The Louisville Orchestra, under the dynamic direction of Teddy Abrams, is thrilled to announce the fourth annual Independence Day concert, Play America, a spectacular free concert event celebrating the 250th Anniversary of America’s founding! This musical extravaganza, set to take place on July 2nd, 2026, at America Place at River Ridge, promises to be our biggest year yet with 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. To mark the 250th anniversary, this year’s event will include an expanded selection of food trucks, additional community musical performances, and a broader range of family-friendly activities. Planned activities include community musical performances, balloon art, inflatable play areas, and face painting, with additional offerings available throughout the evening.
At 8:30 PM, the event will transition into its featured performance. The Louisville Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Teddy Abrams, will present a celebratory mix of classical and contemporary pieces. The evening opens with The Star-Spangled Banner and Leonard Bernstein’s spirited Candide Overture, followed by the sweeping melodies of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8. Audiences will also hear the virtuosic fireworks of Vieuxtemps’ Souvenir d’Amérique featuring violin soloists.
The program continues with Anthony R. Green’s powerful A Love Letter to Scotland, a movement from a recent Louisville Orchestra commission, alongside playful surprises including a heavy metal- inspired take on Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain King and the comedic brilliance of PDQ Bach’s 1712 Overture. The evening closes with iconic film music from John Williams’ Star Wars.
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 Jim and Irene Karp through the Jasteka Cultural Center at America Place, 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.
“Play America” is free to the public, but attendees are encouraged to register at https://www.louisvilleorchestra.org/events/detail/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 the Louisville Orchestra 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: https://www.louisvilleorchestra.org/events/detail/play-america
