Essex County will celebrate the Fourth of July this year with two fireworks displays and performances by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and The Infernos. In addition, the U.S. Military Academy Band will take the stage on Friday, June 25 as part of the 2010 Essex County Free SummerMusic Concert Series.

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, led by Conductor Jeffrey Grogan, will perform Thursday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Essex County Branch Brook Park on the Great Lawn. The orchestra will feature soloists from Opera New Jersey performing selections from "Phantom of the Opera," "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," "Porky and Bess," "The Wizard of Oz," "Faust" and "Don Giovanni." Soloists include sopranos Inna Dukach and Ava Pine, baritone Andrew Garland and bass Matthew Boehler. A fireworks spectacular will be held following the concert.

The Infernos, whose music style spans Big Band, Motown, Oldie's and today's hits, will also help kick off Fourth of July weekend with a performance at the Essex County Brookdale Park in Bloomfield on Friday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Bobby Wells, former member and musical director of The Duprees, provides keyboard and background vocals for the band along with lead singer Kenny Simmons, formerly of The Commodores. A fireworks spectacular will follow the concert.