Independence Day celebrations will get off to an explosive start at the Gainesville Symphony Orchestra’s Patriotic Pops Concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Brenau University’s Amphitheatre.

Attendees to the annual outdoor tradition will experience a variety of musical entertainment including an acoustic pre-show starting at 6:30 p.m. featuring the band Pocket Dreams and then the GSO Bluegrass Band will take the stage.

Gates open at 6 p.m. Guests may bring lawn chairs, picnics and of course, American flags.

The concert marks the return of the GSO after a 10-month hiatus and also welcomes the return of noted music director, Lauren Green.

“Even though I’ve only been to Gainesville two or three times as a guest conductor, I wanted to do whatever I could to give the orchestra a chance to hang on,” said Green, music director and conductor of the Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra in Oklahoma.

The GSO is hoping to see younger crowds take an interest in their music.

“That’s why we lowered our ticket prices this year and why children ages 7 and younger can come for free,” Hyatt said.

Tuesday, the orchestra and countless volunteers will present a selection of patriotic tunes from composers such as Sousa, Mancini, Custer, Cohan and more, and as night falls, sparklers will light up the skies.

Tickets for the concert — which is being held in honor and memory of the late Anne Gress, a longtime GSO supporter — are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $5 for children ages 8-17. Tables for eight are available for $200.

Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gate. For tickets and more information, visit online or call 770-532-5727.