‘America Sings!’ to trace nation’s history through music in Leavenworth

LEAVENWORTH — “America Sings! Songs and Stories for America’s 250th” will trace the nation’s history through music, speeches and storytelling at Icicle Creek Center for the Arts on July 4.

In honor of the country’s semiquincentennial, the musical journey will take audience members on a tour of America’s history from 1776 to the 20th century. The evening will feature famous and popular songs as performed by Woody Guthrie, Kate Smith, and Whitney Houston, and relive the times and events that inspired them, through the words of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King.

“And the whole thing takes 45 minutes, so I call it a whirlwind tour, because it moves along pretty quickly,” said Wagner.

Wagner said his research for America Sings led to surprising discoveries about the nation’s history, some of which are included in the show. For instance, the evening opens with a performance of “Hail Columbia,” which was the nation’s unofficial anthem for over 130 years, before the “Star-Spangled Banner” was officially named in 1931.

“I hope [the audience] will be informed and inspired, but also entertained,” said John Wagner, the show’s creator.

The show features performances from a myriad of local and regional performers, including Brianna Hughes from Cashmere and Cassi Nelson of Quincy. The audience may also recognize familiar faces from the Leavenworth Summer Theater and Music Theatre of Wenatchee, such as Henry Hettick, Paul Davies, Mikael Kvart and Wagner.

“America Sings! Songs and Stories for America’s 250th” will be performed at the Meadow, ICCA’s outdoor venue located next to the Snowy Owl Theater. The venue will open at 7 p.m. for an 8 p.m. showtime. The performance has about a 45-minute run time, allowing the audience time to still see fireworks in Wenatchee, said Wagner. Guests are welcome to bring their own chairs, blankets, food and non-alcoholic beverages. However glass containers and outside alcohol are not permitted. Tickets and more information can be found at icicle.org.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media