Dennis DeYoung and The Music of Styx to Headline New York State's Fourth of July Celebration Presented by Price Chopper & Market 32

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito today announced New York State and Price Chopper/Market 32 are teaming up again to present New York State’s 44th annual Independence Day celebration at the Empire State Plaza. With an exciting program filled with amazing live music, great food and craft vendors, activities for children, and the largest pyrotechnics display in the region, this year’s festivities will run from 3 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 4.

“Since our country’s bicentennial in 1976 we have been partnering with Price Chopper & Market 32 to put on an Independence Day event that draws tens of thousands of people to the Empire State Plaza for a unique Capital Region tradition with something for everyone,” Commissioner Destito said. “From the naturalization of new citizens to a performance by Dennis DeYoung and the grand display of fireworks that caps off the evening, New York State’s July 4 celebration will be a great way to come together and show our American spirit.”

“We couldn’t be more excited to once again present the New York State July 4 Celebration, as we have for over 40 years,” said Pam Cerrone, Price Chopper/Market 32 Director of Community Relations. “It’s a day full of patriotic fun and delightful entertainment, topped off with a crowd-pleasing, spectacular fireworks display. Who could ask for more?”

Dennis DeYoung is a founding member of the rock group Styx. The Chicago-based band originated in 1962 when 14-year-old DeYoung and brothers John and Chuck Panozzo joined Dennis in the basement of his childhood home to form one of America's most successful and enduring bands. Styx has sold over 35 million albums worldwide, and DeYoung has written eight of their nine top-ten singles. Styx was the only band to ever record four consecutive triple platinum albums. 

For over five decades, DeYoung has been a singer, songwriter, keyboardist and record producer. He wrote and sang several classics including: “Lady,” “Come Sail Away,” “Best of Times,” “Mr. Roboto,” “Show Me the Way,” “Desert Moon,” “Don't Let It End,” and the 1979 People’s Choice Award winner, “Babe.” His singing talents have made his voice one of the most recognizable in the world. DeYoung has recorded 7 solo albums including “Desert Moon,” whose title track achieved top-ten status. DeYoung continues to tour with his band around the world. 

The July 4 event will also feature special performances by local artist and season 8 winner of “The Voice” Sawyer Fredericks, the Powerhouse Funk Band, and classical Indian dance from the Narthanalaya School of Arts in Latham.

The 4th of July celebration is focused on creating a family-friendly environment at the Plaza. Smoke- and alcohol-free areas will feature bounce houses, pony rides, face-painting and more. Additional activities include strolling performers, interactive displays, dozens of food and craft vendors, and a New York State Division of Veterans’ Services outreach table.

At 3 p.m., witness a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization ceremony with participants taking their Oath of Allegiance and completing the process of becoming U.S. citizens.

Live performances begin at 4 p.m., and at 7:15 p.m., there will be a special presentation by our nation’s military featuring a flyover by the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard and the presenting of colors and singing of the national anthem by the New York National Guard Joint Color Guard.

It all leads up to the region’s most spectacular fireworks – kicking off at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Grounds open at 2 p.m., and free parking is available in the visitor and “P” lots under the Empire State Plaza, the East Garage, and the Grand Street and Elk Street lots.

Plaza security will enforce its alcohol policy consistent with all other events and will not allow outside alcoholic beverages, hard-sided coolers, or glass containers to be brought onto the Plaza at any time of day. Alcohol will be served by vendors to adults with proper identification. The use of sparklers and fireworks is not permitted at the Empire State Plaza. All bags and backpacks will be subject to search. No animals or pets, except for ADA-defined service animals, will be allowed.

For event updates, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @plazaevents on Twitter, or call (518) 474-4759. For additional information about Summer at the Plaza events, including directions and ground rules, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov.

Sponsors include Price Chopper & Market 32, Miller Lite, I Love NY, CDTA, JDog Junk Removal, Times Union, Watkins Glen International, T-Mobile, PYX 106, Kiss 102.3, and Renaissance Albany Hotel.

Performance Schedule

3:00 p.m.     Welcome – Naturalization Ceremony

4:00 p.m.     Narthanalaya Dance

4:30 p.m.     Powerhouse Funk Band

6:00 p.m.     Sawyer Fredericks

7:15 p.m.     Official Program with New York Army National Guard Color Guard, National Anthem, New York Air National Guard Flyover, and Sponsor Remarks.

7:45 p.m.     Dennis DeYoung and the Music of Styx

9:15 p.m.     Fireworks

10:00 p.m.   Event Ends

About The Golub Corporation:

Based in Schenectady, NY, the Golub Corporation owns and operates 132 Price Chopper and Market 32 grocery stores in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The American owned, family-managed company prides itself on longstanding traditions of innovative food merchandising, leadership in community service, and cooperative employee relations. Golub’s 20,000 teammates collectively own more than 44% of the company’s privately held stock, making it one of the nation’s largest privately held corporations that is predominantly employee-owned. For additional information, visit https://www.pricechopper.com/