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OGSpressoffice@ogs.ny.gov| 518-474-5987
June 30, 2023
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MUSIC LEGEND SHEILA E. TO HEADLINE NEW YORK STATE’S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY PRICE CHOPPER/MARKET 32Free Event to Feature Food, Music, and the Capital Region’s Best Fireworks Display |
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New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy is inviting everyone in the Capital Region and beyond to celebrate Independence Day at New York State’s Fourth of July Celebration Presented by Price Chopper/Market 32 at the Empire State Plaza in downtown Albany. Each year this event features an exciting program filled with incredible live music, great food and beverages, a naturalization ceremony for new citizens, and the best fireworks display in the region.
“Since the country’s bicentennial in 1976, OGS has partnered with Price Chopper/Market 32 to put on an Independence Day event that has traditionally drawn tens of thousands of people to the Empire State Plaza,” Commissioner Moy said. “We welcome everyone to gather with family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate July 4 at the Empire State Plaza. It will be an evening full of family-friendly activities, a naturalization ceremony, and a special performance by the ‘Queen of Percussion’ Sheila E., all leading up to a spectacular fireworks display.”
“Price Chopper/Market 32 is thrilled to continue its annual tradition of gathering community to celebrate our freedom and salute our veterans and active military with the region’s premier Independence Day Celebration and fireworks display,” said Mona Golub, the hometown supermarket chain’s VP of Public Relations & Consumer Services. “We value our near half century partnership with NYS OGS and look forward to sharing the occasion with neighbors and friends.”
This year’s July 4 event will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. and feature performances by percussionist and singer Sheila E. and sibling rockers Jocelyn & Chris.
Guided by the forces of family, faith, and music, Sheila E. has made a name for herself as one of the most talented musical icons over the decades. With a fearless nature and a passion for sharing her gifts with others, Sheila truly follows the beat of her own drum. She touches the lives of so many, with her dynamic music career at the heart of everything. Sheila’s eagerness to share her music, openness as an author, and fire for her ministry make her such a relatable, inspirational figure for people of all ages.
Born into a musical family, Sheila Escovedo (Sheila E.) has been driven by an inner rhythm her entire life. As a young girl, she was immersed in the diverse music scenes of the Bay Area—influenced and inspired by her percussionist father Pete Escovedo; musical uncles Coke Escovedo, Alejandro Escovedo, Mario Escovedo, and Javier Escovedo; and godfather Tito Puente. Growing up in the Escovedo household, musical instruments were for everyone. “Nobody cared as long as you could keep time (or have a good time),” she writes in her memoir, “The Beat Of My Own Drum.”
At the age of 5, Sheila gave her first public performance for an audience of 3,000, appearing alongside her dad. It was while on that stage playing a drum solo that Sheila first realized she was going to be a percussionist. Five decades later, and the beat that has always driven her is showing no signs of slowing down. The famous drummer, singer, songwriter, author, humanitarian, and icon is following the beat of her own drum. She considers music to be the purest form of self-expression and the one true love of her life.
The 4th of July celebration is focused on creating a family-friendly environment at the Plaza. Smoke- and alcohol-free areas will feature bounce houses, pony rides, face-painting, and more. Additional activities include radio station giveaways, a Price Chopper/Market 32 coloring mural, interactive displays, an I LOVE NY tourism pod, and dozens of food and craft vendors.
At 5 p.m., witness a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization ceremony with participants taking their Oath of Allegiance and completing the process of becoming U.S. citizens.
Live music begins at 6 p.m. with a performance by Jocelyn & Chris. The official July 4 program begins at 7:15 p.m. with a special military presentation featuring the presenting of colors and singing of the national anthem followed by sponsor remarks. Sheila E. will take the stage at 8 p.m.
It all leads up to the region’s most spectacular fireworks – kicking off at approximately 9:15 p.m.
Grounds open at 4 p.m., and free parking is available in the visitor and “P” lots under the Empire State Plaza, the Grand Street lot, and the Elk Street lot. Free parking will also be available in the East and Sheridan Hollow garages, but no vehicles will be permitted to park on the roof level of either garage.
Plaza security will enforce its alcohol policy consistent with all other events and will not allow outside alcoholic beverages, hard-sided coolers, or glass containers to be brought onto the Plaza at any time of day. Alcohol will be served by vendors to adults with proper identification. The use of sparklers and fireworks is not permitted at the Empire State Plaza. All bags and backpacks will be subject to search. No animals or pets, except for ADA-defined service animals, will be allowed. The use of commercial or recreational unmanned aircraft systems (drones) is prohibited.
For event updates, go here or visit @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @plazaevents on Twitter, or call (518) 474-4759. For additional information about Summer at the Plaza events, including directions and ground rules, visit www.empirestateplaza.ny.gov.
Sponsors include Price Chopper/Market 32, Miller Lite and DeCrescente Distributing Company, I LOVE NY, Renaissance Albany Hotel, CDTA, 99.5 The River, KISS 102.3, B 95.5 fm, Fly 92.3, and Hudson Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center.
For event updates, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @plazaevents on Twitter, or call (518) 474-4759. For additional information about Summer at the Plaza events, including directions and ground rules, visit www.empirestateplaza.ny.gov.
Performance Schedule
5:00 p.m. Welcome – Naturalization Ceremony
6:00 p.m. Performance by Jocelyn & Chris
7:15 p.m. Honor Guard/Presentation of Colors and Sponsor Remarks
8:00 p.m. Performance by Sheila E.
9:15 p.m. Fireworks
9:45 p.m. End of program
About Price Chopper/Market 32
Based in Schenectady, NY, Price Chopper/Market 32 operates 130 Price Chopper and Market 32 grocery stores and one Market Bistro, employing 18,000 teammates in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.The American-owned company, founded by the Golub family in 1932, prides itself on longstanding traditions of innovative food merchandising, cutting edge brand development and store design, leadership in community service, and cooperative employee relations. For additional information, please visit www.pricechopper.com.
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