June 6, 2003

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND KICKS OFF WITH HOUSTON SYMPHONY'S FREE STAR-SPANGLED SALUTE JULY 3 AT THE CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL PAVILION ™

The Woodlands, TX, June 6, 2003 - The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion invites you to celebrate the Fourth of July a day early at the annual Star-Spangled Salute July 3 at 8 p.m. This free Independence Eve spectacular features the world-renowned Houston Symphony and soprano Danica Dawn in a selection of patriotic favorites led by Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski. Since its inception in 1990, the Star-Spangled Salute has been generously sponsored by The Woodlands Operating Company, L.P., developer of The Woodlands.

Under Krajewski's baton, the Symphony performs a patriotic fanfare that includes the "Star-Spangled Banner," "Semper Fidelis," "Bugle Call Rag," "Summertime Medley," "Fantasy on American Themes," "Amazing Grace" and "Saints!" in the first half of the program.

The Symphony returns after intermission to perform other musical favorites such as "Turkey in the Straw," "Songs of John Denver," a Texas Sing-Along Medley and American Sing-Along, the "Armed Service Medley," "God Bless America," and Tchaikovsky's ever-popular "1812 Overture" complete with cannons. The evening's encore is a rousing rendition of Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever."

Krajewski, a perennial favorite, returns to conduct the Houston Symphony in this all-American celebration. Principal pops conductor of the New Mexico, Long Beach and Jacksonville symphonies, Krajewski has been the principal pops conductor of the Houston Symphony since its 2000-01 season. He is in demand as a guest conductor for symphonies across the country, including the Boston Pops Orchestra and those of San Francisco, St. Louis, Minnesota, Detroit, Oregon, San Diego, Sacramento and San Jose, among others. With his contagious enthusiasm and delightful sense of humor, Krajewski is sure to set off some fireworks of his own!
Opening for the Houston Symphony on the main stage is local trio, the Champion Sisters, performing with pianist Paul English.

The free Star-Spangled Salute begins July 3 at 8 p.m. Starting at 6:30 p.m., when the gates open, The Pavilion's North Plaza will be filled with activities for the entire family. Children can shake hands with Uncle Sam or have their pictures taken with Puffy Pine Cone, lovable mascot of The Woodlands. Mom and dad can bid on items at a silent auction benefiting the Fourth of July Parade Committee or putt for a chance to win two seven-day passes to the LPGA's Samsung World Championship set for October 6-12 in The Woodlands. Barbershop singers from Chorus of The Woodlands will stroll through the plazas serenading guests of all ages.

Picnics are welcome in the lawn area for the Star-Spangled Salute, so pack a basket or cooler with edibles for the entire family, bring a blanket and spread out on the hill for an evening of fun and entertainment. Keep in mind that beverages cannot be brought into the venue, but concessions are available in all three of The Pavilion's plazas.
For more information about the Star-Spangled Salute or other upcoming events at The Pavilion, call 281-363-3300 or visit The Pavilion's Web site at pavilion.woodlandscenter.org.