Enjoy a free Fourth of July concert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, then stay to watch the fireworks show from Red Mountain.

Each Fourth of July, the UAB Summer Band performs a collection of popular and traditional patriotic songs, including selections by composers Ira Gershwin and John Philip Sousa. The band will also offer an opportunity for an audience member to conduct the band playing “Stars and Stripes Forever” for the grand finale. The annual concert is presented by the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Music.

The concert will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 4. It will be held in front of UAB’s Bartow Arena, 617 13th St. South. Audience members are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and picnics to enjoy during the concert. The fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m.

The UAB Summer Band is approximately 80 people, including UAB faculty, students and alumni, as well as professional and amateur musicians from the community. Some members have played with the group for more than 15 years. The group has been rehearsing weekly since Memorial Day. UAB Director of Bands Sean Murray, Ph.D., will conduct, along with Assistant Director of Bands Gene Fambrough, DMA, and fellow Assistant Director of Bands Cara Morantz, Ed.D.