City of Miami Beach

Miami Beach Fourth of July Celebration 2003
-- Features Free Concert on the Beach and Spectacular Fireworks --


Miami Beach, FL – The City of Miami Beach proudly presents its annual Fourth of July blowout celebration on Friday, July 4, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the 72nd Street Beach, behind the Band Shell. The event is free and open to the public. 

This year's free concert once again pays homage to the United States in a beach celebration sure to tug at the heartstrings of all present. Taking place on the famed Miami Beach sand, foreign-born orphans recently adopted by American families will become our nation's newest citizens. Three year-old Cheyenne Zepnick of Miami Beach will also sing a patriotic rendition of our nation’s national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." 

Headlined by the renowned Arturo Sandoval, regarded as one of the nation’s premier trumpet players, the concert will boast enchanting Latin jazz melodies and moving renditions of "God Bless America" and "America the Beautiful” among others.

Called the “sort of virtuoso artist who comes along only once or twice in a generation” by the London Evening Star, Arturo Sandoval has gained international prominence for his explosive mixture of jazz, classical, rock and traditional Cuban music. Since being granted political asylum from Cuba in July 1990, Sandoval has performed with musical giants such as Gloria Estefan, Celine Dion, John Williams, Herbie Hancock, Bill Conti, Patti LaBelle, Johnny Mathis as well as with distinguished orchestras such as the BBC Symphony in London, Leningrad Symphony, Boston Pops, Los Angeles Philharmonic, National Symphony of Washington D.C. among others. Sandoval has recorded nine albums, received twelve Grammy nominations and been awarded three (1978, 1994, 1998); been the subject of an HBO movie detailing his life story (2000); completed the musical scores for the feature films “The Perez Family” (1994) and “For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story” (1999), for which he received an Emmy Award, two ALMA Awards and two Golden Globes nominations in 2001. Sandoval has also received municipal government recognition, including a Key to the City of Miami Beach in 2000. 

"We are thrilled to once again host an event which celebrates the best our country has to offer while welcoming our nation's newest citizens," said Miami Beach Mayor David Dermer. "We join our voices to the chorus of well-wishers rejoicing in our nation's cherished freedoms."

The annual Fourth of July event attracts thousands of families and visitors to South Florida's hot spot, Miami Beach, with the promise of a wonderful evening of beautiful music, a grand display of fireworks over the ocean, and a great time for all involved.

Schedule of events on stage:

  • 7:00 p.m. Color Guard Ceremony
  • 7:10 p.m. Naturalization of New Citizens
  • 7:30 p.m. Performance – 3 year-old Cheyenne Zepnick
  • 8:00 p.m. Free Concert – Arturo Sandoval
  • 9:45 p.m. Spectacular Fireworks 

Transportation
Parking will be available between 79th and 84th streets, with free off-street parking in City lots located at Collins Avenue and 80th Street, 83rd Street, and 84th Street. Parking is also available at 72nd Street and Collins Avenue parking lot, adjacent to the event entrance, for a $3 flat rate. All metered, on-street parking, occupied after 6:00 p.m., will be free of charge. Free shuttles will provide park and ride services from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with a loop route to and from the event, beginning on Collins Avenue and 72nd Street, traveling northbound to 85th Street, westbound on 85 Street, southbound on Harding Avenue to 72nd Street and left, back to the point of origin at 72nd Street and Collins Avenue. For parking information, please contact 305-673-PARK. No streets will be closed for this event.

Security
The Miami Beach Police Department will be enhancing security for the July 4 celebration. So that we may better protect the integrity of the Security Plan, strategic details will not be disclosed.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and to bring a beach chair or blanket. No coolers, cans or bottles will be permitted. Beach access is available for the disabled.

Sponsors
Event sponsors are the City of Miami Beach, North Beach Development Corporation, WTVJ/NBC6, Telemundo/WSCV 51, The Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald, WLVE/Love 94, Clear Channel Communications, 
Mount Sinai Hospital, Beach Bank, BellSouth, American Express, Boucher Brothers Management, Inc., BFI, 
SMG and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, and with the support of the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.

For more information, contact the City’s Answer Center at 305-604-CITY (2489) or visit our website at www.miamibeachfl.gov.

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Call 305-673-7575/VOICE to request material in accessible format, sign language interpreter (five days in advance), or information on access for persons with disabilities.