CenterStage 2016 Issue 1

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T H E C Y N T H I A W O O D S M I T C H E L L P AV I L I O N ’ S

• I S S U E 1

WINE DINNER

BEATLEMANIA

EVENT CENTER

Funds raised for Fine Arts scholarships topped the $1 million mark at the 18th Annual Pavilion Partners Wine Dinner on March 20.

Classical Mystery Tour, with the Houston Symphony, comes to The Woodlands with a tribute to The Beatles at The Pavilion, April 29 at 8 p.m.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is set to open a 21,000 square foot multi-purpose event space for the 2016 season.

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BEATLEMANIA Beatlemania Comes to The Pavilion with A Tribute to The Beatles April 29

A WORD FROM JERRY Welcome to the 27th season of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. We have an exciting year ahead of us with an excellent performing arts season and the very best contemporary artists in the world playing our venue. Our performing arts season will include fresh and innovative performances by the Houston Symphony Orchestra, Houston Ballet and the Houston Grand Opera. Our contemporary season includes some of our returning favorites – Dave Matthews Band, Jimmy Buffett, Journey and Lynyrd Skynyrd. We are also excited to have Chris Stapleton perform on our stage on August 12 for the very first time. Chris had a breakthrough year in 2015 winning two Grammys, three Country Music Awards and five Academy of Country Music Awards.

Guests will also notice that we have replaced the old hospitality tent with a new larger, permanent building.

The 21,000 square foot Pavilion Event Center will be the home of the House of Blues Lounge and The Woodlands Township’s seasonal Ice Rink. This new facility also provides additional space we can use for the annual Children’s Festival and other private events. The House of Blues Lounge will be open during all of our contemporary shows to all guests.

Please come by to see the space for yourself and enjoy everything The Pavilion has to offer.

I encourage everyone to attend our performing arts events and become a season subscriber for only $175 per ticket. Being a season seat holder is a great way to show your support for the arts and enjoy some great performances. Come out, bring the family and enjoy this world class venue.

See you on the hill.

Jerry MacDonald President & CEO

Hop in the yellow submarine and drift away into strawberry fields as Classical Mystery Tour performs the greatest hits by The Beatles like you’ve never heard them before.

Guests can hear legendary songs from Classical Mystery Tour as they perform A Tribute to The Beatles alongside the Houston Symphony April 29 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 for orchestra seating. Mezzanine and lawn seating are free courtesy of Insperity and Anadarko Petroleum Corporation. Tickets are not required for free seating. Gates open at 7 p.m.

The musicians of Classical Mystery Tour not only sound like The Beatles but also look like them making the performance more than just a rock concert.

The group performs more than two dozen Beatles tunes exactly as they were originally recorded. Hear “Penny Lane” with a live trumpet section, experience the beauty of “Yesterday” with an acoustic guitar and string quartet, enjoy the classical/rock blend on “I Am the Walrus,” and relish the cascading crescendos on “A Day in the Life.”

“We really want to make an effort to sound exactly like the originals,” said Jim Owen, who conceived the show and performs as John Lennon. “The orchestra score is exact, right down to every note and instrument that was on the original recording. On ‘Got to Get You into My Life’ we have two tenor saxophones and three trumpets. That’s what it was written for, and that’s what we use. And on ‘A Day in the Life’ that final big orchestra crescendo sounds amazing when it’s played live.”

With the recent release of The Beatles’ music on iTunes and Spotify and the popularity of The Beatles Box Set and Beatles Rock Band, a new wave of Beatlemania has proved that The Beatles are more popular than ever. Because many Beatles fans never had the opportunity to experience a live Beatles show, Classical Mystery Tour offers that live experience—with a symphony orchestra.

“We have some real show-stopping numbers,” says Owen. “I wish I could actually be in the audience to see and hear this show, because the power of the emotional and nostalgic connection this music has with audiences is hard to put into words.”

Pre-performance activities begin at 7 p.m. in the North Plaza. Children and parents can visit The Pavilion Partners Arts & Crafts Booth and Instrument Petting Zoo as well as activities by Woodforest National Bank, Renewal by Andersen, Century 21 Realty Partners and Mercedes Benz of The Woodlands, official automobile of The Pavilion. Guests also can register-to-win Tommy Bahama’s “Best Seats in the House” and participate in Fidelity Investments’ Seat Exchange.

At the symphony, 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.

FROM THE BEATLES TO BALLET

The Pavilion Kicks Off The Best Season Yet The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion kicks off its 2016 Performing Arts Season with five great performances that sample all of the great things this season has to offer.

Relive the years of peace, love and rock-nroll with Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles April 29. Or join the Houston Symphony as they dive under the sea with “Dreams Can Come True,” Music from The Little Mermaid on May 5. Finish up the month with a walk through the classics at An Evening with the Houston Ballet May 12, Houston Symphony’s Symphonie Fantastique May 20, and Houston Grand Opera’s Tosca May 27.

The Houston Symphony’s Dreams Can Come True program includes timeless favorites from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” as well as selections from Mendelssohn’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Led by associate conductor Robert Franz, this show is meant to encourage the young and young-at-heart to dream big and believe that anything is possible. All guests are encouraged to flip their fins and dress in their magical best while they become a part of our world for this journey under the sea.

