Pop rock band Orleans announced as NYS July 4 celebration headliner

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy announced that a new headliner has been chosen for the New York State Fourth of July celebration at the Empire State Plaza. Pop rock band Orleans will now ring in Independence Day in Albany after the original headliner, Bruce Hornsby, had to cancel his performance due to a vocal issue.

Hailing from Woodstock, Orleans has released 17 albums across their multi-decade career. The group is best known for their songs "Dance with Me," "Still the One" and "Love Takes Time."

"The OGS team is looking forward to hosting another amazing New York State Fourth of July Celebration at the Empire State Plaza with the support of our generous and longtime sponsor, Price Chopper/Market 32," Commissioner Moy said. "The Plaza is a wonderful place to gather with family and friends on Independence Day, and we invite everyone to join us for an evening full of family-friendly activities, a naturalization ceremony, a military aircraft flyover, and a performance by Orleans. All that fun and great music lead up to a spectacular fireworks display that’s not to be missed."

Live music at the celebration will kick off at 5:30 p.m. with a performance by the Averill Park Combined Schools Jazz Band. The ensemble will be followed by a set by Soul Session at 6:15 p.m.

The annual July 4 program will begin at 7:30 p.m., featuring a special military ceremony. Orleans is scheduled to perform at 8 p.m., and the evening will conclude with the yearly fireworks show around 9:15 p.m. The event is free to attend and open to the public.