The sights and sounds of Independence Day are senses embedded in the collective memory of almost every American.

Nearly every lawn and business is draped in red, white and blue, and the last patriotic notes of "Stars and Stripes Forever" follow around every corner.

The Fourth of July isn't just a holiday — it's a feeling. What better way to celebrate that feeling than with good music, good food and good company?

The City of Fayetteville, The Sandhill Jazz Society and the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra invite the entire community to join them for their Independence Concert at Festival Park on Monday, July 4.

"Everyone should come!" Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Community Engagement Manager Anna Meyer told Up & Coming Weekly. "It's a nice community event."
The concert gates open at 4 p.m., and attendees can make their way to various food trucks to address those Fourth of July cravings. Beer and wine will also be available, and local vendors will be on-site with crafts and goods to sell.

The Independence Concert is a family-friendly event. There will be a kid's area with free bounce house admission for the day's littlest patriots.

After remarks from Mayor Mitch Colvin, the epic concert will begin at 7 p.m., and the lineup is truly spectacular.

The Fayetteville Symphonic Band will kick the night off with the National Anthem and play a set for about 30 minutes.

Immediately following, the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra will play a mix of fan favorites, such as a reprise of "Bohemian Rhapsody," music from their upcoming season and traditional American standards.
Another treat for guests this year is the heavy emphasis on different musical styles. Audience members will have a chance to experience Black Seed ft. Von Demetriz and Grammy-award-winning contemporary jazz musician Norman Brown up on the Festival Park stage.
Meyer feels the exposure to various music styles makes this concert so special and exciting.

"I think the variety of music is really interesting," she said. "I'm excited to share all of these artists, and it's a great way for the community to see different acts in one place, and it's free."

The night will conclude with a fireworks display around 10 p.m., which, Myers admits, is her favorite part of the Fourth of July.

"I personally love fireworks," Meyer said. "I think they are so beautiful. I also love how this holiday brings people together. I've always loved participating in the Fourth of July, and I love when people are brought together for a particular reason — the Fourth is a good time for that."

The event is rain or shine, and while historically, outside food and beverage have been allowed, this year begins a break from that practice.

This year, no outside food, drink, canopies or tents will be permitted. Service animals are, of course, welcome.

The event is sponsored by the Arts Council of Fayetteville and Cumberland County, Fayetteville Public Works Commission, and Cumberland County Parks and Recreation and is free to the public.

Festival Park is located at 335 Ray Avenue in Fayetteville.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/478739547342426/.