The Independence Day entertainment week schedule features a tribute to Vietnam veterans and victims of the Orlando massacre. There will also be performances by The Villages Bands; July 4th celebrations at the Town Squares and concerts by Jimmy Osmond and also the Four Aces.
It’s going to be a busy week and starts Friday, July 1, when Evolution Dance presents “Flags Freedom and Fireworks,” at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.in the Savannah Center.
A highlight of the show will be a tribute to ‘Nam vets. Richard Blanchard, an Army vet who lost a brother in Vietnam, will read a moving tribute to all Vietnam veterans. He will also be part of a dance tribute to Billy Joel’s “Goodnight Saigon.”
The show also features music from the boogie-woogie of World War II up to contemporary sounds. “We want people to have a good time but we also want them to remember the sacrifices of our veterans,” said Diane Vargas, artistic director of the dance company.
Another celebration of America will be held July 1 at 4 and 7 p.m. at St. Timothy Catholic Church. The church choir of 130 voices, directed by Maestro Bill Doherty, will offer patriotic and holiday songs. Tickets are $10 and available at the church.
Sam Reynolds, Debbie Garrett, Heather Ard, Andrew Struhar, Kathleen Kane and Chase DeCarlo of the Central Lyric Opera Company will join the choir.
A highlight will be a tribute to the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando last month. Tenor Devin Eatmon will sing “The Ones Left Standing,” in honor of those killed in the massacre.
Sunday, July 3, is when the Bands of The Villages, take the stage for two sold-out shows at 3 and 7 p.m. in the Savannah Center. Conductors Jean Butler, Ward Green and Hugh Wicks will lead the Concert Band, New Horizons Band and Hometown Bands in “A Patriotic Spectacular.”
The Fourth of July is always special at the Town Squares. The Villages Twirlers and Drum Corps will perform at all three Squares along with other, special entertainment starting at 5 p.m. Other groups: Villages Cheerleaders, Aloha ‘O Ka Hula Dancers and Prime Time Twirlers.
The stage acts: Paisley Craze at Spanish Springs; Uncle Bob’s Rock Shop at Lake Sumter and Andrew Morris Band at Brownwood.
Jimmy Osmond of the Osmond Brothers Family, will headline a tribute to “Andy Williams Moon River” July 7, Thursday, at 5 and 8 p.m. in Savannah Center.
Also, the famed ‘50s’ harmony act, The Four Aces, will bring nostalgic sounds on July 9 at 5 and 8 p.m. to the Savannah Center.
