Freedom Celebration & Fireworks Show Returns to the Palmdale Amphitheater; Petty & The Heart

PALMDALE – Freedom Celebration & Fireworks, an incredible musical and visual experience sponsored by the City of Palmdale, is returning to the Palmdale Amphitheater on Saturday, June 29. Kicking off the evening will be the acclaimed tribute band to the late Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tom Petty, Petty & The Heartshakers, who will perform classics such as “Refugee,” “American Girl,” “Free Fallin’,” “Breakdown,” “Don’t Do Me Like That,” and many more. Heartshakers member and singer/multi-instrumentalist Dan Grennes was often told how much he looked like Tom Petty. Dan had always admired Petty, but never fully dove into his vast song vault or triumphant music industry battles until 2016 when watching the documentary Runnin’ Down a Dream. He was completely taken in by the fact that Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers never tried to be anyone but their genuine selves, resulting in a unique, unmistakable sound. Grennes then assembled an all-star band worthy of carrying the torch of the Heartbreakers’ sound and musicianship, featuring: Les Warner on bass (drummer for iconic ’80s rock band The Cult); Chris Cicchino on lead guitar, Andy Gerold on drums (played bass with Marilyn Manson); Brenda Fitz on keyboards (Kip Winger, Tinnitus); Sara D'Arce singing background vocals (choreographer/dancer formerly with Latin legend “La India”); and himself on lead vocals and guitar (played with Melissa Etheridge, Billie Joe Armstrong, Jim Breuer). “This group is an incredibly organic, yet accurate version of the great Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers and should not be missed,” said Palmdale’s Director of Recreation & Culture Keri Smith. Following the performance will be an amazingly colorful fireworks show choreographed to patriotic music. A celebration of our nation’s birth, this visually spectacular event is sure to delight attendees of all ages. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 12 at www.PalmdaleAmphitheater.com. Admission is $5 for ages 13 and up. Free admission tickets are available for children 12 and under, and must be ordered online and presented at the entry gate. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult/guardian. Gates will open at 5 pm. Parking is free. Due to the large expected attendance, carpooling and alternate forms of transportation are encouraged. Food and beverage concessions will be available on site. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and/or low back chairs to sit on. No outside food, fireworks, alcohol, pets or EZ ups are allowed. The Palmdale Amphitheater is generously sponsored by Antelope Valley Hospital, Antelope Valley Transit Authority, Waste Management of Antelope Valley, Snow Orthodontics, Antelope Valley Mall, Valleywide Dental, Heritage Sierra Medical Group, American Medical Response of Southern California, Lancaster JetHawks, Hilton Garden Inn and Ventura Graphix. About The Amp The Amp at Marie Kerr Park is the Antelope Valley’s premier outdoor entertainment venue, providing audiences with a blend of high-energy concert performances and community-based programming. Voted AV’s Best Place for Live Music in 2018, its convenient location, great sight lines and comfortable, grassy seating areas are complemented by evening concerts and Family Movie Nights presented during summer months, the award-winning Kaleidoscope: Art & Music Festival, and a host of charity walks, concerts, graduations, services and events throughout the year. Previous performers at The Amp have included Blake Shelton, The Beach Boys, Lonestar, The Spinners, The Four Tops, Loverboy, The Tempations, The Guess Who, America, SheDaisy, The Rascals, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Chaka Khan, The Whispers, Mercy Me, Pablo Cruise, War, Euge Groove, The Rippingtons, Jeff Golub, The Village People, Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, Pam Tillis, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Bill Medley, Blind Boys of Alabama, Sugarland, Air Supply, Newsboys, Peter Noone and Herman’s Hermits, Tracy Lawrence, Josh Kelly, Blue Oyster Cult, Los Lobos, Montez de Durango, Blood Sweat and Tears, Clay Walker, Morris Day and the Time, Fifth Harmony, Banda Machos, The Commodores, LeAnn Rimes, Trace Adkins, Queen Nation, Sheila E, Gerald Albright, Metalachi, Midland, Brett Michaels, The Lao Tizer Band and Phil Vassar.