Grant Park Music Festival’s Independence Day Concert Captures Emotions

The Grant Park Music Festival’s annual Independence Day Salute delivers familiar and uplifting musical selections. Pieces by Sousa, Broadway medleys, and compositions by cherished film composers feature prominently. A rich dose of Americana completes the lineup.

During a particular American-themed fantasia, a man nearby showed deep emotion, concealing his face while trembling. Others near him also wiped tears, reflecting the powerful impact of the performance. Their wives offered comforting smiles. The orchestra, onstage, captivated with ‘America the Beautiful.’

The decision to attend amid uncertain weather was a leap of faith. Frequent seasonal storms left attendees uncertain if the July 4th tradition would proceed. Even after the storms passed, fog shrouded the Navy Pier fireworks show that night. Meredith O’Sullivan of Old Irving Park saw the forecast as symbolic of muted celebrations. She compared the current commemorations to the grand bicentennial festivities of 1976. Those celebrations then felt monumental.

‘I feel America’s 250th isn’t celebrated like the 200th,’ she remarked. ‘It’s like someone’s birthday rather than the nation’s.’ Despite the soggy weather, around 4,750 steadfast individuals gathered at the concert. The Koonmen family from South Loop waited in their car until the rain eased.

The Dahlgrens of North Park came prepared with a picnic, hopeful the rain would relent, which it did. John Jendras and Judy Paice, festival regulars from Near North Side, braved the rain, remarking, ‘We’re not made of sugar.’

Those in attendance enjoyed remarkable performances. Concertmaster Jeremy Black, in a star-spangled vest, turned ‘Por una cabeza’ into a poetic expression. His playing of ‘Orange Blossom Special’ mimicked a locomotive’s sounds brilliantly. Clarinetist Dario Brignoli took a bolder path with George Gershwin’s ‘Three Preludes.’ His bedazzled cloak and daring tones left an indelible impression.

A recurring Independence Day joke involves conductor Christopher Bell’s eccentric costumes. This year, he surprised with a giant inflatable star costume, though it proved impractical.

The concert mixes jovial moments with honor and tribute, exemplified by the military salute inviting U.S. service members to stand. Eric Solis, visiting from Texas, stood proud as the orchestra played the ‘Marines’ Hymn.’ A Marine since 2012, it was an unexpected recognition during his first festival visit.

Post-concert, I spoke with Scott Alexander, who felt overwhelmed during ‘America the Beautiful.’ As a longtime Hyde Park resident and Islamic Studies professor, it was his inaugural Independence Day Salute. The monumental anniversary drew him there.

Reflecting during Jeff Tyzik’s ‘Fantasy on American Themes,’ he recalled poignant lyrics from ‘America the Beautiful.’ He compared the celebrations to an ailing patient’s birthday. Despite the emotional turmoil, Alexander held onto hope, aware of the ceremony’s significance.

His sentiment aligns with the essence of America—a nation characterized by pride, irreverence, perseverance, and, indeed, beauty.

Hannah Edgar contributes as a freelance writer.