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 (Philip Palombo, Carol Ranson Palombo, Dennis Hlynsky) 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.

Dancers carrying banners that would create a performance space
Entrance Dance
Entrance Dance
Opening Dance performance
Opening Dance performance
Ground Display - Fanfare
Fanfare- Ground Display
Ground display-Rocket
Ground Display "DUD"
Temple to Music Illumination
Temple to Music Illumination
Temple to Music Illumination
Temple to Music Illumination
Temple to Music Illumination
Temple to Music Illumination
Temple to Music Illumination