“The FSO returns for an encore performance of their patriotic pops concert at Jackson Street Pier in Sandusky on Monday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m. (Photo by Tom Beech)

Kate Klika, guest vocalist.

Join the Firelands Symphony Orchestra (FSO) as they perform “Portraits of American Heroism.” The free outdoor pops concerts in celebration of Independence Day, featuring a diverse program of lively patriotic selections from all eras and genres.

Performed by the full orchestra and featured guest vocalist Kate Klika, the event will also be accompanied by special recognition of Port Clinton’s own Tuskegee Airman, Col. Dr. Harold Brown. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Brown won’t be in attendance.

The first concert will be held on Saturday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Marblehead Lighthouse.

There will also be an encore performance on Monday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jackson Street Pier in Sandusky. Both events are free and open to the public, but it is recommended that those who attend bring their own chair. These free events are made possible with funding from Randolph J. Estelle M. Dorn Foundation, Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, Mylander Foundation, Ottawa County Community Foundation, SecureSight, and the Ohio Arts Council.

Erected in 1822, the Marblehead Lighthouse is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, and is a local treasure. The FSO is proud to be a part of this bicentennial celebration by presenting a show full of patriotism and history at the historic site on July 2 at 7:30 p.m. Come celebrate with the FSO and enjoy and fun evening with patriotic music that people of all ages will enjoy.

The Firelands Symphony Orchestra’s first patriotic pops concert performance will be on Saturday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Marblehead Lighthouse to celebrate their bicentennial.

For the encore performance on July 4 at 7:30 p.m., the FSO returns to Jackson Street Pier. Join the FSO as they continue to celebrate Independence Day with the second performance of their “Portraits of American Heroism” concert. This performance will be guest conducted by FSO’s conducting assistant Dean Buck. The Jackson Street Pier is the perfect location for an outdoor concert with newly built swings and a beautiful green space for lawn chairs.

Be sure to stay late for a shot at seeing the Cedar Point fireworks once the concert is over.

“After the popularity of last year’s patriotic pops concert at Jackson Street Pier, we knew we had to return to the pier this year for Independence Day. We are also thrilled to be bringing our orchestra to perform at one of the region’s most historic sites, the Marblehead Lighthouse. We truly have the most beautiful venues to present live music to our Firelands region,” said FSO executive director Tricia Applegate.

Conductor and music director Carl Topilow presents a program that is sure to offer a renewed sense of gratitude for music, freedom, and true patriotism. Maestro Topilow also recently renewed his contract to continue as Firelands Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director and Conductor for at least three more years.

Since Carl Topilow first joined the FSO, there has been an influx of new guest artists, programming, and popularity that will continue to grow under his leadership over the coming years.

For more information on our free summer concerts and events, please visit FirelandsSymphony.com/Events or call our office at 419-621-4800.

Featured guest vocalist and Akron, Ohio native Kate Klika is a recent graduate of Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Class of 2022 with a BFA in Musical Theater. She has spent the last four years in Boston training and performing and is so excited to be back home in Ohio for the summer performing once again with the FSO. Kate has also performed with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra and the Akron Symphony Orchestra. Most recently she has been seen onstage in Boston making her professional theater debut in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, playing Woman #3. Later this summer Kate will be joining the cast of Sondheim on Sondheim at Cain Park.

The Firelands Symphony Orchestra (FSO) is a non-profit regional arts organization sustained by strong community support and patron loyalty. The FSO mission is “enriching lives through music.” The organization achieves its mission by engaging audiences with outstanding live performances, cultivating appreciation for musical excellence through education and community engagement while maintaining high standards of organizational and financial stability. Visit www.FirelandsSymphony.com.