An audience watches a past performance of the Salute! concert by the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic. The free Memorial Day Weekend concert that traditionally draws thousands to the grounds of the Bartholomew County Courthouse will move this year to Columbus Municipal Airport due to construction that will be taking place in and around the courthouse.
The annual Memorial Day weekend Salute! Concert presented by the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic will move to Columbus Municipal Airport this year, organizers announced.
The free public concert annually draws thousands of people to the Bartholomew County Courthouse Square for a symphony concert of patriotic and contemporary music honoring those who served in the US armed forces. This year, the event will be relocated due to construction in and around the courthouse and on Second Street.
The concert will take place place at 7 p.m. Friday, May 24, in front of the terminal at the Columbus Municipal Airport, 4770 Ray Boll Blvd.
The venue will be an appropriate one for Isaac Selya, who will be leading the philharmonic in his first Salute! concert as music director, because he said the theme for this year’s performance will be centered around flight and a tribute the the United States Air Force. Retired US Air Force Maj. Gen. Mark A. Pillar will serve as master of ceremonies.
“We are excited to host the CIP’s annual Salute! concert this year at the airport,” said airport director Brian Payne. “We look forward to working with the CIP to host the thousands of attendees who would normally attend at the courthouse.”
Philharmonic Executive Director Donnie Robinette said in an email that the orchestra is looking forward to being at the airport.
“It is a larger space than we would have at the Courthouse. This provides an opportunity for some additional vendors to participate, such as multiple food trucks,” Robinette wrote. “Salute! is our opportunity to honor and remember those who have served our country defending the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. The large field – Bakalar Green — with the historic static displays of the F4-C Fighter and C-119 Flying Boxcar surrounding our performance stage provides a wonderful visual to honor our military.”
Robinette said as of now, the CIP considers the relocation a temporary move.
“We will evaluate the success of this year’s Salute! and have discussions regarding any possible permanent moves at that time,” he wrote. “Closing busy streets around the courthouse for Salute! has its challenges, especially (Second) Street which is a state road and limited thoroughfare through the downtown area.”
Robinette said CIP also is looking for businesses interested in bringing a variety of food trucks and sponsorships to the concert. Those interested may contact him at [email protected].
