A Tuskegee fighter plane with its distinctive red tail. (Photo by Tommy Beech)

Brown

SANDUSKY – The Firelands Symphony Orchestra presents the second concert of their 2021-2022 season, “Portraits of American Heroism,” a patriotic pops concert honoring all Veterans and Active Military, with special recognition of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, featuring Lt. Col. Harold Brown, 96, of Port Clinton’s Catawba Peninsula,, one of the last of the remaining war heroes.

The spirited event on Sunday, Jan. 16 at 4 p.m. marks the first time the FSO will appear this season at Sandusky High School Auditorium. General Admission Tickets for this concert are $25 at firelandssymphony.com/tickets or by calling the FSO office at 419-621-4800 on Monday-Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..

Through the generosity of the Mylander Foundation, tickets for all Veterans and Active Military personnel are free. Student tickets for youth are also complementary, as well as for college students with a valid student I.D. at the time of purchase. For these special ticket offers, please call the FSO office or claim at the door on the day of the event.

Maestro Carl Topilow has created a diverse program offering a renewed sense of gratitude for music, freedom and true patriotism. The lineup features a variety of lively patriotic favorites like Suite from Glory, Yankee Doodle Dandy, You’re A Grand Old Flag, Armed Forces Salute, and Stars and Stripes Forever, mixed with contemporary pieces by John Williams and Glenn Miller, among others. In addition to the live orchestra, the concert will also showcase guest vocalist Trica Tanguy, a Northwest Ohio native and entertainer who has performed in more than 200 cities around the world.

“This live musical event is presented in special honor of the Tuskegee Airmen, and all who have served our country,” said FSO Executive Director Tricia Applegate. “As the daughter of a proud U.S. Marine who served in World War II, it warms my heart to be able to offer this concert to recognize those who have served our country so proudly throughout the years.”

Maestro Carl Topilow has created a diverse orchestral program of lively patriotic tunes.

The concert features special recognition of Lt. Col. Dr. Harold Brown, 96, who with his wife. Dr. Marsha Bordner, lives on Port Clinton’s Catawba Peninsula. A retired U.S. Army Air Force officer who served during World War II, Brown was a combat fighter pilot with the Tuskegee Airmen and was shot down during the war and served a short time in a German prisoner of war camp. Lt. Col. Brown will also serve as a guest narrator for the concert.

In addition, the FSO has partnered with Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton to showcase a lobby display and a uniformed Women’s Army Corp re-enactor.

Audiences are encouraged to park in any lot near the main, front entrance of Sandusky High School. This concert is made possible with generous funding from: Randolph J. & Estelle M. Dorn Foundation (Principal Benefactor), Mylander Foundation (Season Sponsor & Platinum Concert Sponsor), SecureSight (Bronze Concert Sponsor), and Ohio Arts Council.

COVID POLICY: The FSO joins other orchestras and arts organizations around the country by instituting every precaution to keep its musicians and audiences safe and healthy. As part of its plan, the FSO announces its mandatory COVID vaccination and mask policy which requires the following:

GUESTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHOW PROOF OF FULL COVID-19 VACCINATION AT EVERY EVENT: Touchless verification using the CLEAR App OR show original vaccination card or photocopy/photograph of it, AND a valid driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID. Full vaccination must be completed at least two weeks prior to the performance date.

CHILDREN AND UNVACCINATED INDIVIDUALS: Must present documentation of a negative PCR COVID test AND a matching photo I.D. at every event. Test must have been completed within 72 hours prior to the performance date.

EVERY GUEST IS REQUIRED TO WEAR A FACE COVERING: Coverings are to be worn at all times & in all areas of the venue, including during the performance. Coverings must be worn properly, covering the nose and mouth. Neck gaiters and bandanas are NOT permitted.

There will be no refunds for noncompliance of these policies.