Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul, takes the limelight in the Intrepid Credit Union Symphony Under the Stars concert event and fireworks show, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20, on the campus of Carroll College. Considered the largest summer event in Montana, the much-anticipated concert attracts well over 15,000 people from across the state and beyond.
The 16th annual concert will feature one of the first symphonic tributes to the Queen of Soul, featuring the Helena Symphony Orchestra, a rock band, backup singers and members of the Symphony Chorale. Two renowned vocalists lend their talents too: Grammy-nominated R&B singer Ryan Shaw, and Broadway star Capathia Jenkins (an actress in several Tony Award-winning productions, including “Newsies”).
Although Aretha Franklin died Aug. 16, 2018, her legacy lives on around the world in her music. She recorded 112 singles that charted on Billboard, including 20 no. 1 R&B singles – becoming the most charted female artist in history. Aretha claimed 18 Grammy Awards – including the first eight awards given for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance – and is among the best-selling music artists of all time, selling more than 75 million records worldwide.
The concert features top hits by Franklin, as well as music from other great R&B legends, including Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder.
“Symphony Under the Stars has become an important Montana tradition,” said Helena Symphony Music Director Allan R. Scott. “Carroll College and the Helena Symphony, along with the Intrepid Credit Union have committed to keeping this beloved concert alive.”
The evening culminates with one of the best fireworks shows in Montana, also sponsored by Intrepid Credit Union.
This concert is free to those spreading out a blanket on the lawn. For more details regarding seating, parking and other production information, visit symphonyunderthestars.com, or call the Helena Symphony office at 406-442-1860.