PREVIEW: Hollywood Bowl, La Canada Presbyterian offer Independence-themed concerts

By Robert D. Thomas
Music Critic
Southern California News Group

July 4th used to see a plethora of patriotic music concerts but each year there seem to be fewer and fewer of these events with more and more venues focusing, instead, on fireworks.

Hollywood Bowl continues the musical tradition, of course, with concerts on July 2, 3 and 4. Principal Conductor Thomas Wilkins leads the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West, along with the rock group Chicago and, of course, the Bowl’s iconic fireworks.

Information: 323/850-2000; www.hollywoodbowl.com

1776 ImageFor a different concept, check out La Cañada Presbyterian Church, which will offer an “Americana” concert on July 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the church’s Sanctuary. Music Director Jack D. Lantz will lead a chorus of 53 singers and a professional orchestra of 55 in a program of patriotic music that will include selections from the 1969 Tony Award-winning musical 1776.

Tyler Wright will portray John Adams with Rebecca Sjöwal as Abigail Adams and another 12 cast members who will perform scenes from the musical by Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone.

The program will also salute veterans, including those connected with the congregation, and the balance of the evening will feature familiar music ranging from John Williams’ Liberty Fanfare to John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever. Admission and parking are free and the Sanctuary — 626 Foothill Boulevard, La Cañada — is handicap accessible.

The program is the final event on La Cañada Presbyterian’s “Ovations” series of more than a dozen music and drama events throughout the year. The 2016-2017 “Ovations” season will open on Oct. 30 with a performance of Fauré’s Requiem and other works for All Saints Day, which is Oct. 1.

Information: 818/790-6708; wwwlacanadapc.org
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(c) Copyright 2016, Robert D. Thomas. All rights reserved. Portions may be quoted with attribution.

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