DEARBORN, Mich. — The “Salute to America” was held at Greenfield Village in Dearborn from June 30 to July 3 celebrating the birthday of the U.S.A. And what a celebration it was.
The doors opened at 5 p.m. with lines already forming a bit earlier. It was the perfect summer day with temps around 85 degrees. We began the evening at Henry Ford’s birth home where there was 19th-century fiddle music playing outside the home. He was dressed in garb of that era.
As we strolled further, we came across the Dodworth Saxhorn Band which was a brass ensemble playing on authentic 19th-century instruments. We walked down Main Street where there were several places to eat such as the Carousel concessions, Sir John Bennett Sweet Shop and a frozen custard shop.
Down by the Edison statue was Ragtime Music being played by Taslimah Bey on piano. I love listening to those ragtime tunes.
We walked further to set our chairs down under a tree in the Village Green and noticed The North Star Chorale performing gospel music on the Main Stage where the DSO will perform later.
On the Eagle Tavern porch was Dulcimer & Fiddle music playing. Then we stopped to have dinner at A Taste of History. This restaurant had All-American food and snacks in an air-conditioned setting. There were many outdoor food and snack trucks to choose from throughout the Village. Perhaps too many to name.
Getting back to entertainment, we enjoyed 1950’s music by The Village Cruisers located at the Detroit Central Market. I recognized all their tunes, uh oh, am I revealing my age now?
Inside the McGuffey schoolhouse was String Band Music performed by Picks & Sticks. Right next door at the Mattox family home was Rev. Robert Jones playing blues music on the front porch. Marching down Main Street was a parade of the 1st Michigan Colonial Fife & Drum Corps playing patriotic tunes.
Lastly, the Youth Jazz Band of the DSO were playing jazz music at the Detroit Central Market. And now for the grand finale and the highlight of the event was the Detroit Symphony Orchestra on the main stage with conductor, Joshua Gersen. The program began with the Star Spangled Banner, along with Hymn of the Fallen from “Saving Private Ryan” to the Armed Forces Salute to all five branches of the military services. There was an intermission and then concluded with “Amazing Grace” and the full 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky.
After this performance, the fireworks began lighting up the sky with dazzling colors and accompanied by the DSO. What a delightful evening of celebration. Happy 4th of July everyone!
Lady in front of Henry Ford’s birthplace home 
19th Fiddle music performed by J.J. Przewozniak at Ford home. 
Ragtime piano music performed by Taslimah Bey next to Edison statue 
Gospel Music performed by The North Star Chorale 
Dulcimer & Fiddle Music performed by Ranka Mulkern and Neil Woodward 