Burnsville, NC – Acclaimed pianist and vocalist Brian Gurl brings his rollicking rendition of patriotic hits to Burnsville Town Center on Wednesday, July 3, to kick off the holiday weekend. Gurl and his six-piece band present “America the Beautiful,” a compilation of classic tunes to celebrate Independence Day.

The family-friendly concert includes such standards as “This Land Is Your Land,” “An American Triology,” “God Bless The USA” and “God Bless America” featuring tunes from Irving Berlin, Woody Guthrie, Elton John, Elvis Presley, Mariah Carey and Lee Greenwood.

“Yankee Doodle” played on dueling pianos is always a crowd-pleaser. The finale features the dropping of an American flag that flew over the Arizona War Memorial as the cast sings an exuberant rendition of “You’re A Grand Old Flag.”

The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for reserved seating, $20 for general admission, and $10 for students. For tickets, call (828) 682-7209 or visit Burnsville Town Center.

Other area weekend activities include a Fourth of July picnic and live music at the Orchard at Altapass. Parkway Playhouse presents “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.” Performances take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 5-7. On Saturday afternoon, July 6, there will be live music on Town Square, a Hometown Heroes veterans celebration, a block party on South Main Street hosted by Homeplace Beer Co. and fireworks just after dark.

For additional info about Burnsville: www.YanceyChamber.com or (828) 682-7413.