ArtistDirect News
Salem Quaker City Band to Honor Composer John Williams with Free Tribute Concert
On Friday, July 21, Salem’s open‑air stage will sound the sweeping themes of a Hollywood legend. The Salem Quaker City Band, led by conductor Robert Barnett, will perform a free tribute to composer John Williams at 7 p.m. in Waterworth Memorial Park.
The concert is part of the city’s summer series and will feature selections from Williams’ most celebrated film scores, including Star Wars, Home Alone, Harry Potter, Hook and E.T.. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating on the park’s open lawn. Parking is available at the park’s Sunset Boulevard entrance and the Superior Avenue entrance, with limited handicap‑accessible spaces.
Food and dessert vendors will add to the evening’s atmosphere. Smokey’s Patty Wagon will serve classic American fare, while the Totally 80’s Ice Ice Cream Shoppe will offer sweet treats. The event will also include a 50/50 drawing; tickets for the drawing, which will feature prizes donated by local businesses and supporters of the concert series, will be sold during the program.
The Salem Quaker City Band has been a staple of the community since its founding. Over the years the ensemble has appeared at parades, festivals and other public concerts, consistently showcasing its ability to interpret complex orchestral textures.
John Williams, born February 8 1932, is one of the most celebrated film composers of the past seven decades. His catalog exceeds 100 films, ranging from the Star Wars saga to Home Alone, Harry Potter, Hook and E.T.. Williams’ music is noted for its blend of romanticism, impressionism and intricate orchestration. Throughout his career he has earned 27 Grammy Awards, five Academy Awards, seven BAFTA Awards, three Emmy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards, in addition to the Kennedy Center Honors, the National Medal of the Arts and the AFI Life Achievement Award.
The Star Wars (1977) and E.T. (1982) scores are particularly iconic. The Star Wars theme was the first entry on the AFI’s 100 Years of Film Scores list, and the E.T. score was added to the Library of Congress National Recording Registry for its cultural significance. These themes have entered the public consciousness, becoming instantly recognizable to audiences worldwide.
During the tribute, the band will perform excerpts from the scores mentioned above. A full string ensemble will carry the melodies, while percussion and wind instruments will add depth and color. The arrangement aims to capture the grandeur and emotional nuance that characterize Williams’ work.
According to the Salem Parks and Recreation Department, the concert is part of a broader effort to bring community events to public spaces. The department encourages residents to attend and enjoy the free performance.
For more information, residents can call the Salem Parks and Recreation Department at 330‑271‑8913. The department also notes that the event will be weather‑dependent and that the band will perform as scheduled unless severe weather intervenes.
The evening is expected to draw a diverse crowd, from families to music enthusiasts. The inclusion of local food vendors and the 50/50 drawing prizes adds a festive atmosphere to the night.
In summary, the Salem Quaker City Band’s tribute to John Williams on July 21 offers a chance for the community to celebrate a composer whose work has defined modern film music. The free concert, complete with local food vendors and a 50/50 drawing, underscores the city’s commitment to accessible cultural programming.
The event will conclude with a final rendition of a Williams theme, leaving attendees with a lasting impression of the composer’s enduring legacy.
The concert is part of the city’s summer series and will feature selections from Williams’ most celebrated film scores, including Star Wars, Home Alone, Harry Potter, Hook and E.T.. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating on the park’s open lawn. Parking is available at the park’s Sunset Boulevard entrance and the Superior Avenue entrance, with limited handicap‑accessible spaces.
Food and dessert vendors will add to the evening’s atmosphere. Smokey’s Patty Wagon will serve classic American fare, while the Totally 80’s Ice Ice Cream Shoppe will offer sweet treats. The event will also include a 50/50 drawing; tickets for the drawing, which will feature prizes donated by local businesses and supporters of the concert series, will be sold during the program.
The Salem Quaker City Band has been a staple of the community since its founding. Over the years the ensemble has appeared at parades, festivals and other public concerts, consistently showcasing its ability to interpret complex orchestral textures.
John Williams, born February 8 1932, is one of the most celebrated film composers of the past seven decades. His catalog exceeds 100 films, ranging from the Star Wars saga to Home Alone, Harry Potter, Hook and E.T.. Williams’ music is noted for its blend of romanticism, impressionism and intricate orchestration. Throughout his career he has earned 27 Grammy Awards, five Academy Awards, seven BAFTA Awards, three Emmy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards, in addition to the Kennedy Center Honors, the National Medal of the Arts and the AFI Life Achievement Award.
The Star Wars (1977) and E.T. (1982) scores are particularly iconic. The Star Wars theme was the first entry on the AFI’s 100 Years of Film Scores list, and the E.T. score was added to the Library of Congress National Recording Registry for its cultural significance. These themes have entered the public consciousness, becoming instantly recognizable to audiences worldwide.
During the tribute, the band will perform excerpts from the scores mentioned above. A full string ensemble will carry the melodies, while percussion and wind instruments will add depth and color. The arrangement aims to capture the grandeur and emotional nuance that characterize Williams’ work.
According to the Salem Parks and Recreation Department, the concert is part of a broader effort to bring community events to public spaces. The department encourages residents to attend and enjoy the free performance.
For more information, residents can call the Salem Parks and Recreation Department at 330‑271‑8913. The department also notes that the event will be weather‑dependent and that the band will perform as scheduled unless severe weather intervenes.
The evening is expected to draw a diverse crowd, from families to music enthusiasts. The inclusion of local food vendors and the 50/50 drawing prizes adds a festive atmosphere to the night.
In summary, the Salem Quaker City Band’s tribute to John Williams on July 21 offers a chance for the community to celebrate a composer whose work has defined modern film music. The free concert, complete with local food vendors and a 50/50 drawing, underscores the city’s commitment to accessible cultural programming.
The event will conclude with a final rendition of a Williams theme, leaving attendees with a lasting impression of the composer’s enduring legacy.