Celebrate America at The Pavilion's Star-Spangled Salute July 3

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Kick off America’s birthday celebration with a host of patriotic favorites under the stars! Join us for Star-Spangled Salute as the Houston Symphony takes the Main Stage, Sunday, July 3 at 8 p.m. Presented by The Howard Hughes Corporation, this free Independence Eve spectacular has been a tradition at The Pavilion for over 30 seasons. Tickets are not required for this event. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

The symphony will perform a variety of Americana favorites led by conductor Steven Reineke whose boundless enthusiasm and exceptional artistry have made him one of the nation’s most sought-after pops conductors, composers and arrangers.

Featured vocalist includes South Carolina native Darryl Jovan Williams, who began his professional stage career in such shows as Singin in the Rain, A Chorus Line, The Wiz (40th Anniversary in Central Park), Babes in Arms, Mama I Want to Sing, Big Mama Stringbean – The Life of Ethel Waters (AUDELCO nomination), All Night Strut, Dreamgirls, The Meeting and Once On This Island, just to name a few. Mr. Williams has toured extensively in the Broadway hit Smokey Joe’s Cafe with the legendary Gladys Knight and was a fixture at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Darryl has recently been the co-music arranger and vocal arranger for Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. He was also the vocal arranger for the much-anticipated hit Jesus Christ Superstar Gospel, which won him rave reviews for his portrayal as Judas.

Pre-concert activities begin at 6:30 p.m. in the North and South Plazas and will feature photo opportunities with patriotic characters, a special art project, The Pavilion Partners Instrument Petting Zoo and sponsor activations. Pre-show entertainment in front of the Main Stage will be provided by The Woodlands Show Chorus and will begin at 7 p.m. The group is an award winning, women's auditioned a cappella chorus, comprised of nearly 80 singers, and chapter of nonprofit Sweet Adelines International.

Families are encouraged to enhance their performing arts experience with Mini Maestros, a free and exciting program that makes the arts both fun and accessible for kids of all ages. By signing up for Mini Maestros, children will receive: a special membership lanyard and badge, free reserved seating at all performing arts events, early entry for Hocus Pocus Pops, a free ticket to Children’s Festival and other great perks throughout the season. Families can register their children at any of The Pavilion’s performing arts events this season at a special booth located in the North Plaza or online at www.woodlandscenter.org/mini-maestros.

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 Ticketmaster.com and The Pavilion Box Office. Guests also may park in any of the free parking lots off Timberloch Drive on the southwest side of The Pavilion. As a reminder, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – including The Pavilion Box Office – is a cashless venue.

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