June 15, 2005

Kick off the Fourth of July Holiday
at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion with the
Houston Symphony’s “Star-Spangled Salute”

The Woodlands, TX – Start your Fourth of July holiday at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion July 3 at 8 p.m. with the Houston Symphony’s annual “Star-Spangled Salute!” Led by Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski, the Houston Symphony performs a variety of patriotic and traditional favorites featuring musical guest Michael K. Runyan on harmonica.

Enjoy the lively sounds of “The Washington Post,” “American Celebration,” “The Yellow Rose of Texas,” and “March from Midway.” Reminisce with the traditional melodies of “God Bless America,” “Home on the Range,” “My Country,” “From Sea to Shining Sea,” and “Star-Spangled Banner.” Salute the troops as the Houston Symphony performs “Service Medley,” a compilation of music from each branch of the military.

Krajewski, a crowd favorite, returns to conduct the Houston Symphony in this All-American celebration. He is in demand as a guest conductor for symphonies across the country, including Boston, Oregon, San Diego, Sacramento, and San Jose, among others. With his enthusiasm and delightful sense of humor, July 3 promises to be an evening of laughter and great music.

Since its inception in 1990, “Star-Spangled Salute” has been generously sponsored by The Woodlands Development Company, developer of The Woodlands.

"The Woodlands Development Company is proud to be the sponsor of this free concert for the 16th consecutive year," said Susan Vreeland-Wendt, director of marketing for TWDC. “It is a wonderful way to unite all of our residents in a bond of hometown spirit on the eve of Independence Day."

Starting at 6:30 p.m., when the gates open, the Chicago Title – The Woodlands Plaza will be filled with activities for the entire family, including shaking hands with Uncle Sam; face painting, “I love USA” bracelets and dog tags, and coloring activities at the Learning Express Jack & Jill Club; and more. Puffy Pine Cone and the Chick-fil-A cow will be on hand to greet the kids and parents can browse through items at the South County Fourth of July silent auction. Proceeds from the auction benefit the South County Fourth of July Committee. Guests also can register-to-win Tommy Bahama’s “Best Seats in the House.” Entries are eligible to win VIP parking and dinner for four catered by Tommy Bahama's during an upcoming performing arts event. Join us for these and other festivities before the main event!

Bring the whole family for a night of patriotic fun! Pack a picnic, bring a blanket and sit on the hill. Free lawn chairs are available - while they last - for this and all other performing arts events this season. Picnics are welcome. Keep in mind that beverages cannot be brought into The Pavilion.

Preferred parking is available in the on-site Town Center Garage, located along Six Pines Drive. Parking is $5 per vehicle for this and most performing arts events. Tickets for on-site parking can be purchased in advance at all Ticketmaster locations and The Pavilion Ticket Office.

For more information regarding upcoming events at The Pavilion, call 281-363-3300 or visit pavilion.woodlandscenter.org.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion's 2005 Performing Arts Season is generously sponsored by The Houston Chronicle, The Wortham Foundation, The Pavilion Partners, and Continental Airlines, official airline of The Pavilion.


Other FREE Fourth Of July Events in The Woodlands:

Fourth of July Parade – “Salute to the Troops – Heroes in our Hearts”
Parade route runs through Market Street in The Woodlands Town Center
9:00 a.m.
For more information log onto www.4thofjuly.org
Compliments of the South County Fourth of July Committee

Splash Day
Community Pools in The Woodlands
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
For more information call 281-210-3900
Compliments of The Community Associations of The Woodlands

Red, Hot & Blue Festival
Festival located at the corner of Six Pines and Lake Robbins
The festival will feature great all-American food, live entertainment, and activities for all.
5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
For more information log onto www.redhotblue.org or call 281-363-2447
Produced by the Town Center Improvement District

Concert-in-the Park – Uncle Mojo
Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Dr.
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
For more information call 281-210-3900
Compliments of The Community Associations of The Woodlands

Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza
Firework display can be seen over the Town Center area
9:20 p.m.
For more information log onto www.redhotblue.org or call 281-363-2447
Produced by the Town Center Improvement District