Freedom singers prepare for concert

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Choirs singing and bands playing will fill the West Lafayette Slayter Center Saturday evening. One group being featured will be the freedom singers.

" It's a group that only comes together for the 4th of July celebrations," said Stars and Stripes Chairman Lisa Decker

The Freedom Singers rehearsed diligently for Saturdays event. Singing over and over to perfect their compilation of songs before the big day.

The Slayter Center stood bare on Thursday. Empty chairs and risers sat on the stage, and plenty of open space could be seen on the hill. But Decker said that won't be the case by the fourth.

"We have estimated that the crowd's been over 20 thousand in the past so we're hoping that we can fill up the Slayter Center and the hill and lots of areas around campus" said Decker.

The freedom singers aren't the only act making beautiful music

"I take my horn and sit in with other community bands and most of them pale next to the Lafayette Citizens band," said Bill Kisinger.

Kisinger will conduct the Lafayette Citizens Band, and he said patrons are in for a great show.

"We're gonna have a wonderful, eclectic concert with all kinds of American music. A lot of patriotic tunes, a lot of marches," said Kisinger.

But they are hoping an ominous forecast doesn't put a "damper" on the event

"We'll just adjust accordingly and hope that we don't have to worry about rain or storms," said Decker.

"If it rains, we can't do anything about it. We certainly hope and pray that it won't because we spent a lot of time putting the concert together," said Kisinger.

And the show will hopefully, march on.

No pets, smoking or alcoholic beverages are allowed at the Stars and Stripes event.

But Decker said people are welcome to bring chairs, blankets and food to enjoy the concert.

Also, parking shouldn't be too much of a problem. Decker said drivers can find spaces in Purdue garages and throughout campus on surface lots.