THIS PROGRAM WAS AVAILABLE VIA LIVE STREAMING ON JULY 4, 1998, ONLY.

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Happy Birthday, America
by Richard W. Irwin

The July 4th Pyromusical Spectacular Marathon features ten custom radio soundtracks that were choreographed with fireworks, and sometimes, laser and lighting effects. The marathon includes all July 4th programs produced by Don Early and written and directed by me, Richard W. Irwin, (aka Uncle Ricky) from 1982 through 1992. Nearly all of the music selection and production was the work of the very talented Dennis Newhall. Time prohibits listing live entertainment, and all the talented techs, composers and artists who were involved in the live show or production of the taped show. The fireworks and effects budgets for these shows were LARGE. These programs were played for the public only ONCE - until now.

Capitol Restoration Gala Fireworks Photo by John S. Brooks, 1982 Although KROY in Sacramento had been sponsoring small "Oooh-Ahhh" plain-jane fireworks shows on July 4th since 1972, the California Capitol Restoration Gala Pyromusical Spectacular in January, 1982 was the template for the July 4th Pyromusicals that followed. Produced by a world-class California pyrotechnics company (PyroSpectaculars) it starred a newly renovated Capitol building, and included lasers, lights, and over $100,000 in fireworks. It was a huge promotional opportunity for 1240 KROY and 97 KROY-FM, and an up-front real-life learning experience for me.

A few weeks after the Gala, Dick Feinberg of Golden Bear Raceway asked KROY to produce a "similar" show for the July 4th harness races at the State Fairgrounds racing facility (Cal Expo Grandstand). We explained to Mr. Feinberg that it would be expensive. He said he knew that. It turned out to be an investment with a good return. Fireworks drew lots of people to bet on the horses; the more betting, the bigger the "handle" for the racing promoters.

The Show, presented as "Pryomusical Spectaculars", continued after Dick and his employer had ceased operations at the State racetrack and after KROY had died three times: once as KROY-AM (to KENZ, then KSAC-AM), once as KROY-FM (to KSAC-FM), reborn from KSAC-FM as KROY-FM and finally laid to rest as KSEG. The show followed Feinberg to Los Alamitos Racetrack (near Disneyland) in 1991, and was also sponsored, at one time or place, by KSAC FM or AM, FM-102, KFBK, Y-92, KHYL-101, KEZY-FM (Anaheim), Channel 40 TV, Channel 31 TV, and The Sacramento UNION (once the West's Oldest Daily, now the Oldest Out-Of-Business Newspaper in the West).

Fireworks, 1983 Show, photographer unknown Over the years, for each of these programs, we tried to incorporate format-compatible music of the sponsoring radio station, but otherwise, these shows feature all kinds of music, including original synthesizer performances. We wrapped it all in lofty verbage, and "Ladies and Gentlemen" type narration, and when the sun went down, our curtain came up. All of our July 4th pyromusicals end with a proud pronouncement of patriotism: The Stars and Stripes Forever.

The marathon will begin with the 1982 show and end with the 1992 show. (The 1989 show is not included.) All events, with the exception of the 1991 show (presented at Los Alamitos Raceway in Orange County, California), were held at The Cal Expo Grandstand at the California State Fairgrounds in Sacramento, California, and simulcast on the sponsoring radio station. You'll hear the "Program" track of the actual performance masters. The other track (or tracks) contained voice cues for pyrotechnicians. You are welcome to imagine the colors, explosions, blasts of light and laughter, the applause and hurrahs, the guys who cut an opening in the chain-link fence so uncounted thousands could enjoy the lasers for free, the thousands of impossibly trapped motorists on the freeway and in the parking lots, the intoxicating flush of adrenalin that accompanied every perfect match of pyro with music, the feeling of watching several months' effort unfold in real time and thousands of people screaming their approval. It was all of that, and much more. The production of these strange "radio shows for fireworks" were a passion of your Repository curator, for ten wonderful Independence Days.

Happy Birthday, America! It's almost showtime...

