March in July

If aural fireworks stir your red American blood more than midair explosions, here are some traditional Independence Day Weekend Concert options. Among the ensembles below, there probably aren't quite 76 trombones, but it's likely to sound as if there are.

Scottsdale Symphony Orchestra: The outfit offers its 23rd annual patriotic salute at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 2, at Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 East Osborn. The program includes Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture; the overture to Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks; "Broadway Ballyhoo and Cohan, Too," and "The American Scene--We Love You America," both arranged by Al Davis; Hoagy Carmichael's "Stardust"; Berlin's "God Bless America"; "Our Director's March"; "Colonel Bogey's March"; and Sousa's "Thunderer"; as well as "Liberty," by Valley composer Fritz Teetsel. Admission is free; blankets are encouraged. For details call 480-945-8071 or 480-994-2787.

Southwest Brass Concert: The Southwest Brass Society presents this sixth annual Independence Day quintet featuring Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture; Sousa marches; and Dixieland tunes, as well as selections from West Side Story, at 8 p.m. Friday, July 2, at Valley Presbyterian Church, 6947 East McDonald in Paradise Valley. Tickets are $12, $10 for seniors, $8 for children 12 and under. Call 602-997-9981 for more information.

Mesa Symphony Orchestra: Copland's Old American Songs, Suite #1; Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever"; "You're a Grand Old Flag"; and "Cruzette's Fiddle" from the Journals of Lewis and Clark are among selections on the program of this gratis "Star Spangled Symphony" concert, which begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 3, at Mesa Amphitheatre, Center and University. The show, part of the "Free Family Pops" series, also features singer/songwriter Doug Durant as a special guest. For details call 480-897-2121 (Mesa Symphony) or 480-644-2560 (Mesa Community Center).

--M. V. Moorhead