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Joseph Brill 518-474-5987 | joseph.brill@ogs.ny.gov
June 29, 2022
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STARSHIP FEATURING MICKEY THOMAS TO HEADLINE NEW YORK STATE’S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY PRICE CHOPPER/MARKET 32Free Event to Feature Food, Family-Friendly Activities and The Capital Region’s Best Fireworks Show |
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New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy today announced New York State and Price Chopper/Market 32 are teaming up again to present New York State’s 46th annual Independence Day celebration at the Empire State Plaza. With an exciting program filled with amazing live music, great food and craft vendors, activities for children, and the best pyrotechnics display in the region, this year’s festivities will run from 5 to 10 p.m. on Monday, July 4.
“Since our country’s bicentennial in 1976, OGS has partnered with Price Chopper/Market 32 to put on an Independence Day event that draws tens of thousands of people to the Empire State Plaza for a unique Capital Region tradition with something for everyone,” Commissioner Moy said. “New York State’s July 4 celebration begins this year with a naturalization ceremony for new citizens and concludes with a performance by Starship and a grand display of fireworks that caps off the evening. New York State’s July 4 celebration will be a great way to come together and celebrate our independence with neighbors, friends, and family.”
“Price Chopper/Market 32 is thrilled to resume 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 partnership with NYS OGS and are grateful that the stars are aligning to bring neighbors and friends together again at the majestic Empire State Plaza.”
Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “New York State’s Fourth of July celebration at the Empire State Plaza is a great example of the family-friendly events available to residents and visitors alike in communities across the state this summer. Now is the perfect time to plan a New York getaway, to come be a part of it all and make memories that last a lifetime.”
Mickey Thomas is the owner of the soaring voice that propelled Starship through the decades of the ’80s and ’90 s. With his soulful and compelling vocals, Mickey has established himself as one of rock music’s most recognizable stars.
Mickey made his mark in 1976 as lead vocalist on the mega-hit “Fooled Around And Fell In Love” with The Elvin Bishop Band. In 1979, Mickey’s joined the Jefferson Starship as lead vocalist after the departure of Grace Slick and Marty Balin.
Backed by the power of Mickey’s vocals, Jefferson Starship immediately scored a #1 hit with “Jane.” With this new sound and powerful new vocals, the group was renamed Starship and continued to record an amazing string of hits, including “No Way Out,” “We Built This City,” “Sara,” and an Oscar nomination for the #1 hit “Nothing Gonna Stop Us Now” from the film “Mannequin.” Other top hits included “Find Your Way Back,” “Stranger,” “Laying It On The Line,” and “It’s Not Over Til It’s Over,” which became Major League Baseball’s theme in 1987.
Every Starship album released since 1979 has gone Gold, Platinum, or Multi-Platinum. Mickey’s stellar voice and video charisma on Starship’s video classics such as “We Built This City,” and “Sara” became staples on MTV and VH1. The material covered during Starship’s live performances ranges from Mickey’s tenure with The Elvin Bishop Band and Starship and songs from his two solo albums.
The July 4 event will also feature a special performance by The Brass Machine. One of the biggest things to come out of Buffalo since chicken wings, The Brass Machine is one of the premier touring acts on the live music circuit today, laying down funky New Orleans-style street beats across the United States and Canada. Formed in 2014 at the University at Buffalo, The Brass Machine provides a unique blend of hip hop, funk, and R&B, all in an infectious and energetic package.
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 strolling performers, interactive displays, dozens of food and craft vendors, and a New York State Division of Veterans’ Services outreach table. The I LOVE NY Experience will invite visitors to explore New York State in augmented reality, transport themselves to attractions through a customized 360º GIF, and learn more about some of the state's most popular attractions.
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 performances begin at 6 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, Centers Health Care, Renaissance Albany Hotel, CDTA, Times Union, 98.3 TRY, and Kiss 102.3.
Performance Schedule
5:00 p.m. Welcome – Naturalization Ceremony
6:00 p.m. The Brass Machine
7:15 p.m. Official Program and Sponsor Remarks.
8:00 p.m. Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas
9:15 p.m. Fireworks
9:45 p.m. Event Ends
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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