Bisons announce program for annual Independence Eve Celebration

Photo By Joe Kirchmyer

The evening will feature the largest fireworks show of the season.

The Buffalo Bisons have announced the program for the 18th annual KeyBank Independence Eve Celebration with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus on Tuesday, July 3, as the Herd hosts the Durham Bulls at Coca-Cola Field at 6:05 p.m.
 
The heart of the post-game concert each year is the recognition of each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces during the performance of Bob Lowden’s Armed Forces Salute. In honoring each branch of the military, the Bisons invite all current or former veterans of the military to proudly stand and be recognized for their supreme sacrifice and service to our country during the hymn of each branch.
 
Other patriotic classics to be played include Tchaikovsky’s Overture 1812. WGRZ’s Kevin O’Connell will narrate a special version of Julia Ward Howe’s Battle Hymn of the Republic. The evening’s concert will conclude with John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever, leading the crowd into the Bisons’ largest fireworks show of the season.
 
The BPO and chorus will pay tribute to American composer George M. Cohan, who penned over 500 songs in his lifetime. The overture will include multiple Cohan patriotic tunes such as Over There, Yankee Doodle and You’re a Grand Old Flag.
 
Tickets for the Independence Eve Celebration are on sale at Bisons.com or by calling 843-4373. A limited number of BPO 4-Packs are also available for $99 and include four tickets, four hot dogs, four Coca-Cola soft drinks and a 25 percent discount at the Coca-Cola Field Gift Shops.