LOUISIANA AMERICA 250 COMMISSION TO HOST FREE JULY 4 CONCERT CELEBRATING AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY IN BATON ROUGE

BATON ROUGE, La. – Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana America 250 Commission, in partnership with East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards, the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge and Visit Baton Rouge, invite residents and visitors from across the state to join a special Independence Day celebration on Friday, July 4, as Louisiana continues commemorating America’s 250th birthday with a free concert, America 250 on the River, and fireworks spectacular in downtown Baton Rouge.

The celebration begins at 2 p.m. at Repentance Park, located between the Old State Capitol and the Raising Cane’s River Center, and features an afternoon and evening of live entertainment showcasing Louisiana talent and American pride.

“America’s 250th birthday is a once-in-a-generation celebration, and there’s no better place to celebrate than right here in Louisiana,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “Our state has played an important role in America’s story, and this concert is an opportunity for us to come together and celebrate the freedoms and opportunities that unite us as Americans. We encourage everyone to join us for an unforgettable day of music, patriotism and community.”

The America 250 on the River concert lineup includes:

• 2:15 p.m. – The Military Concert Band, performing patriotic favorites and honoring the nation’s military heritage through a stirring musical tribute
• 3:30 p.m. – Amanda Shaw, Louisiana’s celebrated fiddler, singer and songwriter whose blend of Cajun, rock, country and pop music has made her a favorite across the Gulf South and beyond
• 5 p.m. – Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters, internationally acclaimed ambassadors of Louisiana zydeco music known for their high-energy performances and Grammy-nominated recordings
• 6:30 p.m. – John Schneider, actor, singer and Louisiana resident best known for his role as Bo Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard" and for his successful country music career, which includes multiple No. 1 hits
• 8 p.m. – Wayne Toups, the Grammy Award-winning musician widely recognized as the “King of ZydeCajun,” whose groundbreaking fusion of Cajun music, zydeco and rock has made him one of Louisiana’s most influential and beloved performers for more than four decades

The evening will culminate with the Visit Baton Rouge & WBRZ Fireworks Extravaganza at 9 p.m., lighting up the downtown Baton Rouge skyline and Mississippi River waterfront.

"One of the goals of the Louisiana America 250 Commission is to create opportunities for people of all ages to come together and celebrate our nation's milestone birthday. With outstanding Louisiana musicians, patriotic performances and a spectacular fireworks show, this event offers something for everyone,” said Representative Mike Bayham, Chairman of the Louisiana America 250 Commission. “As we gather on Independence Day, we honor the sacrifices and achievements of those who came before us while looking ahead to the next chapter of the American story."

“As Louisiana’s capital city, Baton Rouge is honored to have been chosen to host this historic celebration, and we invite everyone to join us at this party for the ages,” said East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards. “Baton Rouge offers the perfect setting for a classic Fourth of July celebration: delicious Louisiana cuisine, top entertainers and a panoramic fireworks show over the Mississippi River.”

“America 250 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate our nation’s history while showcasing the people and cultures that continue to shape its future. In Baton Rouge, we are proud to highlight Louisiana’s extraordinary performers, artists and cultural traditions as an essential part of the American story. Through music, art and community celebration, we honor our shared heritage and inspire the next generation,” said Jonathan Grimes, Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge President & CEO.

“We’re honored to host this concert in Baton Rouge as we invite people to come together, enjoy incredible music and celebrate our nation," said Jill Kidder, President & CEO of Visit Baton Rouge. "Combined with the beloved tradition of the Fireworks on the Mississippi, Louisiana's Capital City will be the perfect place for visitors and residents alike to celebrate America's 250th birthday."

The concert is part of Louisiana’s ongoing participation in the nationwide America 250 commemoration, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the nation’s history.

For more information on American 250 celebrations happening around the state, visit the Louisiana America 250 Commission events calendar.

About the Louisiana America 250 Commission

The Louisiana America 250 Commission was established to coordinate and promote activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. Through educational programs, cultural events and community engagement initiatives, the commission seeks to highlight Louisiana’s contributions to the nation’s history and inspire future generations to participate in the ongoing American story.

Contact Information:

Barry Landry
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
225-342-7009
[email protected]