Americans We

Join the Atlanta Freedom Bands' (AFB) 90-member Concert Band as they celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary with an extraordinary concert that showcases a rich tapestry of American voices through music. This is not your typical patriotic event; instead, it will illuminate the diversity and shared narratives that define our country.

The concert features the world premiere of "We the People" by Christopher Kyle Green, an evocative piece commissioned for this occasion. A graduate of Kennesaw State University, Mr. Green expresses that the work embodies a hopeful narrative of unity amid division, honoring those who continue to speak out for progress.

The program promises legendary compositions from Florence Price and Aaron Copland, alongside contemporary pieces by Erica Svanoe, Quincy Hilliard, Omar Thomas, and Chandler Wilson. The music explores significant themes including:

• The groundbreaking achievements of women.
• The struggles and triumphs of the African American community.
• The courage of activists like Marsha P. Johnson, a pivotal figure in the transgender rights movement.

Under the direction of Artistic Director O’Shae Best, who embarks on his inaugural season, AFB will breathe life into these diverse stories within the stunning Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College. This state-of-the-art venue offers ample and comfortable seating, an expansive stage, and convenient parking options.

🎟️ Tickets:

• General Admission: $20
• Seniors: $15
• Students: $10

Can't make it in person? The concert will also be streamed live on AFB’s YouTube channel!

Program Highlights:

• "Mother of a Revolution" by Omar Thomas
• "Conversations" by Chandler Wilson
• "She Dares, She Leaps" by Erika Svanoe
• "American Overture for Band" by Joseph Wilcox Jenkins
• "Elegy for a Young American" by Ronald Lo Presti
• "Fanfare for Freedom" by Quincy Hilliard
• Premiere: "We the People" by Christopher Kyle Green
• "Adoration" by Florence Price
• "From Atlanta to the Sea" by Frank Duarte
• "Promise of Living" by Aaron Copland
• "The Soulful Sixties" arranged by Michael Brown

🚗 Parking is available next to the theater, along West End Avenue, and in the parking deck off Westview Street (entrance at Greensferry Ave SW). An accessible entrance is conveniently located from the accessible parking spots behind the theater. For any accessibility-related inquiries, please reach out!

AFB’s "Americans We" concert is made possible with support from the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, and the Georgia Council for the Arts, with additional assistance from the National Endowment for the Arts.