The annual Star-Spangled Salute concert July 3 at 8 p.m. at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion will definitely ignite your patriotic spirit! This free Independence Day themed spectacular features the Houston Symphony and is presented by The Woodlands Development Company. Tickets are not required. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.
Led by Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski, the symphony performs a variety of traditional favorites including "Fanfare and Star-Spangled Banner," "American Salute," "Olympic Fanfare and Theme," "Pomp and Circumstance March," "America the Beautiful," "Jersey Boys Tribute," "Service Medley" and of course, Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" complete with cannons blasting from the top of the hill. Joining the symphony to perform several of Simon & Garfunkel's greatest hits are AJ Swearingen and Jonathan Beedle. This duo has been performing their remarkable tribute to the music of Simon & Garfunkel for more than a decade. They perform "Homeward Bound," "The 59th Street Bridge Song" ("Feelin' Groovy"), "America" and "Mrs. Robinson."
The Star-Spangled Salute kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with pre-concert festivities in the North Plaza, sponsored by Fidelity Investments, Market Street-The Woodlands, Renewal by Andersen and Century 21 Realty Partners. Enjoy patriotic music by The Woodlands Show Chorus and interact with Betsy Ross, Uncle Sam and a living Statue of Liberty in the plaza, as well as strolling characters including Barkley and Puffy Pine Cone. Also enjoy activities by The Pavilion Partners, The Woodlands Development Company, Renewal by Andersen, Century 21 Realty Partners, Radio Disney Road Crew and Audi of America, official automobile of The Pavilion. Guests can register for Tommy Bahama's "Best Seats in the House," which includes dinner for four at the next performing arts event and a $100 gift card from Market Street-The Woodlands. Guests also receive American flags and other patriotic souvenirs at the event.
Independence Day would be nothing without a picnic, so bring some grub to eat in your seat or on the hill. Free lawn chairs also are available for this event. Please remember that beverages cannot be brought into The Pavilion. Don't miss commemorating the birth of our nation by joining the symphony in this grand, ole'-fashioned evening of family fun and classic Americana!
