Kick off America’s birthday celebration and pay homage to our local service heroes at Stars at Night – A Salute to Service. The Pavilion welcomes The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra to the Main Stage, Saturday, July 3 at 8 p.m. and sponsored by Howard Hughes Corporation and Woodforest National Bank. This free Independence Eve pops spectacular features the Woodlands Symphony in a selection of patriotic favorites led by Artistic Director, Darryl Bayer. The event will also recognize service stars (teachers, first responders, medical teams and front line workers) during the pandemic. Tickets are not required for this event. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.
The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra promotes the growth of fine arts in The Woodlands area by sponsoring concerts and educational programs emphasizing a blend of classical compositions with popular music for a diverse 21st century audience. Artistic director and conductor, Darryl Bayer, received his bachelor’s in arts from Boston University and performed solos with both the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops. In Houston, Darryl completed his master’s degree from University of Houston and began auditioning and performing with regional and national symphonies. Bayer has been a Woodlands resident since 1992 and has helped build an audience and recognition for The Woodlands Symphony since he took over in 2014. The symphony will also welcome Associate Conductor, Clarence Frank and Sinatra-inspired vocalist, Bryan Anthony to the stage throughout the evening.
"We are proud to welcome The Woodlands Symphony to our stage for the first time for what will be a true hometown event,” says Jerry MacDonald, President and CEO of The Pavilion. “We also look forward to honoring our first responders and front-line workers and the sacrifices they have made that have enabled us to bring our community back together to celebrate the arts.”
The evening’s program will include John Williams’ Summon the Heroes, Patriotic favorites such as: the Armed Forces Salute, God Bless the USA and the Star Spangled Banner. The Symphony will also perform a special version of Toto’s Africa which will feature students from Let Them Drum, a group for recreational and therapeutic drumming for all ages and abilities.
Pre-concert activities begin at 6:30 p.m. in the North and South Plazas and will feature photo opportunities with patriotic characters, giveaways, The Pavilion Partners Arts & Crafts booth and Instrument Petting Zoo and activations by local organizations.
Families are also 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. Incentives including entries for fun raffle prizes, performing arts event tickets and more will be offered throughout the season to encourage Maestros to continue their Pavilion arts journey! Families can register their children at any of The Pavilion’s performing arts events this season (look for signage in the North or South 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.
If you would like more information about The Pavilion, please visit our website at www.woodlandscenter.org. Look for The Pavilion on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.