Celebrate Independence Day with River City Players

TAHLEQUAH To celebrate Independence Day, the River City Players are encouraging people who come to the shows this weekend to get decked out in their patriotic best.

We want everyone to get in the spirit while were rockin across the USA, said Robyn Magee-Pursley, artistic director for River City Players. Rock n roll embodies the heart of the American spirit, so come on out and see what we have to offer.

River City Players are performing two shows at Shawnee Street Theater. Rockin Across the USA! runs Thursday and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Old Time Rock N Roll runs Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m.

Everyone can get involved and feel like they are part of the shows, said Megan White, director of the Sequoyah Institute. Come decked out in your best patriotic outfit, sing along with some great music, watch a wonderful performance and have a great time.

Hit the road with the River City Players as they go Rockin Across the USA! Travel from north to south, east to west with hits like Midnight Train to Georgia, Your Momma Don't Dance, and Shake, Rattle and Roll. A stop in Oklahoma showcases the states numerous contributions to rock n roll with a collection of songs written by Oklahoma artists, including These Boots Are Made For Walking, Tight Rope and Joy To The World.

Take a trip to the glory days of rock n roll with Old Time Rock n Roll with a mixture of 50s and 60s classics. This blast from the past features songs by the legends of rock n roll, from Chuck Berry and The Supremes to Frankie Valli and Aretha Franklin. And of course no trip to pinnacle of rock n roll would be complete without revisiting Beatlemania.

Everyone is also encouraged to wear red, white and blue to the Downtown Country shows, Chart Toppin Country and Celebrate Oklahoma!

Patriotism and country music have always gone hand in hand, said Kelli Doolen Farmer, Downtown Country Director. What better way to celebrate Independence Day than coming out and seeing our show.

Chart Toppin Country pays tribute to songs, stars and events that defined the past 75 years, featuring hits from Bob Wills, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Conway Twitty, Crystal Gayle, George Strait, The Judds and Brad Paisley. Celebrate Oklahoma! highlights the contributions of Oklahomas numerous country music artists over the past century. With hits from Gene Autry, Patti Page, Roger Miller, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Albert E. Brumley, Ricochet and Oklahomas favorite son Will Rogers, its evident that Oklahoma is not only the heartland of the USA, but also the true heart and soul of country music.

Downtown Country performances are at the University Playhouse, located at the corner of Downing Street and Muskogee Avenue. Chart Toppin Country runs Thursday and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Celebrate Oklahoma! runs Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m.

The 2007 NSU Stars in the Summer Series runs every weekend through Saturday, Aug. 4.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for NSU alumni and employees, $8 for seniors, and $6 for students, children and groups of 20 or more. For reservations, call 918-458-2075. June is early bird month, with a $1 discount for shows through June 30.