(Hamilton, NY – June 2013) Musical commemoration of our nation’s 237 birthday celebration will be held at the First Baptist starting at 1 p.m. Featured guests include: Bruce Ward, Lauren Mettler, Allen Schult, Taiward Wider, Joan Prindle (as Betsy Ross), Peter Lawrence, Kirsten Weyter, Chris Warren and Christian Clough.
For the twelfth year, the church will once again serve as the venue for a musical commemoration of our nation’s birthday—this year, the 237th. The event here is one of several planned for July fourth as Hamilton celebrates the holiday in a variety of ways, hoping to appeal to everyone and remind us of our rich heritage.
Travel an American Road: this is the provocative theme for the Hamilton festivities this year. The road we’ll travel right here in the church will be mostly musical, beginning at 1 p.m. and continuing for about an hour. Come just a bit early and refresh with ice-cold lemonade on the portico, courtesy of the Deacons.
Then, enjoy the music in the appropriately decorated sanctuary. Featured guests include the renowned musician/singer Bruce Ward and colleagues, including Lauren Mettler and Taiward Wider (instruments: guitar, ukelele, bass, banjo, mandolin, possibly fiddle). They will present several selections perfect for this 7/4. A few titles: Follow That Road, Down the Road, Power and the Glory, and concluding with This Land Is Your Land (audience joins in).
In a bow to history, we’ll remember Betsy Ross and her largely undocumented (but probable) role in creating our first flag. This involves, incidentally, the whole Music Committee—Joan Prindle as Betsy Ross; Peter Lawrence and Kirsten Weyter will sing. A poem by Chris Warren promises to enliven the skit, which ends with You’re a Grand Old Flag (audience participation).
Under Peter’s leadership, attention will focus on the audience and familiar patriotic selections particularly welcome in a 7/4 celebration. Robust support of the organ will help make this an enjoyable, significant experience.
Celebrated organist Christian Clough will be at the console with a piece as the final offering. Many will recall his outstanding performance on 7/4/12, and his full-length recital last October at First Baptist.
The church welcomes Allen Schult once again. Allen, who has just completed his first year at George Washington University, will enliven our music with his percussion skills, as he has done for several years now.
The church extends a warm welcome to all, so please let friends and neighbors hear about the upcoming Fourth at historic First Baptist: founded just twenty years after our great nation.