Louisville Orchestra Waterfront 4th

What better way to enjoy some family fun, while celebrating America’s birthday, than to join Louisville’s world-famous Orchestra at Waterfront Park for a free concert?  There will be music for most any taste, from patriotic favorites to a mix of music from indie-folk, to hip hop, to classics and even Star Wars. A free fireworks display will close the concert, as the Louisville Orchestra plays the 1812 Overture and “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

Mayor Greg Fischer, together with Louisville Orchestra Music Director Teddy Abrams, Waterfront Development Corporation President David Karem and Thornton Oil CEO Matt Thornton, announced plans today for the first Louisville Orchestra Waterfront 4th… fueled by Thorntons. The event is free and open to the public and features music, family activities, food and fireworks on the Great Lawn of Waterfront Park on Saturday, July 4th. The event features a performance by the Louisville Orchestra, Teddy Abrams conducting, with special guests indie folk-rock cellist Ben Sollee and Hip hop/classical fusion group 1200, led by Jecory Arthur.

Mayor Greg Fischer thanked Matt Thornton for his leadership in making the event possible, “We have a wonderful corporate community partner in Thornton’s to thank for all of this. Matt Thornton stepped up and said, “Let’s have this event for the community, and let’s feature the Louisville Orchestra on our waterfront.”

“Thorntons believes in building a stronger community by supporting events where families can come together, and an event to celebrate the 4th of July is the perfect fit,” said Matt Thornton. “We are proud to partner with Waterfront Development, the Louisville Orchestra and other businesses to bring this event back in 2015.”

”No one in this community can deny the excitement that Teddy Abrams brings to music in Louisville, and we are thrilled that he has found a home here on the Fourth.  Thanks again to Thorntons and all of our generous sponsors who make it possible to enjoy this free celebration,” said WDC President David Karem. “And what a wonderful way for our newest neighbor Louisville City FC to jump right into the community – by sponsoring the July 4th fireworks. The entire Waterfront Neighborhood will be alive with activity on the 4th.”

Teddy’s goal is one of outreach. “This is our chance to share our musical vision with the entire Louisville community. I want to show the extraordinary diversity of music that an orchestra can play – Beethoven, local Hip Hop, Bernstein, Folk, and much more – and celebrate the day with all the virtuosity and power of this extraordinary orchestra,” says Abrams.

The celebration begins at 5:00 p.m. with quality family activities in the Catfish Louie Kids Area, ongoing live music on the main stage, upscale festival food by Festival Cuisine, the Leinenkugal Summer Shandy Beer Garden and the Old Forester Red, White & Blue Bourbon Bar.   Activities for children will be offered by the Kentucky Science Center, Kentucky Museum of Art & Craft, Louisville Public Media, Steam Exchange and Friends of the Waterfront. The music kicks off with Lazy Sunday and the Jacob Duncan Trio, along with other local bands, performing throughout the early evening.  The Festival Food and Beverages available will include plenty of healthy and vegetarian items, refreshing beer, wine and cocktails as well as traditional festival favorites. 

At 8:30 p.m., the Louisville Orchestra takes the stage with patriotic favorites plus a mix of music from indie-folk to hip hop to classics and even Star Wars. The free fireworks display starts at approximately 10:00 p.m. as the concert closes with the 1812 Overture and “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

Thorntons is joined by an extensive list of community partners whose contributions are critical to providing this free event to the community. These partners include Louisville Metro, Louisville Orchestra, Waterfront Development Corporation, Louisville City FC,  Galt House,  WHAS 11, , Leinenkugal’s Summer Shandy, Louisville Third Century, Louisville Public Media & WUOL,  Old Forester, Simon Signs,  Bearnos,  Friends of the Waterfront, Kentucky Science Center, Kentucky Museum of Art & Craft,  Louisville Downtown Partnership,  Nugent Sand Company, Steam Exchange,  Waterside at  River Park Place, and Yum! Brands.