In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns welcomes world-renowned saxophonist and composer Jazz Hamilton, Dr. Elizabeth Hernandez, and choreographer Ferdinand “Freddy” De Jesus to discuss an extraordinary upcoming cultural event: the Jazz Hamilton Timeless America Tour.

Choosing Lakeland as the location for its world premiere on June 20th at the RP Funding Center, the production is a symphonic suite composed by Hamilton to celebrate America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The performance is described as an immersive experience, combining a live orchestra, choir, drum line, and ballet to tell the story of America’s past, present, and future through nine original musical movements.

A major theme of the conversation is the production's deep commitment to community and opportunity. The guests discuss the Jazz Hamilton Arts Foundation ...