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, Monday, July 3 at 8 p.m.  Sponsored by ExxonMobil, 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.

Houston Symphony at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion During Star-Spangled Salute

The event’s featured vocalist, Jimmie Herrod, brings singular power and expressivity to his globe-trotting career as a singer, songwriter and entertainer. Herrod first came to worldwide prominence as a finalist on the NBC nationally broadcast television show, America’s Got Talent, earning the rare “Golden Buzzer” recognition from actress Sofia Vargara and returning the following year on the AGT All-Stars series. As a solo artist, Herrod has appeared to critical and audience acclaim with the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and with the San Francisco Symphony and Oregon Symphony, including as a featured soloist for the globally televised PBS “Joni Mitchell Songbook” concert at The Kennedy Center. Traversing many musical styles and genres in many languages, including jazz, pop, funk, and his own original songs, Herrod has headlined concerts at the The Luxor Theater in Las Vegas, New Jersey’s South Orange Performing Arts Center and Portland’s Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

Star-Spangled Salute at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Star-Spangled Salute at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

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 Pavilion Maestros, a free and exciting program that makes the arts both fun and accessible for kids of all ages. By signing up for Mini Pavilion Maestros, children will receive: a special membership lanyard and badge, free reserved seating at all performing arts events, early entry for select shows, 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.

For more information about The Pavilion, please visit our website at www.woodlandscenter.org or look for The Pavilion on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. For more Fourth of July events happening in The Woodlands, click here