Founding Father John Adams said that future generations should celebrate American independence “with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” Well, we’ve certainly followed his advice! As communities throughout our region celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, the festivities will bring us plenty of those activities Adams talked about. It’s all about the fireworks . . .
Wednesday, July 1
Delhi Concerts in the Park, Bronson Arroyo Band | 7 p.m. Delhi Park Performance Pavilion, Delhi. DETAILS: Put him in, Coach – he’s ready to play today. Former Cincinnati Reds pitcher turned singer-guitarist-songwriter Bronson Arroyo, who struck out (get it?) onto a musical path more than a decade before he left the game in 2017, brings his rock-and-roots band to Delhi Township’s family-friendly Concerts in the Park series. Wonder who will throw out the first pitch . . .
Cincinnati Opera Studio Sessions, Matthew White in Recital | 8 p.m. Wilks Studio, Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine. 513-241-2742. DETAILS: Tenor Matthew White, who sang the role of Cavardossi in last year’s Cincinnati Opera production of Giacomo Puccini’s “Tosca” and is set to sing Don José in Georges Bizet’s “Carmen” here late this month, gives his first-ever solo recital, singing everything from opera arias to Appalachian folk tunes for the company’s Studio Sessions series. Pianist James Maverick, CO’s head of music staff, is the accompanist. Reserved seating is sold out (there’s a waiting list you can join), but some general admission tickets should be available.
Thursday, July 2
Music@BCM, The Brotherhood Singers and Steve Bonafel & One Iota | 7 p.m. Behringer-Crawford Museum, Devou Park, Covington. 859-491-4003. DETAILS: The Behringer-Crawford Museum presents two inpressive and very different local performing groups on its Music@BCM series. The Brotherhood Singers, noted for their old-school a cappella gospel/R&B harmonies, have performed at top venues world wide, and have done numerous concert tours in Spain. Songwriter/guitarist Steve Bonafel and his One Iota group play traditional bluegrass, country and folk, and they’ve recorded several notable albums.
Friday, July 3
Cincinnati Museum Center, “Declarative Acts and Revolutionary Actors” | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cincinnati Museum Center, Queensgate. 513-287-7000. DETAILS: Just in time for the Fourth of July, CMC opens a new exhibit featuring rare objects that illuminate the “acts and actors” behind the American Revolution (and our area’s role in it). Among the treasures: Original timber and chain from Fort Washington (the site is now 421 E. Fourth St. downtown); the regimental flag of the 1st Pennsylvania Battalion, one of only 30 Revolutionary War flags in existence; CMC’s Holt Broadside printing of the Declaration of Independence, dated July 9, 1776, and one of five copies still existing (he printed 500). Through Aug. 23.
Cincinnati Parks, All-American Birthday Bash | 2-10 p.m. Sawyer Point Park, downtown. DETAILS: The riverfront gets a jump on July 4 with a day-long bash that includes several musical events, a classic car show, displays honoring veterans, a Reds game, family activities and, of course, a Rozzi Fireworks show after dark. Six-String Soldiers, a six-member country music group made up of active duty soldiers, takes the prime concert spot before the fireworks with a blend of American folk-country and patriotic music.
Newport on the Levee, Cincy Blast | 5-10 p.m. Newport on the Levee, Newport. DETAILS: Meanwhile, across the river, Newport on the Levee’s Newport Blast – now rebranded to Cincy Blast – features music by DJs and the DV8 Band, other entertainment acts, family activities such as face painting and photos with Lady Liberty, and of course food and drinks, winding up with the riverfront fireworks display noted above.
Memorial Hall, 122nd Army Band “America 250” | 7 p.m., Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. 513-977-8838. DETAILS: The Ohio Army National Guard’s 122nd Army Band, organized during World War II in the Pacific as the 37th Infantry Division Band, is the largest military band left in the state, performing throughout Ohio in a wide range of musical styles. The band’s versatility will be on display in this “America 250” program for Memorial Hall.
Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, “Symphony of Colors – Celebrating American 250” | 7:15 p.m. Montgomery Park, Montgomery. 513-549-2197. DETAILS: Suzanne Bona and Elaine Diehl from radio station WGUC-FM co-host and perform during this patriotic-themed concert, led by BAMSO Artistic Director Michael Chertok, who also is the soloist in George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” The concert ends with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” which may not exactly be quintessentially American, but sure makes for a rousing finale. Food and drink will be available for purchase; brink lawn chairs and blankets.
Saturday, July 4
July Fourth Project, A Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence | 9:30 a.m. Seasongood Pavilion, Eden Park. DETAILS: The old American tradition of reading the Declaration of Independence on the Fourth of July was revived in Cincinnati last year with a free morning reading, done by 20 local notables, each reading a portion of the text. The No Promises Vocal Band will perform after the reading.
60th Annual Ault Park Fireworks | 6-10 p.m. Ault Park, Mt. Lookout. DETAILS: If you didn’t get enough fireworks July 3, Ault Park offers its 60th anniversary fireworks show, an evening event with live music, food trucks, beverages and more. The park also hosts a children’s parade with decorated bikes, trikes and strollers at 11 a.m.
Cincinnati Pops, “Red, White & BOOM!” | 8 p.m. Riverbend Music Center, Anderson Twp. 513-381-3300. DETAILS: Yet more pyrotechnics, courtesy of the Cincinnati Pops, which has been doing a July 4 fireworks concert pretty much since the venue opened in the mid-1980s. Pops conductor John Morris Russell leads a program that’s big on music honoring the nation’s musical traditions and those who have served in the military. Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez (“Hamilton,” “Wicked”) is the guest artist. Before the concert, activities including salsa dancing lessons and a Family Fun Zone with crafts begin at 6:30. Rozzi Fireworks, of course, provides the BOOM! Half of the $10 ticket price goes to Disabled American Veterans, and all active and retired military attend for free.
Monday, July 6
Jazz at the Park, Mandy Gaines with Brad Myers | 6-9 p.m. Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine. DETAILS: “Jazz vocal powerhouse” Mandy Gaines, who’s performed with many of the jazz world’s biggest names, has recorded a half-dozen albums, is resident vocalist with the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra and was inducted into the Cincinnati Jazz Hall of Fame in 2018. She’s always well worth a listen, especially when performing with her frequent collaborator, the fluent guitarist Brad Myers.
Tuesday, July 7
Summer Cinema, “How to Train Your Dragon” | 9 p.m. Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine. DETAILS: Washington Park’s movie-under-the-stars lawn series this week features the live-action 2025 version of “How to Train Your Dragon,” which follows the adventures of Viking teenager Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (Mason Thames) as he discovers that dragons aren’t necessarily something to be hunted down.
Cincinnati Metropolitan Orchestra, “A Salute to America” | 7 p.m. The Lawn Stage at Delhi Towne Square, Delhi. 513-941-8956. DETAILS: Founded in 1996 and conducted by David F. Allen, the CMO is all about playing music “chosen for the mutual pleasure of audience and musician, while developing a sense of musical community.” This “America 250” performance will focus on patriotic music. Admission is free, and concertgoers can purchase beverages from the bar on site.
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