Mamma Mia! It’s the music of ABBA at Freedom Fire

LOGAN — Gold, glitz and glam opens Freedom Fire 2013 as “The Music of ABBA,” performed by the band Arrival From Sweden, brings the ’70s back to Romney Stadium at Utah State University the evening of July 3. Tickets go on sale March 1.

“This event is the greatest Independence Day celebration in northern Utah,” said Denise Albiston, director of marketing and public relations for the Caine College of the Arts at USU. “We take great pride in providing family-friendly programming with an outstanding cast of entertainers and the best fireworks display in the state. It’s affordable, the entertainment is world-class and the event provides a tribute like no other to our service men and women.”

The Caine College of the Arts at USU has partnered with Logan City to once again produce the third annual Independence Day celebration — Freedom Fire. This year’s event will feature local dancers and performers, as well as Way Way East Bay, a funk and jazz band comprised of local musicians. In addition, Freedom Fire will host a patriotic tribute from the Logan City Police and Fire departments, the Utah National Guard and the Boy Scouts of America.

“This year’s star-spangled event will spark excitement in Logan as Arrival From Sweden presents its ABBA show,” said Russ Akina, Parks and Recreation director for the city of Logan.

In addition, the American Festival Chorus and Orchestra, under the direction of Craig Jessop, will once again perform. The chorus, composed of almost 300 singers living within a 50-mile radius of Logan, will deliver a patriotic program in addition to performances with Arrival From Sweden and “The Music of ABBA.”

ABBA, formed in 1971, is Sweden’s biggest music export. With more than 370 million records sold, ABBA left behind a music legacy that has recently been re-born with the award-winning Broadway hit “Mamma Mia! The Musical” that launched one of highest grossing musical films, “Mamma Mia!” starring Pierce Brosnan and Academy-Award winning actor Meryl Streep. With hits such as “Dancing Queen,” “Take A Chance On Me,” “Lay All Your Love on Me,” “Super Trouper,” “The Winner Takes All,” “Money Money Money,” “SOS” and “Waterloo,” the band ABBA is one of the top selling bands of all time.

“The ABBA tribute is a high-energy, fun show for the entire family,” said James Bankhead, USU music department head and Freedom Fire producer. “With so many well-known number one hits, everyone in the audience will be singing along.”

“The Music of ABBA” with Arrival From Sweden is one of the world’s most popular and bestselling ABBA shows. Since 1995, the band has toured more than 50 nations and appeared on television and radio around the world.

“‘The Music of ABBA,’ as performed by Arrival from Sweden — the finest ABBA act in the world today — is so infectious, so delightful and so irresistible that this will be a Freedom Fire simply not to be missed,” said Michael Huff, director of special programs at the Caine College of the Arts and Freedom Fire producer.

The Caine College of the Arts —CCA — seeks to make the arts more visible, innovative and integrated into the intellectual and cultural life of the communities served. By partnering with Logan City for the annual Independence Day celebration, the CCA hopes to showcase the quality and talent of its students, faculty and staff while entertaining local residents and visitors.

Tickets are currently available and start at $10. Gates open at 6 p.m. with pre-show at 7 p.m. and “The Music of ABBA” at 8 p.m. Fireworks start at 10 p.m. For tickets and more information visit the college’s Production Services website (arts.usu.edu) or call 435-797-8022. Tickets are also available in person at the CCA Box Office located in room 139-B of the Chase Fine Arts Center, USU’s campus.

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