Featuring the Long Island Philharmonic and Fireworks by Grucci

Farmingville, NY – On Wednesday, July 4th, the free Star Spangled Bash concert and fireworks spectacular at the Pennysaver Amphitheater will be held at Bald Hill in Farmingville. The event will feature a performance of patriotic music by the Long Island Philharmonic and a pyrotechnics display presented by Fireworks by Grucci. Gates open at 6pm, the concert starts at 7:30 p.m., and the fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. The Long Island Philharmonic will be conducted by David Stewart Wiley, who has served as Music Director since 2001. This free event, sponsored by the Town of Brookhaven and JVC Broadcasting, and this year is the largest free July 4th fireworks display on Long Island. This annual event attracts over 10,000 Long Island families to the Amphitheater and surrounding area. The synchronized music selection for the Star Spangled Bash will be simulcast on 103.9 WRCN in digital stereo.

This year, the Town of Brookhaven entered into a public-private partnership with Long Island Events to run the Pennysaver Amphitheater. Long Island Events has committed to maintain this free family event for years to come. John Caracciolo, President of Long Island Events, said, “Thanks to our partners like All Island Media we were able to continue the tradition that the Town of Brookhaven started and maintain this free family event for all to enjoy”.

"The July 4th Long Island Philharmonic concert and fireworks show at the Amphitheater is the most spectacular entertainment event of the summer," said Supervisor Lesko, "People come from miles around and they are never disappointed. Thanks to Long Island Events and all the sponsors for working with the Town to present quality entertainment for Brookhaven families."

Deputy Supervisor / Councilwoman Kathleen Walsh said, "The Fourth of July is such a great day to be with family and friends and what better way to top it off than with the Long Island Philharmonic and fireworks at the Amphitheater."

Councilwoman Jane Bonner said, "The Town's July fourth concert and fireworks show has become a tradition for many families and the Amphitheater is a wonderful venue to see a show, especially on a lawn chair or blanket. We expect a big crowd so get there early."

“Our annual July 4th fireworks show is a favorite of so many residents and we are happy to have the Long Island Philharmonic perform again this year,” said Councilman Tim Mazzei. “Our goal is to provide high quality, family entertainment that all our residents can enjoy and, this year, with the continued support of Fireworks by Grucci and Long Island Events we will continue that tradition.”

Councilman Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld said, "Our concert and fireworks show has become an expected July 4th event on Long Island and it's getting bigger every year. I am happy that we can continue to offer this free event to our residents and I thank the sponsors for their support."

"This is sure to be a spectacular show," said Councilwoman Connie Kepert, "I want to encourage Brookhaven residents to come to Bald Hill and celebrate the 4th of July by taking advantage of this wonderful local event."

"The Town of Brookhaven's 4th of July fireworks celebration is one of the best attended and enjoyed events put forward by the Town," commented Brookhaven Town

Councilman Dan Panico, "It's free of charge and a great, safe way to celebrate our Country with families and friends."

Permanent seating and lawn seating is available. No food or beverages are permitted at the Amphitheater. A full concession serving a variety of food and beverages is available. The Pennysaver Amphitheater at Bald Hill, formerly The Brookhaven Amphitheater is located on Bicycle Path in Farmingville. Call Matt Goldapper at (631) 648-2500 or email mgoldapper@eventsli.com for more information.

A public-private partnership at the Amphitheater was the first agenda item for the Core Services Working Group, which was formed by Supervisor Lesko and chaired by Chief of Staff Brian Beedenbender with representation from each Council office. The Core Services Working Group issued the Request for Proposals (RFP) for a private operator to run the Amphitheater to reduce Town expenses and capitalize on the potential of the venue. This agreement is anticipated to save the Town of Brookhaven $200,000 in 2012 through the reduction of expenses and projected revenue for ticket sales. The partnership with JVC is expected to save the Town even more in years two through five as the Town will see additional revenue from expanded programming and continued reduction in expenditures.

The Long Island Philharmonic was founded in 1979 by the late folk singer Harry Chapin in collaboration with Maestro Christopher Keene and several area business leaders. Since then, the orchestra has provided cultural and educational benefits to area residents. Considered young by American orchestra standards, the Philharmonic has made significant strides in expanding its programs and offering a musical product of the highest caliber.

Fireworks by Grucci is based in Brookhaven Town and produces over 300 performances annually all around the world. They have an international reputation of expertise in producing state-of-the-art firework programs and they were the first American firm to win the Gold Medal at the Monte Carlo International Fireworks Competition.

JVC Broadcasting is the largest independently owned radio group on Long Island with four FM stations, including Classic Rock WRCN, Top 40 Dance, Party 105, My Country 96.1, and LaFiesta 98.5.

The Pennysaver Amphitheater is located at Bald Hill in Farmingville and has a permanent stadium seating capacity of 2500 and lawn seating to accommodate an additional 4000 people. The Town of Brookhaven has been hosting concerts at Bald Hill since 1965, when it was known as the Bald Hill Ski Bowl. The current Amphitheater was built in the late 1980’s and modeled after venues like the PNC Bank Arts Center in New Jersey. Over the years, many artists have performed at the Amphitheater, including James Brown, B.B. King, Eric Church, Big Time Rush, Blondie, Journey, the B52’s, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Alice Cooper, and the Go Go’s.

For more information about the Town of Brookhaven visit www.brookhaven.org or http://www.visitbrookhaven.com/.

Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone (631) 451-6595 • Fax (631) 451-6258