Yorktown will continue its yearlong celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary with a Revolutionary War-themed concert and a fireworks display highlighting the community’s role in American history.
“A Musical Journey Through Yorktown’s Revolutionary Past” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown, 2880 Crompond Rd. (Route 202).
The free concert will feature original compositions by musicians Carla Lynne Hall and Jim Keyes, inspired by Yorktown’s Revolutionary War history and the people and events that shaped the community during the nation’s founding era.
In 1788, the community changed its name from Hanover to York Town, and later Yorktown, in honor of the American victory at Yorktown, Virginia. Organizer Lynn Briggs said the history is a story many longtime residents may not know. It will be among the local stories explored during the second concert in the four-part Revolutionary War series.
The June 20 performance featured four original songs about the American Revolution, drawing on several documents that played a pivotal role in the nation’s founding: the Olive Branch Petition, “Common Sense,” the Lee Resolution and the Declaration of Independence. The second program shifts the focus from the founding documents to Yorktown itself, highlighting the town’s role during the Revolutionary War.
“Through original music, historical songs, and storytelling, we'll explore the people and events that connect Yorktown to the larger story of American independence,”said Briggs, chairman of the Yorktown Heritage Preservation Commission and Yorktown 250.
The program will feature live music, storytelling and local history, with opportunities for audience participation. Musicians will perform original songs alongside music from the Revolutionary era and discuss the stories behind them. Topics will include George Washington’s headquarters, Major John André’s final meal and the encampment of Rochambeau and the French army in Yorktown.
“We want audiences to feel like they're not just watching history—they're helping uncover it,” Briggs said.
The performance is presented in partnership with the Town of Yorktown, the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail and the America 250 initiative as part of the town’s ongoing commemoration of the United States’ semiquincentennial.
“You don't have to be a history buff to enjoy this concert. If you've ever driven through Yorktown and wondered what happened here 250 years ago, this program is for you, Briggs said. “Through music, storytelling, and a few surprises along the way, we hope you'll leave seeing familiar places — and your hometown — in a whole new light. “
Admission is free. Drivers should enter the church’s paved parking lot from Route 132.
A fireworks display will follow the Yorktown Lions Concert on Aug. 23 at approximately 8:30 or 9 p.m. at Jack DeVito Field Veterans Plaza.
The town signed an agreement with Garden State Fireworks to provide the display at a cost not to exceed $9,500. Deputy Supervisor Sergio Esposito said the fireworks will serve as the conclusion to the summer concert series while also recognizing the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The display will cap the evening’s festivities at Veterans Plaza, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to gather for a public celebration tied to the town’s yearlong semiquincentennial commemoration.
“It's going to be a great finale and a great end to the concert series, but also, mainly, a great tribute to our country,” Esposito said.
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