OLO to perform free July 4 concert Wooster

Twenty-three years ago, former Ohio Light Opera Music Director J. Lynn Thompson began a Wooster tradition that has become part of the community’s Fourth of July rituals — the OLO’s free downtown concert before the fireworks.

On July 4 the Ohio Light Opera will present a concert from 7-8 p.m. The stage will be set up near the pavilion on North Market Street, and guests should bring their own chairs. Main Street Wooster will provide portable restrooms for the event.

The entire orchestra and cast will participate — 24 orchestra members and 33 singers. The concert will be a mix of patriotic songs and pops favorites.

Michael Borowitz, Ohio Light Opera music director, shared what the concert means both to the community and to the OLO company.

“Our July 4 concerts are primarily a way for us to celebrate our many local military service members and to recognize their dedication, sacrifices and commitment to protecting our country,” he said. “Along with that, all of us spend up to 12 weeks here in Wooster, bonding with the community, and this concert is our way of saying thank you to everyone who makes our stay here so terrific.

“We love the huge crowds that come to hear us each and every year. There’s nothing like a live concert and one with such an enthusiastic audience to bring out our best playing and singing. Watching the young kids in the audience get up and move to the music we make is so gratifying.”

There is no alternative rain plan for the outdoor event. Main Street Wooster’s Keri Manley said cancellation is up to the Ohio Light Opera. If the event must be canceled, Main Street and the OLO will announce on social media.

With the performance ending at 8 p.m., there is ample time to make it to Kinney Field after the performance for the fireworks.

“It’s the perfect way to celebrate one of our glorious Ohio summer evenings,” Borowitz said, “and it gets you in the mood for all of the amazing fireworks scheduled later.”