Mayor Taveras and BankRI Invite Providence Residents To Celebrate Fourth Of July

Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops Orchestra performance and fireworks display highlight BankRI Independence Day Celebration in India Point Park

Mayor Angel Taveras and the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism will host the BankRI Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 4 at India Point Park.

The Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops Orchestra will provide entertainment during the celebration, which will be followed by a spectacular Fourth of July fireworks display. The free concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and the fireworks display is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. A rain date of July 5 has been set.

"I look forward to the Fourth of July every summer and I am excited to join BankRI to host this important celebration of our liberty and freedom. I invite residents from across Providence and all of Rhode Island to join me at India Point Park as we celebrate with fireworks and a free concert from the Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops Orchestra," said Mayor Taveras.

Additional sponsors of the celebration include Lite Rock 105, the Providence Tourism Council, the Providence Federation of Musicians, the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Providence Department of Parks and Recreation.

"The Fourth of July is a holiday rich in tradition that so many in our community look forward to. We're proud to continue our support of the BankRI Independence Day Celebration," said Mark J. Meiklejohn, President and CEO of BankRI. "In addition to the event's signature fireworks display, there are activities and entertainment for people of all ages - making the night a true family-friendly celebration."

The Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops Orchestra is led by Conductor Francisco Noya. Mr. Noya served as music director of the Longwood Symphony Orchestra in Boston for 12 seasons and is a prominent member of the conducting faculty at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. As resident conductor of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, Mr. Noya conducts the education concerts, POPS-PHIL-PPAC concerts, and Summer Pops concerts.

"The musicians of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and the Providence Federation of Musicians believe in free public concerts for the people of Rhode Island, and have helped make this program possible by reducing performer's fees 33% for this performance. They are honored to be a part of Providence's July Fourth Celebration," said Philharmonic Executive Director David J. Beauchesne.

During the festivities, representatives from the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School will be stationed at the information booths located next to the stage to collect donations to fund bringing their Link Up program to the Providence Public Schools. Developed by The Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall, the program serves to unite the classroom with the concert hall, in a curriculum aligned with national standards for learning in and through music. Designed for grades 3-5, the program provides soprano recorders and workbooks for each student, and a hands-on curriculum that teaches the rudiments of music and music making through performance and creative work. Students are treated to a culminating concert where they actively participate in 75 percent of the concert by bringing their instruments and becoming members of the orchestra.

July 4 Safety + Traffic Plan

The City of Providence and public safety agencies are working closely to provide a fun and secure event for everyone involved.

• Spectators are asked to be aware of their surroundings. If you see a suspicious person, object or vehicle in the park, please report the sighting to (401)272-3121 or notify nearby law enforcement personnel.
• Do not store or leave any personal items, backpacks, or packages unattended in the park.
• Bags may be subject to random search.
• No fireworks of any kind are allowed in the park.
• Expect delays up to an hour when leaving after the fireworks.
• The public is strongly encouraged to access the park by using the India Point Park Walking Bridge located at East and Wickenden Streets.

The City will also be observing the following traffic plan to ensure easy access in and out of the park on July 4th:

• There will be restricted parking along India Street and it will be closed after 4pm.
• South Main and India Street will be ONE-WAY (South then West) from Point Street along South Main under the I-Way Bridge underpass West to the Wyndham Hotel (Gano Street).
• Customers of the Wyndham will be allowed to enter from Gano Street.
• No stopping will be allowed on Route 95 or Route 195.
• Per Providence Parks Commission regulations, dogs and skateboards will be prohibited in the park.
• Boats are permitted in the Bay, but safety guidelines will be strictly enforced.