Garland’s Red, White and YOU! Independence Day Celebration is the place to be Wednesday, July 3. Come to the downtown square and celebrate our nation’s independence! From 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, country music chords will ring out under the stars and a drone show will light up the downtown sky in the heart of our city. The event is free and includes pony and carnival rides for kids, an apple pie-eating contest, a skating rink, a live statue of liberty and much more.
The Americana festival kicks off at 5 p.m. with the presentation of colors, the national anthem and a military song medley by the Vocal Majority.
The headline musical acts include true Texans Randall King at 8 p.m. and Jon Stork at 6:30 p.m.
Randall King embodies the timeless spirit of country music, seamlessly blending tradition with a modern edge. Hailing from West Texas, King’s journey from the dusty roads of Hereford to the neon-lit stages of Nashville has been one of unwavering dedication to the honky-tonk sound. With over 270 million streams on hit singles like “You in A Honky Tonk” and “Hey Cowgirl,” King has emerged as a leading voice in today’s country scene while staying true to his roots. His sophomore major-label album, “Into the Neon,” is a testament to his evolution as an artist, pushing the boundaries of traditional country with a fresh perspective.
Raised on the classics of Keith Whitley and George Strait, King’s signature baritone voice resonates with authenticity, carrying listeners through tales of heartache and resilience. His relentless work ethic, playing nearly 150 shows a year, has honed his craft to perfection, earning him recognition both domestically and internationally. With “Into the Neon,” King invites audiences on a journey where steel guitars meet modern buzz, ushering in a new era of country music while staying true to the genre’s timeless appeal. As he continues to push the boundaries of honky-tonk, Randall King remains a beacon of authenticity in an ever-evolving industry, poised to leave audiences’ minds blown and hearts stirred.
Hailing from Southeast Texas, Jon Stork is a rising singer-songwriter blending RockyTonk flair with soulful melodies, capturing attention in the Lone Star state and beyond. Surrounded by gospel and country music from his upbringing, Stork draws from diverse influences, including Garth Brooks and Tom Petty. Since dedicating himself to music full-time, Stork has honed his skills through live performances and released his debut EP, “In Your Radio,” in 2017, hitting the top 10 on the iTunes country chart. His subsequent releases, including the acclaimed “Radio Cowboy” album, have solidified his status in the Texas music scene with multiple chart-topping singles. With his band of “RockyTonkers,” Stork continues to impress with recent singles like “Blood” and the Fast Horse EP, showcasing his versatility and artistic growth. Looking ahead, he promises more heartfelt and honest songs, offering listeners an authentic glimpse into his roots and aspirations.
Information provided by city of Garland.