City of Columbia Missouri

P.O. BOX 6015
COLUMBIA, MO 65205

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 6, 2015

CONTACT: Tammy Miller, 874-7465 or Karen Chandler, 874-6397

Entertainers Lined up for 4th of July Fire in the Sky

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

Celebrate our nation's birthday and Declaration of Independence at Columbia's 63rd annual 4th of July celebration! Entertainment and activities begin at 6:30 p.m. at Flat Branch Park and Peace Park in The District in downtown Columbia. A fireworks display will begin at 9:15 p.m. and will be shot from the top of the Sixth and Cherry parking garage, choreographed to music and simulcast on BXR radio 102.3.

Columbia Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the entertainment schedule for 2015:

Black Diamond

Theron Denson, a Columbia native, was inspired by the great Neil Diamond and has performed his tribute to the legendary performer everywhere. Theron not only has quite an impressive "show biz" reputation, but his fun style has garnered him fans all over the world.

Since the "birth" of his show, his career has had many highlights.  Among them: An invitation and appearance on ABC Television's, Jimmy Kimmel Live show and being profiled in a national supermarket checkout stand magazine. Theron has also performed for political dignitaries, including a U.S. Presidential candidate, the Governor of West Virginia and a US Senator.

Theron has shared billing with and opened for acts such as the Pointer Sisters, Sheena Easton, Brad Paisley, The Village People, Taylor Dayne and Boyz II Men.  Theron's story is told in his biography, "Black Diamond: The Real Illusion" available on his website.

The Follow is a panoramic rock band from Columbia that has toured from L.A. to NYC, as well as in Europe. The media have supported the band across North America with college and commercial radio airplay. The band's newest album was released in January, sparking the new tour dates. This group of best friends has found worldwide support due to consistently streaming live broadcasts for over five years. Their streaming shows have been showcased in the band's "World Tour In a Day" events featuring five shows in one day, each in a different time zone targeted to a specific country.

After the loss of the lead singer's brother to ALS, the band found itself lost for a season. However, the grieving process has blossomed into the new record entitled K. These recordings find The Follow reproducing what its fans have come to love...the energy of the live shows. This album honors life, respects death, and encourages the exploration of the in between.  The Follow has been recommended for fans of Pink Floyd, U2, Radiohead, Tom Petty, Manchester Orchestra, and David Bowie.

Tanner Lee Band is unapologetic, hard-rocking country with a Muscle Shoals soul. With a passion for storytelling, Tanner writes from the heart. Tanner's music spans good time honky tonk to Muscle Shoals soul. His voice resonates with the clear passion of a singer/songwriter and his music is wrapped in the influences of traditional honky tonk, southern rock, a little bluegrass and a lot of Nashville country. Tanner works as a guitar-toting musician across the US, his home state of Missouri, Nashville and Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Tanner's most recent album, "Coffee, Water, Whiskey and Wine" - (including his nationally acclaimed singles, "I Do" and "Love You More") was released January 2014. Tanner is currently recording an album in Nashville and Muscle Shoals, co-written and produced by the Grammy-nominated Steel Drivers' front man and Mercury Records recording artist, Gary Nichols.

AKA VooDoo Woman - Aina Cook is new to the Columbia music scene. She was picked by BXR radio as a featured act for their 2014 "Unsigned Artist Showcase" at Stephens Lake Amphitheater. She brings her beautiful and powerful bluesy voice to the stage along with her band. 

In addition to music, Fire in the Sky will feature activities for kids at Flat Branch Park, including a giant obstacle course, pop-a-shot basketball, games and 4th of July crafts. The spray grounds will be open at Flat Branch Park and additional activities will be staged at this location.

The celebration is free and concessions are available. Please do not bring any fireworks to the event. Free parking is available downtown and on the university campus. For more information, call 874-7460 or visit www.GoColumbiaMo.com (search 4th of July). 

Fire in the Sky would not be possible without the support of presenting sponsors -Columbia Insurance Group and KOMU 8 and major sponsors Cosmopolitan Luncheon Club, KBXR 102.3, KFRU 1400 & Columbia Convention & Visitors Bureau.



City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.

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