Ultraviolet Hippopotamus’ eclectic and impressive instrumental display part of the free downtown show that will also feature West Michigan-driven blues, country and Top 40/classic rock.
Lighting Up the Night: UV Hippo will play an extended set before the fireworks on July 4. (Photo/Abby Fox)
With Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, Blue Molly, Kris Hitchcock & Small Town Son and Three’s a Crowd on the bill, this year’s free Fourth of July celebration in downtown Grand Rapids promises some varied, colorful musical fireworks to match the pyrotechnics lighting up the sky.
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“It’s the summer, it’s an outdoor event and it’s the Fourth of July, so I hope that really brings people together, gives us all a huge sense of community and love,” says singer Molly Bouwsma-Schultz of blues-soul band Blue Molly. “I used to come downtown with friends and see bands performing for these types of events and hoped I could do that someday as well. We’re excited to play our music for people of all ages and backgrounds because that doesn’t happen every day.”
The Amway Fourth of July Family Fireworks celebration at Ah-Nab-Awen Park on the Grand River begins at 6 p.m. today (Thursday), starting with a naturalization ceremony for 60 new U.S. citizens. The fireworks will launch over the river at 10:30 p.m.
Grand Rapids’ own Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, affectionately nicknamed UV Hippo, plans a special extended set as part of this rare homecoming show for a hard-traveling band that’s earned a national reputation for its bracing live concerts.
HUGE CROWDS FOR A HUGE SHOW
The annual Fourth of July entertainment near the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum draws upwards of 20,000 people every year.
Blue Molly
“At this point in our musical careers we only get to play in our hometown three to five times a year,” said UV Hippo guitarist and singer Russell James. “Other than that, we are on the road, so it’s a big deal for us to be home for a holiday and play a free event for a community that has supported us and allowed us to grow and do what we love to do. … It’s such a unique beautiful and artistic city that we feel a great deal of pride and gratitude to be a part of.”
West Michigan country band Kris Hitchcock & Small Town Son will open the evening of live music after 6:45 p.m., followed by Blue Molly, pop/classic rock group Three’s a Crowd and finally, UV Hippo, just before the 10:30 p.m. fireworks display. In addition, the Daredevil Circus Company will perform as part of the family-friendly show.
THE LOWDOWN ON THIS YEAR’S BAND LINEUP
Kris Hitchcock
Kris Hitchcock & Small Town Son: One of West Michigan’s most popular and fastest rising country bands is led by singer Kris Hitchcock, who splits his time between Kalamazoo and Nashville after being targeted as one of the Music City’s most promising emerging songwriters. With a new album released earlier this year, this energetic outfit puts on a crowd-pleasing show filled with originals and covers.
Blue Molly: This soul-infused blues and R&B band led by their dynamic lead singer earlier this year won multiple WYCE-FM Jammie Awards – for the region’s best blues/soul album and best album by a new artist, as well as snagging listener’s choice honors for best new artist.
The Daredevil Circus Company: This cirque-style production features aerial acrobatics, fire performances and other entertaining circus spectacles.
Three’s a Crowd
Three’s a Crowd: One of West Michigan’s hardest-gigging bands the past three years, Three’s a Crowd – Scott Vander Ark, Jeff Howard, Sidney Vander Ark and Brad Vander Ark – churns out Top 40 faves, dance hits and classic rock.
Ultraviolet Hippopotamus: As a progressive jam band, Ultraviolet Hippopotamus has become a national touring phenomenon – an “explosive” five-piece band known for its on-stage chemistry and adroit musicianship, blending funk, jazz, rock, reggae, bluegrass, space rock and electronica into its shows. The band, lovingly nicknamed UV Hippo, currently is finishing up work on a new studio album that guitarist Russell James says will be “unlike anything we’ve ever done before.”
This year’s celebration sponsors include Amway, Kodiak Construction, Channel 95.7 WLHT, 97.9 WGRD, 100.5 The River WTRV, 98.7 WFGR and 1410 AM Funny WNWZ. LocalSpins.com also will be on hand to introduce bands prior to the fireworks.
For more about the celebration, visit the official website at 4thofjulygr.com.
Email John Sinkevics at jsinkevics@gmail.com.
Copyright 2013, Spins on Music
