adia Dobbins with Rozzi's Famous Fireworks after the concert. The Pops series is presented by PNC and kids 17 and under are free on the lawn thanks to Toyota.

"This year, it's the United States Army Chorus performing with spit-shine musicianship and ensemble," said Mr. Russell. "The grandeur of their vocal arrangements creates a sumptuous blend with the Pops and is a thrill to behold."

Also joining Mr. Russell and the Pops is University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music alumn Adia Dobbins who will perform stirring renditions of "Proud Mary" and Irving Berlin's "God Bless America." Ms. Dobbins recently toured the West Coast in the lead role of "Nala" in Disney's The Lion King and was recently featured in the May Festival's "Sing Hallelujah" community concert at Music Hall.

Lending their acting talents to a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence will be performers from Cincinnati Shakespeare Company: Jared Joplin, Miranda McGee, and Darnell Pierre Benjamin.

Mr. Russell and the Pops will also preview a selection from Voyage, a new orchestral work co-commissioned by the Cincinnati Pops, the Kennedy Center and NASA by celebrated film composer Michael Giacchino commemorating both the 60th anniversary of NASA and for 2019, the 50th anniversary of Neil Armstrong's historic moon landing. Mr. Giacchino is best known for scoring blockbuster films including Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the recent Star Trek films, and several Disney/Pixar movies including The Incredibles 2. Cincinnatians will experience Voyage in its entirety at Music Hall during January's "Pops in Space" program.

How to become part of the "Patriotic Pops" show

For the Orchestra's performance of the classic "America the Beautiful," the Pops will show selected photos and drawings capturing or depicting families visiting national parks on Riverbend's LED screens. Photos and drawings must be submitted via email by July 1 to patrioticpops@cincinnatisymphony.org to be considered.

Enter the Lawn Chair Drill Team Contest

The Pops is also seeking participants in its first "Patriotic Pops" Lawn Chair Drill Team Contest. Additional information is available at cincinnatisymphony.org/patriotic-pops-2018-submissions/.

Free admission to Coney Island

"Patriotic Pops" ticket holders also have free access to Coney Island rides all day on July 4 (starting at 11 AM and excluding pool).

** John Morris Russel interview opportunities are available upon request.

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