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Teddy Abrams Conducts the Louisville Orchestra for a Free Independence Day Weekend Concert

Play America

July 5th, 2024 at America Place at River Ridge

Sponsored by the Jasteka Cultural Center



LOUISVILLE, KY (May 24, 2024) The Louisville Orchestra, under the dynamic direction of Teddy Abrams, is thrilled to announce 'Play America,' a spectacular free concert event celebrating Independence Day weekend. This musical extravaganza, set to take place on July 5th, 2024, at America Place at River Ridge, promises an evening of community, family fun, and musical excellence.


The festivities kick off at 6:00 PM with an array of food trucks and family activities designed to delight attendees of all ages. Visitors can enjoy culinary delights from Spotz Gelato, Kona Ice, Bamba Eggroll, Ramiro's Cantina & Bar, Big Moe's BBQ, and Hot Buns, ensuring a feast for every palate. Picnic tables and shaded tents will be available for a comfortable dining experience.


In the spirit of community and celebration, the Family Field will be brimming with engaging activities. Families can partake in community musical performances, marvel at balloon creations, bounce around in inflatable houses, and get creative with Louisville Orchestra crafts. Face painting and other fun-filled activities will keep the young and young-at-heart entertained throughout the evening.


At 8:00 PM, the highlight of the evening begins The Louisville Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Teddy Abrams, will present a vibrant mix of classical and contemporary pieces. Known for his innovative programming and charismatic leadership, Abrams will guide the orchestra through a repertoire that embodies the spirit of America. This musical journey spans time and genres, featuring Bernstein’s energetic On the Town, the sweeping beauty of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, and timeless hits by legends like James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Lionel Richie. Joining the orchestra are the extraordinary vocal talents of Jason Clayborn, Daria Raymore, Teaira Dunn, CeCe Dunn, and Latiana Clayborn, promising a night of unforgettable performances.


Teddy Abrams, Music Director and Conductor, shared his enthusiasm for the event, "Bringing music to our community is at the heart of what we do. 'Play America' is a perfect opportunity to celebrate our shared values and the incredible diversity of American music. This event not only showcases the extraordinary talent of our musicians but also reinforces our commitment to making world-class musical experiences accessible to everyone."

This event, generously sponsored by the Jasteka Cultural Center, underscores the Louisville Orchestra's commitment to serving the community through exceptional musical experiences. Teddy Abrams and the orchestra invite everyone to join this celebration, uniting through the power of music.


Graham Parker, Chief Executive of the Louisville Orchestra, emphasized, "Our goal is to connect with our community through the universal language of music. 'Play America' is an incredible opportunity to reach audiences in Southern Indiana and across Metro Louisville. We are proud to offer this free event and look forward to celebrating together, bringing people closer through the shared experience of live music.”


"Play America" is free to the public, but attendees are encouraged to register at LouisvilleOrchestra.org/play-america to ensure a smooth experience. Attendees should bring their own seating. Free parking is available, and food and beverages will be for sale on-site.


“We are thrilled to once again host 'Play America' at America Place,” says Irene Karp, founder of Jasteka Cultural Center. “This event is a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together in celebration of our nation's independence. Supporting the arts and providing a venue for such a prestigious performance is deeply meaningful to us. We look forward to welcoming everyone to an exciting evening with the Louisville Orchestra.”

Join us for an evening of music, food, and family fun as we celebrate our nation's independence and the spirit of community. For more information and to register, visit LouisvilleOrchestra.org/play-america.

 

About the Artists:

Jason Clayborn, a Louisville native, is a highly acclaimed vocalist with deep gospel music roots. He has toured globally and has been recognized with multiple Gospel Music Association awards and a Stellar Award nomination. Clayborn's dynamic performances have graced platforms like BET and TBN.


Daria Raymore, a talented singer from Louisville, has captivated audiences worldwide with her exceptional vocal talent. Raised in a musically inclined family, Raymore continues to impress with her passion for music and her ongoing work on her solo album.

 

About the Louisville Orchestra

The Louisville Orchestra was created in 1937 and sprung up in a time of need, just after the great flood and in the wake of the depression. Robert Whitney was invited to conduct the newly established orchestra, known then as the Louisville Philharmonic, and arrived from Chicago that same year. In its formation, the goal was to create a new model for the American symphony orchestra, as it was conceived through an ambitious effort that emphasized innovation through the commissioning, performance, and recording of new works by contemporary composers. The Louisville Orchestra garnered international critical acclaim, became the first orchestra to establish a record label, and cemented a place in history for its contribution to contemporary classical music. In its first two decades, the Louisville Orchestra commissioned/recorded up to 52 new works annually and ultimately created 150 vinyl recordings (LPs) of more than 450 works. The Louisville Orchestra continues to be recognized as a cornerstone of the Louisville performing arts community. Music Director Teddy Abrams has helmed the Louisville Orchestra since 2014, and the Louisville Orchestra has returned to its origins of commissioning new music and recording, having released two albums under the prestigious Decca Gold label. A wide variety of immersive and innovative concert performances and educational programming continue to receive national attention. Recent press coverage includes articles and mentions in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and CBS Sunday Morning. Accolades include three invitations to perform at Carnegie Hall; the Leonard Bernstein Award for Excellence in Educational Programming; the League of American Orchestras 2019 Ford Musician Awards for Excellence in Community Service; and 19 American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) awards for adventurous programming in use of contemporary music. 

 

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