![\"play\"](\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/appservices\/universal-web\/universal\/icons\/icon-play-alt-white.svg\"){kind=icon}
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nTop headlines of the week, June 5 2026<\/p>\n
Here are some stories you may have missed this week in central Ohio.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/media-video><\/div>\n
<\/story-highlights> In celebration of the semiquincentennial, the Columbus Symphony<\/a> is to perform a free July 4 concert, \u201cColumbus Symphony Celebrates America,\u201d at the Columbus Commons as part of the America 250-Ohio Signature Homecoming & Picnic<\/a> event.<\/p>\n Music Director Rossen Milanov shared in a release that this concert will be one of the biggest and most exciting concerts since he started as music director, more than 10 years ago.<\/p>\n \u201cHaving grown up in Bulgaria and immigrated to the U.S. to pursue my musical education and career, I am honored to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the American Dream, in all of its beauty and complexity. I look forward to seeing the Columbus Commons filled to capacity so we can all enjoy this special moment together,\u201d\u00a0Milanov said.<\/p>\n The concert will feature classic patriotic tunes such as \u201cAmerica the Beautiful,\u201d by Samuel Ward; \u201cGod Bless America,\u201d by Irving Berlin; \u201cLiberty Fanfare,\u201d by John Williams; and \u201cFanfare for the Uncommon Woman,\u201d by Joan Tower.<\/p>\n There will also be a performance of James Beckel\u2019s \u201cLiberty For All,\u201d which includes text from the U.S. Constitution and writings from George Washington and John F. Kennedy. It will be narrated by former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Yvette McGee Brown, the first Black woman to serve on Ohio\u2019s Supreme Court.<\/p>\n Plus, Broadway star and two-time Grammy winner Tamika Lawrence will be joining as a special guest artist. She will add vocals for songs like \u201cProud Mary,\u201d “Respect” and \u201cI Dreamed A Dream\u201d from “Les Mis\u00e9rables.”\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAmerica 250-Ohio is a celebration of 250 years of American independence, but it’s really about celebrating the greatest gems in Ohio \u2013 in sports, the arts, entertainment and technology. The Columbus Symphony Orchestra stands out as one of our greatest gems, so we’re very excited to be partnering with the CSO on this special celebration,\u201d said Douglas J. Preisse, co-chair of the America250-Ohio Commission<\/a>.<\/p>\n This Columbus Symphony performance will be a part of America 250-Ohio Signature Homecoming & Picnic, an event with a full day of activities at the Columbus Commons, the Ohio Statehouse and the Ohio Theatre.\u00a0<\/p>\n Activities begin as early as 11 a.m. and include live musical performances, free film screening in the Ohio Theatre, family activities and artisan vendors. The “Columbus Symphony Celebrates America” concert is at 8 p.m. at the Columbus Commons, but other live music will begin at 6 p.m. in the same space.<\/p>\n The evening will finish off with a fireworks display accompanied with Tchaikovsky\u2019s \u201c1812 Overture\u201d and Sousa\u2019s \u201cStars and Stripes Forever.\u201d<\/p>\n Admission to the concert is free, but tickets are required for entry. Free tickets can be reserved at columbussymphony.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
America 250 homecoming and picnic has more to offer<\/h2>\n