Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Hilary Douwes, Office of Special Events, 301-228-2846
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, May 16, 2005

FREDERICK’S 4th - AN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
COUNTRY STAGE FEATURING “American Idol” Finalist Josh Gracin

Celebrate Frederick presents an “American Idol” finalist as part of this year’s Frederick’s 4th - An Independence Day celebration! You’ll want to come to Baker Park early on Monday, July 4th to see Josh Gracin at the country stage. His appearance is just part of the music, fun, fireworks and food that make up the largest July 4th party in Frederick County!
The fun starts at noon and concludes with a fantastic fireworks display that evening. With four stages of live musical entertainment, free children's activities, amusements, a chili cook-off, a volleyball tournament, boat rides, and so much more, there is plenty for everyone to do! And best of all, most activities are free!
Josh Gracin will headline this year’s Country Stage at 7 p.m. The former Marine who was one of the final four contestants during the TV show’s second season recently recorded a debut album of his high-energy country songs that are sure to please. He’s not the only great act on the stage that day - Frederick’s own Knight Brothers will take the stage at 4 p.m., and Mia Jones and No Luv will kick off the day at 1:30 p.m. This stage is hosted by, and performances are courtesy of, radio station WFRE.
There’s more music than ever on the Main Stage this year. Instead of two bands, this year three regional favorites will play. The Grandsons bring their unique version of roots rock to the stage at 1 p.m.; the Cool Jerks will crank up their high-energy R&B sound at 2:30 p.m.; and The Reagan Years will wrap up the afternoon with a return to 1980’s classics at 4 p.m. KEY 103.1 and classic rock station The Eagle host this stage.
You will also find music at Culler Lake in Baker Park. Music for Unity will host this year’s SummerJam Stage, which features bands that are the future of the local music scene. You’ll find faces from Frederick, Urbana and Thomas Johnson High Schools on stage in different bands throughout the day. The music starts at noon and continues until 6:40 p.m.
But that's not all; the Bandshell offers even more music! The Ray Birely Orchestra will take you back to the days when swing was king beginning at 6:15 p.m. Plain Brown Wrapper will take the stage at 7:15 p.m., followed by the Spires Brass Band at 8:15 p.m. Their patriotic selection will set the perfect mood for the fireworks!
This event would not be possible without the generous financial support of the following community-minded businesses: Gold Sponsors - Bechtel Foundation, Cellular One, Chase Credit Card Services, Drees Homes, Sandy Spring Bank and Weis Markets; Silver Sponsors - Adelphia, COMSTAR Federal Credit Union, Farmers and Mechanics Bank, The Frederick News-Post and Spectrum Federal Credit Union; Bronze Sponsors - BB&T, CitiMortgage and the Frederick Arts Council.
For more information, please call The City of Frederick Office of Special Events at 301-600-CITY (2489) or visit www.CelebrateFrederick.com