ATLANTA SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA MUSIC DIRECTOR JERE FLINT TO LEAD ASYO AT CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK’S 4th OF JULY CELEBRATION

The Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO) is headlining Centennial Olympic Park’s 4th of July Celebration on Friday, July 4, 2008. The concert will be led by Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Staff Conductor and Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra Music Director Jere Flint, and will feature solo performances by actor Ric Reitz, vocalist Wendy Bennett and string trio True Dixon. The concert includes works by Francis Scott Key, Sousa, Copland and Tchaikovsky. ASYO alumni from every decade will gather to join the current members for this free, family-friendly concert.

The annual festivities in the Park begin early with children’s activities from noon – 5 p.m. including arts and crafts, face painting, performances, inflatables, stilt walkers and more! Visitors can also relax on the Great Lawn and cool off in the world famous Fountain of Rings.
The free musical entertainment starts at 5 p.m., with a finale by the ASYO. The evening ends with the AirTran Airways Fireworks Spectacular, Atlanta’s best fireworks display synchronized to a special selection of patriotic music. The award-winning fireworks show will also be broadcast live in high-definition television on 11Alive WXIA-TV as well as simulcast on Star 94FM. Continue the celebration after the fireworks at Atlanta’s best new sports bar, STATS. A short walk from the Park, enjoy stats, food, play and more! Special thanks to AirTran Airways, Coca-Cola, Star 94FM, 11Alive WXIA-TV and 790 The Zone.

Each year, thousands of people come to Centennial Olympic Park to celebrate Independence Day. MARTA is strongly encouraged for transportation. Exit the West Line at the Philips Arena/Dome/GWCC Station (W-1) or exit the North Line at Peachtree Center (N-1), and follow the signs to Centennial Olympic Park. Glass containers, pets, fireworks, weapons, vending and grills are prohibited. All bags are subject to search. Alcohol may not be brought into the Park; however, it is available for purchase, along with food and nonalcoholic beverages, inside the venue.

For more information on the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra or ASYO performers, please visit the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra website or call (404) 733-4846. For more information on Centennial Olympic Park’s 4th of July Celebration or the Park, please visit the Centennial Olympic Park website or call (404) 223-4090.