Fox Point Fourth of July Weekend Celebration Highlights George M. Cohan
To celebrate George M. Cohan, the actor, singer, dancer, director, writer, and producer who was born on Wickenden Street in Fox Point on July 3, 1878, a host of special events including fireworks are planned for families and the local community over the July Fourth weekend. Cohan was called the father of American musical comedy, and he was known in his heyday as “the man who owned Broadway.”
This community event with patriotic spirit begins on Friday, July 3, at 6:30 p.m. at the corner of Wickenden and Governor Streets with speeches by dignitaries, followed by a dedication ceremony and the unveiling of a bronze sculpture (pictured) of Cohan by internationally known sculptor Robert Shure. There will also be musical entertainment by the Newport Navy Band Northeast, Ceremonial Band, singer Ian O’ Brian and jazz musician Mike Miller; and the presentation of the first annual Excellence in Art & Culture Award to Curt Columbus, artistic director of Trinity Repertory Company.
On Saturday, July 4, at 11:00 a.m., join a walking tour of Fox Point led by The Rhode Island Historical Society ($10 per person) at the corner of Wickenden and Governor Streets. At 2:00 p.m. at The French-American School, 75 John Street (corner of Hope Street), RISD Professor Mike Fink will give a lecture on the life of George M. Cohan, followed by a screening of Yankee Doodle Dandy, a great family film starring Oscar winner James Cagney. In the evening all are invited to India Point Park for more entertainment and fireworks.
For more info:
Contact Judi & Sy Dill: (401) 351-9944
website: http://sites.google.com/site/georgemcohancommemoration/
Category: local ri area, special events
Kidoinfo