What began as a spirited holiday party has rapidly turned into a distinctive summer tradition in Kentuckiana. Now in its third year, the Louisville Orchestra’s Play America event is poised to return Thursday, July 3, 2025, offering a full evening of music, food, and family fun—all for free.
Held annually at America Place in River Ridge in Southern Indiana, the event transcends mere music attendance. It’s a community celebration of freedom, creativity, and togetherness. Families can begin arriving at 6:00 PM when the “Family Field” opens—equipped with food trucks, picnic tables, shaded tents, bounce houses, crafts, face painting and more.
Teddy Abrams and the Louisville Orchestra will next take the stage at 8:00 PM as the sun starts to drop for a strong and lighthearted performance combining pop culture favorites with classical masterpieces. Expect anything from Vivaldi’s Summer and the 1812 Overture to patriotic selections and music from Star Wars by John Williams.
Last year’s event drew over 3,000 guests, and with growing hype, organizers hope for even more this year. Admission is free, and no ticket is required, though guests are urged to register in advance to get weather and logistical updates.
To get a better look at the spirit behind Play America, we chatted with Louisville Orchestra’s Marketing Director Mallory Kramer about why this event stands out, what fans may expect this year and how music draws people together in celebration.
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How has the repertoire evolved over the three years of this event? Any new additions this year you’re especially excited about?
Play America is all about music that brings people together: fun, familiar, and perfect for a summer celebration. Each year, the Louisville Orchestra blends iconic orchestral works with crowd-pleasing pop favorites and new music that reflects the spirit of our community. Last year’s program featured local legends Jason Clayborn and Daria Raymore delivering powerhouse vocals on hits by Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder, backed by the full force of the Orchestra.
This year, we return with bold symphonic works like Rossini’s Barber of Seville, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, and Copland’s El Salón México, alongside genre-crossing moments that spotlight LO musicians. Drummer Terry O’Mahoney and violinist Myles Mocarski will take center stage in a reimagined version of Vivaldi’s Summer, infused with electric guitar and drum set. Audiences will also hear a heartfelt arrangement of John Prine’s Paradise, continuing the spirit of musical storytelling that defines this event.
We’re especially excited to premiere re: cleaving, a brand-new work by Creator Corps composer Oswald Huỳnh. And of course, no Play America concert would be complete without Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and The Stars and Stripes Forever, honoring the patriotic heart of the event. With 2025 marking America’s 250th anniversary, we’ve got a few musical surprises planned to make this year’s celebration bigger, bolder, and more unforgettable than ever. All of it led by our Music Director, Teddy Abrams.
Why was America Place at River Ridge chosen as the venue, and how does the location enhance the experience?
America Place at River Ridge was selected for Play America through a partnership with presenting sponsor JASTEKA Cultural Center. JASTEKA is dedicated to creating accessible, inclusive cultural experiences with education at its core. Through art, community programming, and creative exploration, it brings critical thinking and cultural connection to the public in meaningful ways, making it a natural fit for this event.
The venue itself, located just off Highway 62 in Jeffersonville, offers a spacious and versatile setting perfect for an outdoor festival. The campus includes two large fields: one transformed into a lively family zone with food trucks, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, and space for kids to play; the other hosting a premium stage experience with room for thousands of concertgoers. The striking America Place building provides a dramatic architectural backdrop for the evening.
With strong support from Jeffersonville and Southern Indiana communities, this location makes Play America more than a concert. It’s a full summer celebration of music, family, and community.
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What are the biggest challenges of organizing an outdoor concert of this scale?
While organizing an event of this scale outdoors brings challenges like unpredictable weather and complex logistics, the rewards are far greater. For the Louisville Orchestra, Play America is a chance to break out of the concert hall and into the heart of the community.
We’re deeply committed to accessibility, and this event lets us create a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that goes far beyond the music on stage. From the interactive family field to the inclusion of local musical partners like Side-Eye Hippo, Hermanos Latin Groove, and Milenio Salsa Band, every element is designed to engage and uplift. It’s a different kind of concert experience, and one we’re proud to bring to life.
Have a news tip or idea? Email News Editor Caleb Stultz at cstultz@leoweekly.com.
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This article appears in Jun 6-19, 2025.