Tuscaloosa Amphitheater to host 2nd annual Celebration on the River |

TUSCALOOSA, AL (June 15th, 2012) - The City of Tuscaloosa is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Celebration on the River, July 4th at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater.

Celebrate Independence Day with the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, performing all of your patriotic July 4th favorites in a pops-style performance, culminating with Tchaicovsky’s 1812 Overture.  This year classical vocalist and 2002 Miss America, Katie Harman will join the TSO.  Katie has appeared in both full-scale productions and concerts with opera companies, musical theater companies and symphonies through the country.  Her debut solo album, Soul of Love was released in 2007 to critical acclaim and in 2010 she was featured on the small screen as a singer in an episode of the HBO series Big Love.

“The Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra always strives to be a source of quality entertainment and great pride for the City of Tuscaloosa.  We are grateful for the opportunity to perform again at this signature event which embodies so much of what makes Tuscaloosa a great place to live,” said Elizabeth McGuire, Executive Director of the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra.

“When we decided to build the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, we envisioned its use to extend beyond just music concerts. Four years later, we have seen it serve as a versatile gathering place for multiple cultural and community events like Celebration on the River.  We are excited that this event has become a tradition for the citizens of Tuscaloosa and look forward to building on the success of last year’s celebration.  We thank all of the sponsors, without whom we would not be able to make this event happen,” said Mayor Walt Maddox.

The Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority invites the community to come out early to enjoy the bigger and better FREE Kids Zone on the lawn of the Tuscaloosa News.  Activities begin at 6PM and include inflatable games, a climbing wall, face painting, laser tag and much more!  The PARA Kids Zone offers free fun for the entire family before the TSO performance begins at 7:30pm.

Celebration on the River will once again shine a spotlight on the Black Warrior River and it’s tie to the Tuscaloosa community as it serves as an impressive backdrop to the event.

“Just like the city of Tuscaloosa itself, the Black Warrior River is close to all of our hearts.  We are delighted with the success of the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater and excited to see the River Walk come alive.  The businesses that use the Black Warrior River are proud to underwrite this event and will continue to support efforts to help the area reach it’s full potential,” said Tim Parker of Parker Towing.

Tickets for the July 4th Celebration on the River Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra performance are on sale now through Ticketmaster and at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater Box Office! General admission tickets are $5 for individuals and $15 for a Family 4-Pack.  Children 5 and under get in free with a ticketed adult.  Amphitheater gates will open at 6:30pm.

Celebration on the River is sponsored by Parker Towing, Drummond Coal Company, Walter Energy, Nucor Steel, Alabama Power, Hunt Refining Company and McAbee Construction.

Presented by the City of Tuscaloosa, PARA and Red Mountain Entertainment.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

6:00PM – FREE PARA Kids Zone

6:30PM – Tuscaloosa Amphitheater Gates Open

7:30PM – Tuscaloosa Symphony First Set

8:15PM – Tuscaloosa Symphony Second Set

9:00PM – Fireworks Spectacular