Celebrate America at The Pavilion’s Annual Star-Spangled Salute

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Kick off America’s birthday celebration at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s Star-Spangled Salute July 3 at 8 p.m. This free Independence Eve spectacular, which has been a tradition at The Pavilion for 25 years, features the Houston Symphony in a selection of patriotic favorites, presented by The Woodlands Development Company. Tickets are not required. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

Led by conductor Steven Reineke and former Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst as guest conductor, the symphony performs a variety of traditional favorites including “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Sweet Caroline,” “Armed Forces Salute” and of course, Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” with cannons blasting from the hill.

Joining the symphony to perform vocals from Broadway classics like “Man of La Mancha,” “South Pacific” and “Les Miserables” is actor and singer Christopher Johnstone. Johnstone recently played the role of Magaldi on the first national Broadway Tour of “Evita” and was part of the seven-time, Tony Award winning Lincoln Center production of “South Pacific.”

Star-Spangled Salute kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with pre-concert activities for the whole family in the North and South Plazas. Enjoy patriotic music in the orchestra pit by The Woodlands Show Chorus and interact with Uncle Sam, Betsy Ross and a living Statue of Liberty, as well as characters including Barkley and Puffy Pine Cone. Also enjoy activities by The Pavilion Partners, Century 21 Realty Group, The Woodlands Development Company, Audi of America and more. Guests can register to win Tommy Bahama’s “Best Seats in the House,” which includes dinner for four at the next performing arts event. Guests are also offered American flags and other patriotic souvenirs at the event.

Guests are welcome to have a picnic in their seat or on the hill. Keep in mind that beverages cannot be brought into The Pavilion. Sitting on the hill? Lawn chairs also are provided free for this event.

Preferred parking is available in the on-site Town Center Garage, located along Six Pines Drive. Parking is $10 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 Box Office. Guests also may park in any of the five free parking lots on the southwest side of The Pavilion. The free, color-coded lots are connected to The Pavilion by corresponding pathways with signs leading across The Waterway.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion's 2015 Performing Arts Season is presented by The Woodlands Development Company and sponsored by Audi of America, official automobile of The Pavilion, Huntsman, Live Nation, The Pavilion Partners, The Wortham Foundation and United Airlines, official airline of The Pavilion. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion acknowledges the financial support of The Woodlands Township that is generated by the Event Admissions Tax for its performing arts and educational outreach programs.

If you would like more information about The Pavilion, please visit www.woodlandscenter.org