Moon Doh, Musical Director of the Butler County Symphony Orchestra, speaks to the crowd at the Fourth of July Concert in the Park at the Cranberry Community Park July 2, 2026. Maura Farr/Eagle Intern

The Butler County Symphony Orchestra took Cranberry Township’s Concert in the Park through America’s patriotic musical history Thursday evening as a kickoff to the Independence Day celebrations to come.

“I mean, my goodness, if you can’t celebrate with good, patriotic, classical music, you know? What’s the sense?” president of the board of directors, Patricia Stagno, said.

Music has lined American history for the past 250 years. From the “Star Spangled Banner” to Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA,” music has evolved alongside the country.

“Not just Butler county, but if you look at, you know, the American Revolution, in that era, the military marched to music,” Edward DeSantis, executive director of the Butler County Symphony Orchestra said.

The Butler County Symphony Orchestra performs at the Fourth of July Concert in the Park at the Cranberry Community Park July 2, 2026. Maura Farr/Eagle Intern

While also celebrating America and Butler county’s musical past, the concert honors the present and future of the arts. Alongside the classics, the orchestra also gave a peek at other pieces they’d been working on.

“Again, like, the evolution of American music, music from musicals on stage, music from films, so everything from a galaxy far, far away to right here at home,” said DeSantis.

The concert is a coordinated effort by multiple groups all over the county. Partnerships with Experience Butler County, America250PA and Opus 1 Music Society fund the event.

Moon Doh, Musical Director of the Butler County Symphony Orchestra directs a piece alongside Jim Cunningham, board of directors member at the Fourth of July Concert in the Park at the Cranberry Community Park July 2, 2026. Maura Farr/Eagle Intern

Concessions served by the Cranberry Township Rotary Club are provided by John Marshall Catering. The owner of the company, John Marshall, is also District Governor of the rotary. He brings his truck, and club members help serve attendees.

“My business has been helping only because this is what we do, but I don’t gain anything from it, you know?” Marshall said.

All the profit from food and raffle tickets goes back into the groups who help make the event possible. With all hands on deck from multiple organizations, the outdoor concert is always free to attend.

The Butler County Symphony Orchestra’s Musical Director, Moon Doh introduces a piece at the Fourth of July Concert in the Parker at the Cranberry Community Park July 2, 2026. Maura Farr/Eagle Intern

“So many events, so many performances are not accessible to folks who would like to be a part of this,” said Stagno. “Making things affordable, making things accessible for everyone, I think, is so important.”

Affordable events bring community from all over to one place. Whether they show up for the music, food, friends or just fresh air, people from all corners of life can join their neighbors for an evening.

“Our patriotic music’s important, but community is more important. So, for us to be able to be the catalyst to bring that together, I’m proud,” DeSantis said.