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Richmond Councilmember Tom Butt writes: "The City of Richmond has a tradition of fireworks and the Oakland-East Bay Symphony on July 3 at at the Craneway Pavillion, part of the rehabilitated former Ford Assembly Plant and also part of Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park. As the fireworks begin, the Symphony breaks into a medley of stirring John Philip Sousa marches. This is the best Independence day celebration in the Bay Area."  

The Oakland East Bay Symphony provided a pops concert that had young and old audience members dancing in the aisles to top hits from the musical theater and movie tradition. A 13-year-old piano soloist, Mischa Gallant, played a movement from a Chopin concerto, and the enthusiastic audience clapped after all the flashy bits, just as they would in a jazz concert.