'Let Freedom Sing' marks 30th year

Kicking off at 3 p.m., the concert-turned-variety-show will feature music, entertainment and a video tribute to recognize the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

“I think it’s important for us to celebrate America and realize how much we’re given to really understand what it takes to protect this nation and keep us free,” said Joan Ashcraft, co-artistic director of Arts Express who has overseen and conducted the production since its inception. “It’s such an emotional time. There are some high times, and there’s some recognition.”

Ashcraft said there are also spotlights in this year’s production including honoring WWII veteran Ralph Freund, who participated in the Battle of Normandy and is celebrating his 90th birthday at the event. Army Ranger Joe Lachnit, who served 12 deployments, and 14 other Army Rangers recreated parachuting onto the beach at Normandy in a video that will be shared to honor Freund.

Army veteran Mike Viti, who has pledged to walk more than 7,000 kilometers in a year in recognition of every American soldier killed since 9/11, will be flown to the event to speak to the Tucson community about joining his efforts.

“We’ve selected some special music that will support him and his efforts,” Ashcraft said. “It’s a very moving thing.”

Other music on the program includes “Give My Regards to Broadway” and patriotic classics “The Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless the USA.”

“There are 100 singers from all over Tucson, singers who’ve volunteered to sing with us,” said Ashcraft, who added that the program also will feature popular Tucson vocalists Armen Dirtadian and Delores Maddox and award-winning blues and boogie-woogie pianist Arthur Migliazza. “There are students in the group, there are doctors, lawyers, accountants — these folks come from every line of work to sing,” she added. The music will also feature a 22-piece orchestra that will accompany the choir as well as The Big Band Express.

“It’s actually a bigger show this year than it has been in the past,” said Arts Express spokeswoman April Bourie. “It’s not just entertainment but is has a good purpose as well.”

All proceeds from ticket sales and donations will benefit Arts Express’s continuing mission to create opportunities for children and adults to experience the arts, including helping fund scholarships for children of military families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend arts programs and workshops.

Audience members are invited to participate throughout the program and recognize each branch of the military during a special Salute to the Armed Forces.

“The crowd just gets so involved. People get dressed up in their red, white and blue. It’s very moving,” Ashcraft said.