‘Stars and Stripes’ music celebration debuts July 2

     Kickoff the Fourth of July weekend at the “Stars and Stripes” Musical Celebration on Saturday, July 2 at 4 p.m. at the air-conditioned United Church of Monticello, 123 N. Chestnut St., Monticello. At this first-ever event, local musicians will perform patriotic music to celebrate the Fourth of July.

   Performers will include:

   • David Marshall, a retired Anamosa music teacher and part of the group “The Marshalls”

   • Melanie Beyerl, a pianist who graduated from Monticello High School and a music teacher at Western Dubuque Community Schools

   • A trio including Sandy Stamp, a violinist from Monticello, Alex Resendiz, also a violinist, and Jose Resendiz, a keyboard player from Marion

   • Scott, organist from First Congregational Church in Anamosa, will share his knowledge of the organ as part of his musical performance.

   • Robby Holmes, a Monticello native and performer in the Starlighters II Theatre musicals, will perform patriotic vocal pieces.

   • Jan Cratsenberg, Monticello resident and director of Starlighters II Theatre performances, will share a reading of the Gettysburg Address.

   The audience will also have a chance to “sing along” to patriotic songs.

   Monetary donations will be accepted for the Monticello Food Pantry.

   This free musical event is open to the entire community. The concert will be followed by an ice cream reception.