MURRAY, Ky. – The Murray State University Town & Gown Community Band and Chorale will present a free Independence Day themed concert as part of Murray’s annual Freedom Fest celebration on the evening of Friday, July 4 at 7 p.m. inside Lovett Auditorium on Murray State’s campus.
The concert is free, and the public is cordially invited to attend.
Dr. Bradley Almquist, Murray State professor of music and director of choral activities, will conduct the Community Chorale. Dr. Ashley Shoupe, Murray State assistant professor of music and assistant director of bands, will conduct the Community Band.
Audience members can relax in the air-conditioned comfort of the recently renovated Lovett Auditorium as they enjoy holiday favorites such as “America the Beautiful,” “Red River Valley” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” to name a few. Readings of several iconic American documents, such as the Gettysburg Address and the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence will be interspersed with the musical selections.
“As I was growing up, every small town celebrated Independence Day with picnics, parades and concerts, concluding with fireworks, sometimes as a community and other times in our own backyards,” said Almquist. “We would gather at the town center. In the gazebo a brass band would be playing folksongs, marches and patriotic songs. It is that Norman Rockwell-style American tradition that we bring to Murray. As we move into celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, we hope that our concert this year will stir our sense of pride in our diverse past and hope for our future.”
“What a wonderful time of year to welcome the Town & Gown Community Band and Chorale, led by Dr. Ashley Shoupe and Dr. Brad Almquist,” said Jen Robertson, coordinator of the Town & Gown Partnership Program. “These ensembles are made up entirely of volunteers—high school students, Murray State students, employees and community members—who dedicate countless hours to creating beautiful music for everyone to enjoy. Their talent and commitment are truly inspiring, and this concert is a celebration of that spirit. We’re also deeply grateful to our Town & Gown partners for their continued support in making events like this possible.”
The Town & Gown Partnership is an ongoing collaboration between Murray State University and the surrounding community that aims to enhance the quality of living and learning for everyone in the community. Town & Gown Partners include leaders from Murray State University administration and student government, local and state government, industry, small business, banking, health care providers and other community organizations. Membership fees help fund community projects and events such as these summer concerts.
For more information about how a business or organization can join Murray State’s Town & Gown program, please contact Jennifer Robertson at 270-809-3924 or jrobertson38@murraystate.edu.