The U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers Chorus will perform a free concert July 2 outdoors at Westminster College in New Wilmington.

NEW WILMINGTON — Westminster College will host an old-fashioned Independence Day celebration with a free concert July 2, and a free concert and fireworks on July 3. Both events will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Brittain Lake.

Gene DeCaprio, director of Westminster's Celebrity Series, will be the master of ceremonies for the concerts.

The concert on July 2 will feature the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers Chorus in Anderson Amphitheater next to the lake. Seats will be set up in the amphitheater, and guests may bring their own chairs for lawn seating.

The Field Band, known as the "Musical Ambassadors of the Army," travels thousands of miles each year to present a variety of music to audiences in the U.S. and overseas. Members of the group are selected through competitive audition.

R. Tad Greig, Westminster assistant professor of music and director of bands, will conduct the Field Band for "American Salute," Morton Gould's classic tribute based on "When Johnny Comes Marching Home."

Also on July 2, the Soldiers Chorus, a 29-member mixed choral ensemble, will perform. Their music covers a variety of opera, Broadway, barbershop and Americana styles.

On July 3 will be the 20th annual concert featuring the River City Brass Band playing a variety of patriotic, religious, folk, and popular Broadway and Hollywood selections.

Attendance in recent years has reached 10,000 for this Independence Day celebration, so early arrival is suggested for this family-oriented event. Attendees are to take blankets and lawn chairs for seating, and picnic baskets and refreshments are allowed. Food vendors will be on site.

The Eintracht Maennerchor Singing Society will be on hand July 3 for the national anthem, and the Battery D 229th Field Artillery of the Pennsylvania National Guard will supply howitzer fire during the "1812 Overture."

The evening of July 3 will be capped by a fireworks display provided by Pyrotecnico.

In case of rain, both concerts would be held in the amphitheater.

For more information, visit the Web site, www.westminster.edu.