10th Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular – 7/3/25

Join Seattle Wind Symphony for the 10th Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular!

This FREE annual concert, conducted by Dr. John Falskow, is a celebration of community that fills the stage with energy, color, and festive music composed by a diverse array of American composers representing the many voices that enrich our community. Featured saxophone soloist Fred Winkler dazzles with his jazzy rendition of John Williams’ Escapades from the film Catch Me if you Can. We recognize the service of our active military and veterans with Salute to the Armed Forces, weather life’s storm of beauty and pain with Labarr’s Grace Before Sleep, and premier local composer Ray Heraty’s Seattle Overture. The Star-Spangled Chorus returns to the stage under the direction of Dr. Linda Gingrich to perform The Drinking Gourd before joining the band for a rousing rendition of Stars and Stripes Forever that’s sure to send you home with a spring in your step.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of wind band music or a first-time listener, this festive program promises to uplift, delight, and bring our community together through the power of music. Don’t miss this joyous occasion—let’s celebrate in harmony!

Dr. John Falskow, Conductor
Dr. Linda Gingrich, Choirmaster
Fred Winkler, Featured Soloist
Dave Beck, Classical King Host and MC

Repertoire:

John Stafford Smith — The Star-Spangled Banner
Kevin Day — Stride
John Williams — Escapades
featuring Fred Winkler, saxophone
Susan Labarr — Grace Before Sleep
Robert Nathaniel Dett — After the Cakewalk

Intermission

Ray Heraty — Seattle Overture
John Zdechlik — Chorale and Shaker Dance
Traditional – The Drinking Gourd
arranged by André J. Thomas
featuring the Star-Spangled Spectacular Chorus
Various – Salute to the Armed Forces
John Philip Sousa – Stars and Stripes Forever