JUMP INTO THE FREEDOM STREAM


LIVE BROADCAST BEGINS 4PM PACIFIC (7PM EASTERN) JULY 4TH 1998

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PRESENTED BY
SHOWPRO

The REELRADIO July 4th Pyromusical Spectacular Marathon is presented in memory of Don Early (1937 - 1997),
the founder of "ShowPro" (Showtime Production Services), who produced all ten of these Independence Day events.

P R O G R A M     S C H E D U L E
ALL TIMES APPROXIMATE

4:00 PM
REELRADIO INTERNETWORK Encoder Warm Up - Verify Your Connection
1982 KROY AM/FM July 4th Pre-Show/Standby Segment
(Dennis Newhall) (30:00)

4:30 PM PT

KROY 97 FM, KROY 1240 AM
and GOLDEN BEAR RACEWAY present the
JULY 4th 1982 FIREWORKS & LASER SPECTACULAR!
Let Freedom Rock!

1982 PROGRAM
Approximate Length: 31:00
Narrator: Tony Cox
Recorded at: 97 FM / 1240 AM KROY RADIO, Sacramento
Music and other: Various, license paid at time of broadcast.


5:04 PM PT

97 KROY FM
and GOLDEN BEAR RACEWAY present the
1983 JULY 4th PYROMUSICAL SPECTACULAR
A July 4th Fantasy

1983 PROGRAM
Before the Show, 1983 Late afternoon, the record-breaking paid attendance of 36,943 gathers at the CAL EXPO Racetrack.

After the Show Shown about a minute after the finale, an ocean of spectactors overflows onto the race track.

Approximate Length: 45 minutes
Pre-Show Announcer: Dennis Newhall
Narrator: Martin Ashley (Wonder Rabbit!)
Original Music: Alleluia! and God Bless America written and performed by Charlie Peacock.
The Oracle of Truth: Susan Hayward
Captain Science: Dennis Newhall
Billy: Sharle Davis
Computer: Marilyn Curry
Control: Dick Irwin
Recorded at: Heavenly Recording Studios and 97 FM / 1240 AM KROY RADIO, Sacramento
Music and other: Various, license paid at time of broadcast.

We hope you enjoy tonight's all new KROY July Fourth Pyromusical. Our show employs state-of-the-art technology to synchronize over 1,000 lighting, laser and pyrotechnics effects. Tonight, our heroes, Captain Science and Billy, take a fantastic "Light Flight for Freedom." Hang on tight when we go through the skywheel, and stand by the color blasters in the time warp! Our special thanks to the Oracle of Truth, for showing us the way to freedom and justice. Join us in tonight's festive fantasy - a contemporary tribute to American freedom and ideals.

This program was introduced as a permanent exhibit on July 6, 2003.


5:51 PM PT

GOLDEN STATE RACING ASSOCIATION presents the
1984 KROY JULY FOURTH PYROMUSICAL SPECTACULAR
A Celebration of American Freedom

1984 Pyromusical Spectacular


Approximate Length: 35 minutes
(12th, and last, consecutive KROY Fourth of July.)
Narrator: Bobby Ocean
Big Brother: Richard W. Irwin
Political Dissident: Marilyn Curry
Patrick Henry: Dennis Newhall
Music and other: Various, license paid at time of broadcast.

This program was introduced as a permanent exhibit on July 4, 2004.


6:28 PM PT
CAL EXPO RACING ASSOCIATION presents the
1985 KSAC 97 FM July 4th Pyromusical Spectacular
A Salute to Sacramento

Approximate Length: 28 minutes
Narrator: Zack Boles
Sky Sorceress: Tara O'Leary
Produced at Heavenly Recording Studios, Sacramento
Original Sky Sorceress Music by Ray Elzey.
Music and other: Various, license paid at time of broadcast.
John Baccigalupi, Chief Recording Engineer.

Tonight, we present a celebration of American Freedom! Our Salute to Sacramento is a tribute to the rich history of the River City. Our Pyromusical combines narration, music and fireworks - choreographed and synchronized electronically. We've put them all together to tell a story. It's a story of courage, determination and victory ... a true story of American freedom.

The settlement that became Sacramento celebrated July 4th for the first time in 1847. Tonight, KSAC dedicates its first July 4th Pyromusical to the Sacramento of today, and to the people that make it such a great place to live!

