Stars and Stripes Celebration honors Independence Day

By Jenny Jones
Summer Reporter

No matter what happens, Brian Breed knows the show must go on.

Breed, director of Purdue Musical Organizations, has dealt with a wide variety of unexpected occurrences during his shows.

One year, while directing the Purdue Christmas Show, Breed decided to use a trap door, which was located in the floor, during the sing-along number.

The door had been working properly throughout practices and previous shows. But, at the 2 p.m. Sunday show, the stage hand neglected to secure the door, so when Breed stepped into the area where the door was, it collapsed, sending him falling to the floor - 12 feet down.

As the audience gasped, Breed got back up on stage, despite an aching back, and said, "You've gotta' watch that first step."

"I would have to be dead to not get up and do my show for the audience," Breed said.

It was because of determination such as this that Breed was asked to serve as Master of Ceremonies for the musical portion of the Stars and Stripes Celebration, which will last from 6 p.m. to approximately 9:30 p.m. July 4 at Slayter Center. After the music, there will also be a fireworks display. The show is free and open to the public.

For the event, which usually attracts over 40,000 people, Breed will lead a sing-along to a patriotic tune such as "God Bless America." There will also be an Armed forces medley, which will give military officers a chance to stand up when their division is announced.

The show will be about America and Americans, Breed said.

In addition to singing patriotic songs, Breed intends to make sure the audience is entertained with his spontaneous style.

"(It will be) a lot of people having a lot of fun," said Dick Jaeger, spokesperson for the Stars and Stripes committee.

This year the celebration will feature the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra, Jefferson High School Varsity Singers, the Irish band Toss the Feathers, the Latin band Los Blancos and the Tippecanoe Ancient Fife and Drums Corps.

Breed, who attends the celebration annually with his family, said, "(The show's) always fun because it's different every year."

This year, every guest of the celebration that donates $20 to the Stars and Stripes Committee will receive VIP parking.

The VIP parking will allow individuals to park their vehicles closer to the Slayter Center, said Jaeger.

Guests are also welcome to bring picnics, lawn chairs or blankets. Refreshments can also be purchased at the Purdue Memorial Union refreshment stand.

"(Stars and Stripes is) a way to celebrate America together," Breed said.

To conclude the concert, the "1812 Overture" will be played and cannons will be shot.

"(The "1812 Overture") adds to the atmosphere of the evening and the spirit of the 4th of July holiday," said Beverly Reid, administrative assistant for the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra.