Celebrate America’s 250th birthday

This Fourth of July marks the nation’s 250th birthday, and communities throughout the region will be celebrating, in many cases bigger than ever.

In Lewiston-Auburn, the two-day Liberty Festival kicks off Friday from 6-10 p.m. with live music, food, vendors and more off Main Street in Lewiston near Veterans Memorial Park. It will continue Saturday afternoon on both sides of the Androscoggin River with a first-ever parade at 3:30 p.m. and more music, food, vendors and special attractions.

For those who love their country and love stirring music, a special indoor 250th Anniversary Concert featuring the Volunteers Jazz Band will be held Friday night at the Franco Center in Lewiston. It is free.

The Volunteers Jazz Band is a regional 17-piece ensemble that performs at no charge for veterans events and organizations, including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, The Travis Mills Foundation, The Vietnam Seabees, veterans homes, and others.

“The evening promises to utilize the stunning natural acoustics and historic grandeur of the Franco Center’s performance hall to honor the nation’s milestone birthday. From timeless jazz standards to powerful anthems that define the American spirit, the repertoire has been meticulously curated to bring the community together in reflection and celebration,” organizers say about the event.

Hosted by the Maine Military Community Network and the Lewiston Auburn Veterans  Council, the event will be emcee’d by Jerry DeWitt, and U.S. Sen. Angus King is expected to read the Preamble.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for early seating, with the concert running from 7-9 p.m. The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar St. in Lewiston.

“But Lewiston and Auburn are just two of many towns in the region that will be celebrating the Fourth of July and the nation’s 250th birthday this weekend. Farmington, Rumford/Mexico, Bethel, Rangeley, and Jay/Livermore/Livermore Falls are among the towns with patriotic birthday celebrations planned. For details on those and others, go to our list at sunjournal.com.

See ‘1776’ in Brunswick for a musical take on how it all started

BRUNSWICK — Maine State Music Theatre is presenting “1776” through July 11, taking theater-goers on a rousing, insightful, musical trip back in time as the Founding Fathers shape the new country.

“Before there was a nation, there was a room full of arguments. In this stirring and surprisingly humorous musical, the Founding Fathers come to life as real, flawed, passionate individuals, clashing over independence, ideals, and the shape of a new country.

“With soaring songs and sharp dialogue, ‘1776’ offers a powerful reminder that democracy is messy — and worth it. A fresh look at the birth of America that feels urgently relevant today,” says Maine State Music Theatre.

The Tony Award-winner runs through July 11 at the Pickard Theater in Brunswick. Tickets range from $107-$175 depending on day and time. For more information and tickets go to msmt.org or call the box office at 207-725-8769.

Catch some high-quality bluegrass in Rangeley

RANGELEY — Rangeley Friends of the Arts will present the Sandy River Ramblers on Thursday, July 2, at their Lakeside Theater.

Part of RFA’s Indoor Concert Series, the Sandy River Ramblers are Maine’s longest-lasting bluegrass band, performing regularly since 1983.

“As far as we know, we’re the only bluegrass band ever to play continuously for 38 years,” said bandleader Stan Keach, who plays guitar and sings lead and harmony parts for the Ramblers.

Tickets are $15 and $10, and available at rangeleyarts.org or at the door. Doors open one hour prior to the 7 p.m. performance. Concessions will be available, including beer and wine. For more information call 207-864-5000.

The theater is at 2493 Main St.

Auburn band concert Wednesday

AUBURN — On Wednesday, July 1, there will be another concert outdoors at Festival Plaza in downtown Auburn from 7-8:15 p.m. as part of the Auburn Community Concert Band’s Summer Concert Series

Every Wednesday, until Aug. 19, 55 volunteer musicians will perform popular hit songs from the ’60s to today at this family-friendly event.

The concert is free. Weather permitting. Festival Plaza is off Main Street. Parking is free in the nearby municipal garage. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.

For more information visit the Auburn Community Concert Band website at www.auburncommunityband.com.

Have an event you’d like to get in? Email details to [email protected] to be considered for inclusion in the weekly listing. And add your event to the Sun Journal calendar here: www.sunjournal.com/events-calendar/.