Bob Rizzo

Ground Display - Fanfare

Ground display - "DUD"

Dancers carrying banners that would create a performance space

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Dancers performing inside performance space

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Illumination of the Temple to Music, Roger Williams Park

Pyro Dance
4th of July 1977-79, Roger Williams Park, Providence, RI

For many years the City of Providence's annual 4th of July celebration was held in Roger Williams Park. I was part of a group of local artists commissioned to work with a father and son Pyro team (Ralph & Richard Valente ) to create artwork utilizing old- style ground pieces. Our goal, to entertain the crowds (upwards of 50,000 people) before the aerial fireworks display started. With the Temple to Music as a ready-made set we combined stage lighting, pyrotechnics and music to create some pretty spectacular evenings. In the case of DUD, a funny one.

In 1979, I collaborated with choreographer Nancy Whitten and a group of local dancers along with trumpet player & composer Buzz Buzzerio to create a dance piece that lead up to the display. Titled "Dance for the Fourth, performance for six dancers, pyrotechnics and improvisational music in 7/8 time.