Concert entertains thousands on the 4^th

By Jamie Teibel and Jenny Jones

Despite the threat of thunderstorms and the seemingly unending construction, over 35,000 people were in attendance for the 22^nd annual Stars and Stripes Concert at the Slayter Center for Performing Arts this Fourth of July.

At 6 p.m., with the aroma of citronella candles filling the air, the Purdue University Summer Jazz Band began entertaining the red, white and blue adorned crowd with tunes from the big band era.

By 7:30 p.m. the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra was giving the crowd a taste of patriotism with hymns such as the "Star Spangled Banner" and "This Land is Your Land."

At about 9 p.m., fireworks set the evening sky ablaze with an array of colors and sounds, offering tribute to the independence of our country.

Brian Breed, the Master of Ceremonies, led a sing-along to songs such as "Back Home Again in Indiana" and "America the Beautiful."

Following an exciting performance from the Tippecanoe Ancient Fife and Drum Corps, the symphony played the traditional finale-signifying "1812 Overture," which was accompanied by nearby cannons.

Dick Jaeger, who was unable to attend the Stars and Stripes concert for the first time in 16 years, heard many positive comments from the community.

"They felt like it was a success, they enjoyed concert and music and were glad to not get rained on."

Concert entertains thousands on the 4^th

CITY DESK PHONE:
(765) 743-1111 ext. 250

To send a letter to the editor, please email opinions@purdueexponent.org