Downey Symphony to perform free concert Wednesday

DOWNEY - Next Wednesday's free concert in Furman Park brings back a snazzy group of musicians who have performed for you every summer for 18 years: the friendly, fleet-fingered Downey Symphony in a Pops spectacular.You want to hear musical theater? Got it: selections from "Fiddler on the Roof" and that irresistible march, "Seventy-Six Trombones," from "The Music Man." Film score? "Pirates of the Caribbean." Something to commemorate the ongoing Games in London? An Olympic Fanfare opens the program. And then, what has become an anticipated tradition: a collection of music that salutes our country, including "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America." Conductor Sharon Lavery will invite men and women in the audience who have served in the armed forces, during any conflict, to stand while the music representing their branch of service is played. One after another they rise from their chairs, our friends and neighbors, residents of our community, and we are stirred, proud, grateful. As always, to conclude this wonderful evening, the exciting announcement goes out: kids! Come line up by the stage, take the conductor's baton in your hand, and you can actually lead the Orchestra in a march by John Philip Sousa! It's a kid-pleasing crowd-pleaser every time. Furman Park is on Rives Avenue between Firestone Boulevard and Florence Avenue. The music starts at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 8, so bring along a picnic, and a blanket or lawn chair, and find a good spot on the grass. Food and beverages will be on sale as well. You're assured a first-rate concert by Downey's Symphony Orchestra, whose appearance in the park is underwritten by a good friend, Helen Hoag. You can learn more about us by visiting downeysymphony.org.

********** Published: August 02, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 16