In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the La Cañada Presbyterian Church (LCPC) Chancel Choir and LCPC Orchestra invite the community to Americana 2026: The Spirit of ’76 – a stirring patriotic concert featuring beloved works spanning from 1776 to the present day. 

The concert takes place on Sunday, June 28 at 2 p.m. at La Cañada Presbyterian Church, 626 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada Flintridge. Admission is free.

The program showcases the greatest talents of the American musical tradition, featuring works by Aaron Copland, John Williams, George Gershwin, George M. Cohan, & John Philip Sousa. From the soaring grandeur of Copland’s frontier soundscapes to the irresistible march rhythms of Sousa, and from Gershwin’s jazz-infused Americana to the stirring cinematic sweep of Williams, the concert traces the arc of America’s musical soul across two and a half centuries. Many of the songs will be accompanied by videos showing the country’s beautiful land and special moments from U.S. history.

Audiences are encouraged to join in during a festive community sing-along featuring some of the nation’s most cherished patriotic songs. A heartfelt salute to the Armed Forces will honor past and present members of all branches of military service in attendance.

At 1:30 p.m., music director Jack Lantz will present an illuminating pre-concert discussion, “Patriotic Music in America – From Colonial Ballads to the Modern Anthem” tracing the development of patriotic music from colonial times to the 21st century. This free presentation is open to all concertgoers and is an ideal complement to the afternoon’s main program.

Feel the spirit of America. Leave refreshed and renewed. This beloved annual event consistently draws capacity crowds – arrive early to secure a seat.

The concert will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person, available via the LCPC website at live.lacanadapc.org and the LaCanadaPC YouTube channel.