City of Gainesville Presents an
All American Song Fest to Celebrate July 4th
Sponsored by TOOJAY’S GOURMET DELI

Real. Good. Food.
Real. Fun. Fourth.

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs will celebrate America’s birthday at the Bo Diddley Community Plaza with a reprise of last year’s All American Song Fest. The concert  will take the audience on a musical tour of American history and culture by featuring songs written about America. There will be a mix of such music as patriotic songs, depression era workingman songs, 1960’s protest songs and songs about American places. In keeping with the “freedom” theme TOOJAY’S will be giving away free food; bite size sweet treats and sandwich samples.

8 pm - Kickoff Celebration, Barbershop Quartet Snapshot 2.0

8:30 pm All American Song Fest
Popular musicians Ron Thomas, Don David, Mike Boulware, Mick Marino, Mark Loveland, Rob Rothschild, Cathy Dewitt and Bob McPeek.

Please note: The Annual UF Fireworks and Fanfare has been cancelled and there will not be fireworks at this event.
(City of Alachua will host fireworks.)

 

Kicking off the celebration at 8 p.m. will be a medley of patriotic and upbeat songs by SnapShot 2.0, an a cappella quartet, singing four-part harmony in the barbershop style.  They are affiliated with the Sweet Adeline International organization and are members of the Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus. Members of SnapShot 2.0 are Diane Sherley (baritone), Beckie Preston (bass), Chanda Morris (tenor) and Jenny Winsor (lead).

Following the chorus at 8:30 p.m. will be a group of local musicians, organized by bassist Ron Thomas, who have put this survey of American songs together especially for the occasion. The core group looks suspiciously like the popular local Beatles tribute band, The Imposters, who packed the Plaza at their “Free Fridays” concert back in May. Members of The Imposters playing include Ron Thomas, Don David, Mike Boulware, Mick Marino, Mark Loveland and Rob Rothschild. They will be joined by popular area musicians Cathy Dewitt and Bob McPeek.

The All American Song Fest is sponsored by a new business to Gainesville, TOOJAY’S GOURMET  DELI, located in Butler Plaza. In keeping with the “freedom” theme TOOJAY’S will be giving away free food; bite size sweet treats and sandwich samples. The 4th of July concert is free to the public and the City will also be giving out free American hand flags. So come and celebrate America’s freedom and have some “Real. Good. Food. Real. Fun. Fourth.” with TOOJAY’S  DELI and the All American Songfest!

 The Bo Diddley Community Plaza is located on the corner of SE. 1st Street and E. University Ave.
The Cultural Affairs Division is the designated local arts agency for Gainesville and Alachua County. Its mission is to promote cultural activity and encourage community based cultural resources. For event updates, call the City of Gainesville’s Arts Events Hotline at 352-334-ARTS. For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact David Ballard at 352-393-8746.