The Grant Park Music Festival’s annual Independence Day Salute offers a blend of feel-good music, including Sousa marches, Broadway medleys, and favorite film scores. The concert features a generous serving of Americana. A memorable moment during a performance of American tunes moved many in the audience. A man seated nearby removed his glasses, shoulders trembling, as he covered his face with his hands. Nearby, two elderly couples also showed visible emotion. Their wives offered reassuring smiles as the orchestra played “America the Beautiful.”
Attendance at the concert required faith given the unpredictable weather. Seasonal storms had attendees uncertain if the July 4 tradition would proceed as planned. Though the storms subsided, a fog covered the Navy Pier fireworks show later that evening. Meredith O’Sullivan from Old Irving Park noted the muted celebrations. She compared this year’s semiquincentennial to the bicentennial celebrations in 1976, where it felt like “the biggest thing.” Reflecting on current times, she remarked, “I don’t think that America is celebrating the 250th like we did the 200th. And it’s sad.”
Despite the weather, a determined crowd of 4,750 gathered for the concert. The Koonmen family from South Loop circled downtown in their car until the rain eased enough to enter the Pavilion. The Dahlgrens from North Park brought a picnic box, trusting the rain would stop in time for the concert. It did. Long-time festival members John Jendras and Judy Paice walked from their Near North Side home. “We’re not made of sugar,” Paice stated.
Those who braved the elements experienced exceptional music. Concertmaster Jeremy Black, wearing a star-spangled vest, transformed “Por una cabeza” into a poetic performance. He continued with the lively “Orange Blossom Special,” imitating the sounds of a train. Principal clarinetist Dario Brignoli opted for a distinctive style with his performance of George Gershwin’s Three Preludes. His all-black, steampunk-like attire complemented his adventurous play, complete with unique sounds and a sultry blues vibe.
Conductor Christopher Bell added his usual humor, donning absurd red-white-and-blue outfits. For this year’s Salute, he appeared in an inflatable, five-pointed star, though he had to remove it after the first piece due to hearing difficulties.
The concert skillfully balanced humor with solemnity. The Armed Forces Salute invited U.S. military members to stand for their branch’s anthem. Eric Solis, visiting from Austin, Texas, stood alone for the “Marines’ Hymn.” Solis, a former Marine, was attending the festival for the first time and appreciated the surprise tribute.
I felt a warm feeling, taking me back to my service days.
After the concert, Scott Alexander, the man who showed emotion during “America the Beautiful,” shared his experience. A long-time Hyde Park resident and Islamic Studies professor, he attended in commemoration of the anniversary year. Hearing the instrumental “Fantasy on American Themes” by Jeff Tyzik reminded him of the lyrics of “America the Beautiful.”
He explained, “Sometimes, I feel like we’re celebrating a birthday of a patient who’s in the ICU. Yet, I’m trying to remain hopeful.”
Faith amid uncertainty reflects the essence of America—proud, irreverent, and persevering.
Written by Hannah Edgar
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