Labor Day Weekend, Lincoln Amphitheatre, & Lilly King

Posted on August 31, 2016

What a trio! Although it's always a great time around here during Labor Day Weekend, this one is gearing up to be extra memorable. Lincoln Amphitheatre promised a pivotal year for 2016 and one of the most diverse performance series in the venue’s history. And they’ve definitely lived up to that promise. They’ve brought us an interesting mix of genres and performers, but now…it seems that they’re putting the cherry on top, by having gold medalist Lilly King onsite this weekend, during the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance. Yes, you read that correctly—the fierce, finger-wagging Lilly King will be hanging out at Lincoln Amphitheatre this Saturday, September 3. “It is, without doubt, an amazing opportunity and honor for the Lincoln Amphitheatre to host to not only an Olympic gold medalist, but one that became an instant icon and a testament to American strength, determination, and grit,” said Marc Steczyk, Lincoln Amphitheatre’s director.  “Lilly’s participation at this event will take what was already certain to be a memorable occasion to an entirely new level." During the performance, the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of its Music Director Alfred Savia, will honor America, as well as King and all of Team USA’s Olympians, with a patriotic performance that will include:  John Williams’ Olympic Fanfare, Raiders March, God Bless America, Armed Forces Salute, 1812 Overture (with canons), Ashokan Farewell with historian Gerald King reading one of Colonel James Shanklin’s civil war letter, and Dean Dorrell, portraying Abe Lincoln, reading the Gettysburg Address. Such an amazing arrangement—we have chills just thinking about it! "I am thrilled for the opportunity for the Evansville Philharmonic to once again play at the Lincoln Amphitheatre.  Over my many years conducting orchestras all over the United States in outdoor venues from coast to coast, I can honestly say that the Lincoln Amphitheatre is truly one of the best open-air venues in the nation.  The fact that the Orchestra can perform completely unamplified is a testament to its unparalleled acoustics, said Savia.  “The perfect setting, in the midst of the unspoiled countryside where Lincoln spent his formative years, is inspiring and ideal for a patriotic concert on Labor Day weekend.  And to have Lilly King, whom I—like so many in Evansville and the Tri-State—watched with awe on the Olympics live TV coverage, join us for this concert is the icing on an already delicious cake!” The doors open at 4:30 pm central time, the Celebration Singers will perform at 5:30 pm, and the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra will begin at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $19 for general admission and $27 for VIP (preferred seating and parking, a free drink voucher, and a commemorative event poster). Click here to purchase tickets online. How often is it that you get to be in the presence of an Olympic gold medalist?? You don't want to miss out!