Choral Artists of Sarasota presents “Patriotic Spectacular”

The Choral Artists of Sarasota salutes Independence Day with rousing songs celebrating America. photo/Barbara Banks

The Choral Artists of Sarasota celebrates Independence Day with “Patriotic Spectacular,” featuring rousing songs celebrating America and the concept of peace and justice, July 4, 4:30 p.m., at First Church, 104 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota.

Under the direction of Dr. Joseph Holt, the concert features traditional patriotic songs, spirituals, and a tribute celebrating Leonard Bernstein’s 100th birthday with a choral suite from West Side Story. The concert also includes a moving tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on the 50th anniversary of his assassination. For this, Nate Jacobs, artistic director of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, will narrate the Florida premiere of “His Light Still Shines,” composed by the late Moses Hogan.

Songs devoted to the cause of peace and justice will be highlighted, with renditions of “We Shall Overcome,” “We Won’t Give Up” from the musical Indivisible, a klezmer-style Hebrew hymn to peace, the American spiritual “We Shall Walk Together in the Valley of Peace,” and others. The concert includes a salute to our armed forces and traditional patriotic favorites such as “America, the Beautiful” and “God Bless America.”

Free parking is available at the Zenith Garage on Mira Mar Court. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. $15 student tickets are available with ID at the door. For tickets and info, visit www.ChoralArtistsSarasota.org or call 941-387-4900.