“A patriotic, powerhouse concert.”

That’s how Colorado Springs Philharmonic president Nathan Newbrough describes their upcoming July 4 performance, “Star Spangled Symphony.” The annual free concert, conducted by Thomas Wilson, will be held at Pikes Peak Center at 4 p.m.

“It’s a really great time,” Newbrough said. “It’s a great way to show off the extraordinary gifts of our musicians who are part of our community.”

This year, the show will feature a special performance of “Ellis Island: The Dream of America” by Peter Boyer, which will feature actors on stage and film from that time playing in the background.

“It’s such a huge feel-good piece about the stories of immigrants coming to the U.S., not political in the slightest,” Newbrough said. “It refers back to those early days of Ellis Island, those stories of people dreaming about a better world.”

The performance will also pay homage to the military members in the audience, with a special salute to recognize local service members and veterans.

“You’re going to get Sousa marches, you’re going to get patriotic favorites, a salute to our troops, which is a signature for this event,” he said. “We ask all the men and women in uniform or retired from all the different branches of service to stand be recognized. … It’s really rousing and fun, and I can’t imagine us performing this concert without that piece.”

Partnering with Sports Corp., the program is part of the Fourth of July fireworks set around town. The show will be recorded and played on Rocky Mountain PBS later in the evening, so locals can enjoy the music with the fireworks show.

“Find a perch where you have a good view, and you can see fireworks shows in different parts of town all happening simultaneously. It’s amazing. I don’t know of any other community who has anything like it,” Newbrough said.

You don’t need to buy a ticket, but get there early. Last year, the event quickly reached capacity. This year, the philharmonic will be offering an optional, donation-based fast-pass option for those looking to be guaranteed a seat. The donation-based fast pass can be accessed online.

Many of the fireworks locations are for members only, but you can watch from your own home or find an open space nearby to admire the glittering goodies. KKTV also will stream fireworks displays at 9:15 p.m. online at kktv.com.

Here are the venues:

• Banning Lewis Ranch Vista Water Park (open to the public), 9 p.m., 8833 Vista Del Pico Blvd.; banninglewisranch.com

• The Club at Flying Horse, 1880 Weiskopf Point; flyinghorseclub.com

• The Country Club of Colorado at Cheyenne Mountain Resort, 3225 Broadmoor Valley Road; cheyennemountain.com

• Garden of the Gods Resort and Club, 3320 Mesa Road; gardenofthegodsresort.com

• Patty Jewett Golf Course, 900 E. Espanola St.; coloradosprings.gov/pattyjewett

• Valley Hi Golf Course, 610 S. Chelton Road; coloradosprings.gov/valleyhi

Other fireworks shows:

• Colorado Springs Switchbacks vs. Tulsa (ticketed event), with fireworks to follow the game, 7 p.m., Weidner Field, 111 W. Cimarron St. $21 and up; switchbacksfc.com

• Rocky Mountain Vibes vs. Ogden Raptors (ticketed event), with fireworks to follow the game, 6:35 p.m., UCHealth Park, 4385 Tutt Blvd., $15-$30; vibesbaseball.com