This program was introduced as a permanent exhibit on July 4, 2005.


6:58 PM PT
CAL EXPO RACING, FM-102, and Channel 40 present
The July 4th, 1986 Pyromusical Spectacular at CAL EXPO
A Salute to Lady Liberty


Approximate length: 31 minutes
Narrated by: Rick Gillette, KSFM (102) PD
Lady Liberty: Susan Hayward
Kate Smith Introduction: Zack Boles
Recorded at Studio Z, Sacramento California
Music and other: Various, license paid at time of broadcast.

This program was introduced as a permanent exhibit on July 4, 2006.


7:31 PM PT
THE CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR,
97 KROY-FM and KRBK-TV, Channel 31 present
The July 4th 1987 Pyromusical Spectacular
A Celebration of American Freedom
97 KROY Approximate Length: 27 minutes
Narrator: Martin Ashley
Voice of Strength: George Reading
Voice of Peace: Tara O' Leary
Voice of Freedom: Bob West
Voice of Unity: Dennis Newhall
Recorded at: 97 KROY and SWINGSTREET STUDIOS, Sacramento
Music and other: Various, license paid at time of broadcast.

7:59 PM PT
FM-102, MAGIC 1380 and THE CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR present
The 1988 July 4th Pyromusical Spectacular
The Choice of Freedom

FM 102 Approximate Length: 29 minutes
Narrator: Tony Cox
Voice of Courage: Chris Collins
Voice of Faith: Lara Mann
Voice of Hope: Cory Miller
Voice of Unity: Dennis Newhall
Recorded at: STUDIO Z RECORDING with additional music production at FM-102 and MAGIC 1380 studios, Sacramento
Music and other: Various, license paid at time of broadcast.

8:29 PM PT
CAL EXPO RACING ASSOCIATION,
CHANNEL 31, KFBK NEWSRADIO 1530 and 92.5 KAER present
The July 4th, 1990 Pyromusical Spectacular at CAL EXPO
A Salute to the American Veteran

The late B.T. Collins censored the line "to call the war insane" from a poem written by Major Michael Davis O Donnell. (From the program for the dedication of the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial.)

Approximate Length: 27 minutes
Featuring B.T. Collins
Chief Deputy Treasurer, State of California
Narrator: Rick Austin, KAER
self-identified as "your Announcer"
Recorded at: Studio Z
Sacramento, California
Music and other:
Various, license paid at time of broadcast.


8:57 PM PT
THE LOS ALAMITOS RACING ASSOCIATION,
THE CITY OF CYPRESS, CALIFORNIA and KEZY 95.9 FM PRESENT
The 1991 July 4th Pyromusical Spectacular
A Welcome Home


Approximate Length: 30 minutes
Narrator: Andy Stevens, KEZY-FM
Track Announcer: Joe Alto
Recorded at: Studio Z, Sacramento, California
Special Thanks to Zack Boles and David Whittaker
Music and other: Various, license paid at time of broadcast.

Tonight, for the first time ever, Los Alamitos Race Course hosts one of California's largest and most spirited July 4th Celebrations: The JULY 4th PYROMUSICAL SPECTACULAR!

A PYROMUSICAL SPECTACULAR is not just a fireworks show! Every one of the thousands of effects you will see tonight has been electronically fired, on cue, from our Pyromusical multi-track tape. This tape takes months to produce, and tonight, we would like to share it with you for the first, and only time. We hope you share our excitement for an absolutely GRAND display of fireworks! We're proud to Light the Sky for the Fourth of July, and Thank You for joining our celebration!


9:29 PM PT
Harrahs Lake Tahoe, The Sacramento UNION, The Cal Expo Racing Association,
KRBK-TV Channel 31, KHYL-FM 101 and KSAC 1240 SPORTS present:

The July 4th, 1992 Pyromusical Spectacular
America - Land of Discovery


Approximate Length: 24 minutes
Narrated by: Tony Cox
Recorded at Studio Z, Sacramento California
Music and other: Various, license paid at time of broadcast.



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