Williams introduces patriotic arrangement
American composer-conductor John Williams is debuting a new arrangement of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” featuring choirs, trumpets, an orchestra and cannons on the National Mall for the nation’s birthday.
Usually a soloist performs the national anthem for the annual “Capitol Fourth” celebration in Washington. But this year, the acclaimed composer will lead the National Symphony Orchestra, the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, the Joint Armed Forces Chorus and the Choral Arts Society of Washington in performing a special new arrangement. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the national anthem.
“A Capitol Fourth” will be broadcast today at 8 p.m. Pacific time on PBS and NPR.
‘Big Bang’ actor big fan at Wimbledon
Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard has a big fan in actor Jim Parsons of “The Big Bang Theory.”
The three-time Emmy winner has been following Bouchard’s progress and was sitting with the Canadian tennis player’s family in the guest box at Centre Court during the semifinals Thursday.
When Bouchard’s victory over Simona Halep ended, Parsons joined in with the celebratory handshakes and hugs in the stands.
Bouchard said the two met through their respective agents and have been in contact for about a year, trading emails and discussing similarities between acting and sports.
Allman film executives indicted
The director of a movie about singer Gregg Allman and two other executives on the project were indicted Thursday on felony charges stemming from a fatal crash in which a freight train plowed into the film’s crew in Georgia.
A grand jury in rural Wayne County returned charges of involuntary manslaughter and criminal trespassing against “Midnight Rider” director Randall Miller as well as his wife and business partner, Jody Savin, and the film’s executive producer, Jay Sedrish.
If convicted, the filmmakers each could face up to 11 years in prison for the Feb. 20 death of Sarah Jones. The 27-year-old camera assistant from Atlanta was killed and six other crew members were struck by a train while shooting footage on a railroad bridge spanning the Altamaha River southwest of Savannah. Authorities say the train was traveling at 55 mph when it crashed into the crew and a bed that had been placed on the tracks as a movie prop.
The indictment charges Miller, Savin and Sedrish with unintentionally causing Jones’ death by trespassing onto the railroad bridge.
Actress Eva Marie Saint is 90. Actress Gina Lollobrigida is 87. Playwright Neil Simon is 87. Broadcast journalist Geraldo Rivera is 71. Rhythm-and-blues musician Ralph Johnson (Earth, Wind and Fire) is 63. Rock musician Domingo Ortiz (Widespread Panic) is 62. Tennis Hall of Famer Pam Shriver is 52. TV personality Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino is 32. Malia Obama is 16.