Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers to headline New York State’s Fourth of July Celebration at Empire State Plaza

Let Freedom Ring and the Mandolin Rain

ALBANY — May it only be his piano raining over the Empire State Plaza as Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers headline the state’s 48th Independence Day celebration on Thursday, July 4.

The July 4 event promises to be an unforgettable experience, kicking off at 5 p.m. with attractions including a naturalization ceremony and a flyover by the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing.

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy expressed her excitement about the upcoming celebration, highlighting the longstanding partnership with Price Chopper/Market 32 in bringing together communities across the Capital District.

“The Plaza is a wonderful place to gather with family and friends on Independence Day,” Moy said. She added that the event is considered the cornerstone of the area’s Fourth of July festivities, promising an evening filled with music, food, and a dazzling fireworks display. “We invite everyone to join us for a night of family-friendly activities, a naturalization ceremony, and a special performance by Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers.”

Blaine Bringhurst, President of Price Chopper/Market 32, shared his enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the company’s pride in presenting the spectacular fireworks display.

“We’re thrilled to continue our tradition of celebrating our nation’s independence,” Bringhurst stated. “It’s a time to come together with loved ones, enjoy great music and food, and honor those who have served.”

Bruce Hornsby, a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Williamsburg, VA, has had a storied career, first gaining widespread recognition in the mid-1980s as the frontman of Bruce Hornsby and the Range. The band’s debut album, “The Way It Is,” featured the eponymous hit single that topped the American music charts. The album’s success was bolstered by other hits like “Mandolin Rain” and “Every Little Kiss.”

He has since established himself through an eclectic musical style, seamlessly blending rock, jazz, bluegrass, and classical elements. His piano proficiency and distinctive, narrative songwriting have earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. His ability to cross genre boundaries has kept his sound fresh and innovative throughout his career.

A hallmark of Hornsby’s career is his extensive collaboration with other artists. From 1988 to 1995, he frequently performed and recorded with the Grateful Dead, contributing his keyboard skills and unique musical perspective to the band. He has also collaborated with a diverse array of musicians, including Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, Don Henley, and many others. These collaborations highlight his versatility and influence across different music genres.

Hornsby’s contributions to music have been recognized with several prestigious awards. He won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1987 and has received multiple Grammy nominations throughout his career.

The New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing, based at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, is renowned for its unique and critical mission capabilities. Specializing in polar operations, the 109th Airlift Wing is the only unit in the world equipped with ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules aircraft, enabling them to perform airlift missions in extreme arctic and antarctic environments.

The air unit primarily supports scientific research by providing essential airlift support to the National Science Foundation’s research activities in Antarctica and Greenland. Their missions include transporting personnel, supplies, and equipment to and from remote polar locations, where conventional aircraft cannot operate due to harsh weather and terrain conditions.

Its fleet of LC-130 Hercules aircraft is specially modified with skis for landing on snow and ice, a feature that allows them to access otherwise inaccessible areas. These aircraft are crucial for ensuring the continuity of scientific operations in some of the most challenging environments on Earth.

For more information, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, follow @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @Plazaevents on Instagram, or call (518) 474-4759.

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