Singer-songwriter and actress Melissa Manchester will be the headliner for Portland’s annual July 4 celebration on the Eastern Promenade.
Jon Jennings, president of the nonprofit organization July 4 Portland, confirmed Tuesday evening that Manchester will perform at the event. She and her agent came to an agreement with the organizers about two weeks ago, said Jennings.
Manchester won’t be a solo act. She will sing two or three songs in conjunction with the Portland Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Robert Moody. Her performance will be followed by the traditional fireworks display over Casco Bay.
“We are very excited to have an artist of the caliber of Melissa Manchester,” Jennings said. “She is a great talent and has had unbelievable success in her career.”
Manchester, 64, has compiled a long list of hit songs dating back to 1973 that includes “Midnight Blue” and “Don’t Cry Out Loud.”
Jennings said the outdoor venue, on the rolling lawn that overlooks the islands of Casco Bay, may have been a factor in Manchester’s decision to celebrate the Fourth of July in Maine.
In 2012, more than 15,000 fans attended a music festival on the Eastern Promenade featuring the popular British folk-rock ban Mumford & Sons and seven other bands. In 2013, singer-songwriter Don McLean, best known for the songs “American Pie” and “Vincent,” performed at Portland’s July 4th spectacular.
“We’ve always believed from day one that we have the best backdrop for the fourth of July in the country,” Jennings said.
He said the music and fireworks display are expected to attract more than 50,000 people, not including the many boaters who watch the fireworks from Mackworth and Peaks islands and Fort Gorges. Boaters can listen to the music live on 94.9, WHOM-FM radio.
Jennings said this will be the sixth year that the event has been operated by his organization in partnership with the city of Portland. The city relinquished control of the celebration six years ago, citing its inability to finance it. Since then, Jennings’ group raised enough money from private sources and sponsors to pay for expenses each year.
The founding partners and this year’s chief corporate sponsors include the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, Wex, Quirk Chevrolet and the Maine Red Claws.
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