Performances continue in the Lehigh Valley in recognition of “America250” by the American Legion Band of Bethlehem and the Macungie Band.

The American Legion Band of Bethlehem presents “American Landscapes,” 7 p.m. July 24, Bethlehem Rose Garden, Bethlehem.

“As a conductor, I like my concerts to be thematic so I can connect ideas both within and between selections,” says Christopher Klump, Conductor of the American Legion Band of Bethlehem.

“For ‘America 250’ this summer, I selected a series of programs to celebrate different facets of our country such as American folklore, great American artists and for this concert, American landscapes.”

The concert opens with “American Spice” by Sammy Nestico (1924-2021), who considered this piece his “heartfelt musical expression of his American pride.”

Originally from Pittsburgh, Nestico was trombonist with the U.S. Army Band during World War II, spent 15 years in the U.S. Air Force, leading the popular jazz ensemble, Airmen of Note, and was chief arranger for the U.S. Marine Band.

Another familiar composer is Leroy Anderson (1908-1975). Known for his light concert music such as “Sleigh Ride,” “The Syncopated Clock” (theme song for the late-night movie program “The Late Show”) and “The Typewriter.” The band performs another of his favorites, “Horse and Buggy.”

“Oklahoma Highlights,” by arranger John Moss, takes popular hits from the Broadway musical “Oklahoma!,” including “Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin,’” “People Will Say We’re in Love,” “The Surrey with the Fringe On Top” and the title song.

Additional selections include “Colorburst” by George Kenny, “Journey into Blue Rock Country” by composer and jazz pianist Torri Zito, “Mountain Majesty Overture” by Paul Yoder, “Prairie Reflections” arranged by John Warring, “Seascape” by Alfred Reed and “Skyline Overture” by John Morrissy.

The concert closes with “Skyliner March” by Harry L. Alford.

“Between pieces, I speak about the composers’ inspirations and accomplishments, as well as stories about the music and connection to the greater theme of the evening,” says Klump.

“This is my fourth season working with the Legion Band and this season is definitely the best we’ve had together so far.”

In addition to serving as Conductor of the American Legion Band of Bethlehem, Christopher Klump is Assistant Conductor of the Marine Band of Allentown and a guitar and trumpet instructor at Community Music School Lehigh Valley and Berks. Klump is a graduate of Moravian University.

“American Landscapes,” American Legion Band of Bethlehem, 7 p.m. July 24, Bethlehem Rose Garden, Eighth Avenue and West Union Boulevard, Bethlehem. Free. Information: https://americanlegionbandofbethlehem.godaddysites.com/

The Borough of Emmaus celebrates “America250” with a weekend of music, food, history and family fun, July 24 through July 26, and the Macungie Band in concert.

The Macungie Band presents its “Celebrate America” concert, 10 a.m. July 25, Third and Main streets, Emmaus.

The two-hour program features something for everyone.

Patriotic favorites include John Philip Sousa marches such as “The Liberty Bell,” “Washington Post” and the United States’ National March “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”

Broadway medleys feature music from “Chicago,” “Gypsy” and “Hello, Dolly,” while the jazz genre entertains with Chuck Mangione’s “Children of Sanchez” and works by Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellington.

Add “Volare,” the popular Frank Sinatra tune “My Way,” W.C. Handy’s “St. Louis Blues,” music of George and Ira Gershwin and more for a morning of great entertainment.

“Celebrate America,” Macungie Band, 10 a.m. July 25, Third and Main streets, Emmaus. Free. Information: 610-965-9292; https://www.facebook.com/Emmaus250

“Classical View” is a column about classical music concerts, conductors and performers. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com