The Columbus Indiana Philharmonic’s annual patriotic extravaganza known as SALUTE! is arriving at 7 p.m. Friday at Second and Jackson streets.
Here’s a reminder of seven important items connected to the event that honors military veterans for their service and sacrifice and attracts one of the largest single-event crowds in the area to the Bartholomew County Memorial For Veterans.
- In two decades, rain has played a role only twice — once moving the event indoors and once shortening it. The advance weather forecast at an early press time promised sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 70s.
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The areas closest to the stage will be sectioned off in four, socially-distanced sections large enough for about 250 well-distanced seats each, according to organizers. Masks will be encouraged. The Bartholomew County Health Department has approved that plan and Heidi Kelley, the Philharmonic’s executive director, said others would be free to set up chairs beyond that perimeter, probably across the street while also socially distancing.
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The orchestra’s guest soloist will be Marietta Simpson, distinguished Rudy Professor of Music in Voice at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where she has served on faculty since August 2005. Simpson has sung with nearly every major orchestra in the United States under many of the world’s top conductors.
- You can bring an appetite for more than music. The Columbus East Band Boosters plan on serving Chick-Fil-A chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, popcorn, cookies, soda, bottled water, sweet tea, and unsweetened tea.
- The concert setting will be filled with military vehicles such as Humvees, a Blackhawk helicopter and the expected gleaming howitzers to help the orchestra punctuate a more powerful "1812 Overture" as the concert closer.
- Attendees always are encouraged to deck themselves liberally in red, white and blue — caps, t-shirts, sunglasses, dresses, you name it.
- Portable restrooms are available on the premises.
Additional information can be found at thecip.org.
