It's now a local tradition to start celebrating Independence Day early with an outdoor music festival jointly sponsored by Anne Arundel County and the Cultural Arts Foundation at Anne Arundel Community College's Siegert Field in Arnold.
The Star Spangled Celebration gets under way at 6 p.m. Saturday with musicians such as the Crabtowne Big Band and the Arundel Vocal Arts Society entertaining until a few minutes before 8:15 p.m. when the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra takes the stage to offer patriotic music. Fireworks are planned as part of the concert.
"This free concert has become a wonderful tradition for the Baltimore Symphony and Anne Arundel County citizens," said symphony President John Gidwitz.
Each year, this event draws larger audiences, from 8,000 in 1999 to 20,000 at the last concert in 2000. Last year's concert was rained out on the original date and on the rain date.
"I'm told this concert usually draws a very large and enthusiastic crowd, and I can't wait to experience this firsthand," said Lara Webber, associate conductor of the orchestra. She is to conduct at Siegert Field for the first time.
Webber's Americana program includes John Philip Sousa marches, classic and popular patriotic selections and will culminate with Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, accompanied by a fireworks display.
The 18-piece Crabtowne Big Band will lead off the entertainment, adding its special bounce to contemporary tunes and to Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Glenn Miller standards. Formed in 1981, the Crabtowners have been part of the Star Spangled Celebration since its beginning in 1996.
Although next season will be the 20th for the Arundel Vocal Arts Society, this will mark its first time at the Star Spangled Celebration.
Director Glenette Schu- macher will include such favorites as Irving Berlin's "God Bless America" and "Momma, Look Sharp" from 1776.
Information: Cultural Arts Foundation at 410-222-7949 , or at artsfdn@aol.com.