Before the performance, kids are invited to join the fun at the Hats Off to Reading Celebration, a free event in The Pavilion’s new multi-purpose Event Center. All children receive a free book and can participate in activities such as a book walk, hat-making, face painting, fishing for prizes and a coloring contest. Sponsors of this year’s Hats Off to Reading event include Dr. George and Diane Kaufman, Scholastic Book Fairs, Junior League of The Woodlands, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Chick-fil-A of The Woodlands, Conroe Independent School District, Montgomery County Memorial Library System, St. Anthony of Padua Library and Lamar Elementary School PTO. Enjoy the timeless splendor of “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Sleeping Beauty” at An Evening with the Houston Ballet May 12 at 8 p.m. A mixed repertory program, the evening will also sample pieces from the company’s performances of “Velocity,” “Maninyas,” and “Spring Waters.” Audience members will

be taken on a journey through the creative mind of Artistic Director Stanton Welch in his artful direction and combination of the varied components of the program.

Houston Symphony and renowned pianist, Gabriela Montero join forces for Symphonie Fantastique May 20. Conducted by Houston Symphony music director Andrés OrozcoEstrada, this classical concert features works for the piano to be played by Montero. Born in Venezuela, Montero’s visionary interpretations and unique improvisational gifts have won her a devoted following around the world.

Montero says, “I connect to my audience in a completely unique way – and they connect with me. Because improvisation is such a huge part of who I am, it is the most natural and spontaneous way I can express myself.”

Intrigue, cruelty, and betrayal swirl about a doomed diva in Houston Grand Opera’s Tosca May 27. A riveting drama sung to one of Puccini’s most beautiful scores, Tosca is a story of deceit set in Rome during one of history’s most turbulent times. With truth nowhere to be found, even love is tainted by suspicion for the tragic heroine Floria Tosca.

At all performing arts events, 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.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s 2016 Performing Arts Season is presented by The Woodlands Development Company and sponsored by Live Nation, Huntsman, Texas Children’s Hospital—The Woodlands, Mercedes-Benz of The Woodlands, official automobile of The Pavilion, South Walton Florida, The Wortham Foundation, United Airlines, official airline of The Pavilion, and The Pavilion Partners. 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.

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SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT Local Support For Local Arts; Mercedes Benz of The Woodlands Sponsors The Performing Arts at The Pavilion The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and Mercedes Benz of The Woodlands are proud to announce their partnership for the 2016 performing arts season. With a newly opened 60,000 square foot dealership in The Woodlands, Mercedes Benz of The Woodlands is aiming to give back to the local community.

Co-owned by Bob Milner and Joe Agresti, Mercedes Benz of The Woodlands has been recognized as a “Best of the Best” dealer by Mercedes. However, it isn’t just their friendly customer service that helps set them apart in the community.

Bob Milner, Mercedes Benz of The Woodlands.

Since starting his career in the auto industry Bob Milner has always operated on the idea that “those who can give back, should.”

“It’s something my dad always taught me,” said Milner. “I didn’t grow up with a lot of money, but my father told me that there is always someone you can help. I remember many holidays serving in soup kitchens as a kid and that has stuck with me over the years.”

Milner and Agresti have aimed to instill their values of giving back to the community in many ways, including supporting The Pavilion’s nonprofit mission. Mercedes Benz of The Woodlands also provides paid time off to employees who volunteer locally, creating not only time, but incentive for their employees to get involved.

Why the partnership with The Pavilion? “That’s easy,” Milner said. “The Pavilion is such a foundational institution to The Woodlands community. It is so ingrained in the local culture.

For my family alone, it has been a place where so many memories have been made. It was where my children saw their first opera and it was the place my wife and I traveled back to when we lived in California.”

The Pavilion is thankful for the support of Mercedes Benz of The Woodlands and their contribution to the performing arts.

It is with their generosity that The Woodlands community will continue to have access to world-class performances in their own backyard.

ENCORE The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands would like to thank the following contributors for their financial support of our 2016 Performing Arts Season and Educational Outreach Programs as of March 21, 2016, printing deadline.

$100,000-$250,000 Live Nation The Pavilion Partners $50,000-$75,000 ExxonMobil Huntsman Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands Development Company The Wortham Foundation $25,000-$49,000 Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Mercedes-Benz of The Woodlands CB&I PepsiCo Woodforest National Bank $15,000-$24,999 ARAMARK Sports & Entertainment H-E-B Visit South Walton $10,000-$14,999 Accenture Comcast FMC Technologies Insperity KPMG, LLC Newfield Exploration Company YMCA- Run Thru The Woods $5,000-$9,999 AON Hewitt Fidelity Investments Sandra & Keith Winters Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival $2,000-$4,999 Century 21 Realty Partners City of Shenandoah EMI Renewal by Anderson Scholarship Donors: Nancy Battle • Steven Bouck • Sylvia Caracio Laurel & Craig Cheyne • Charlotte & Rob Cloninger Jacque & Lloyd Everson • Alice & Patrick Hynes Mark Scott • Alix & Don Muhlbach Arla & Gerald Neuberger • Amy & Keith Odom Suzanne & Robert Potter In-Kind: United Airlines

ROCK FOR BACH

How Rock Pays for Bach — The Pavilion’s Nonprofit Mission When the Mitchells set out to build The Pavilion in the late 80’s, they had a vision of a nonprofit, small outdoor venue that would only play classical shows and would bring the people of The Woodlands closer to the performing arts. As plans continued, George Mitchell knew that he would have to solicit the help of venue development professionals to ensure The Pavilion’s success. One such professional was Allen Becker, cofounder and then president of Houston-based PACE Concerts.

Becker saw the passion that the Mitchells had for The Pavilion and its mission of making the arts accessible to everyone, but he knew that they needed to expand their idea for it to work. Becker suggested that The Pavilion’s repertoire include contemporary shows to raise funds to support their nonprofit efforts.

Becker knew that to make The Pavilion successful the Mitchells would have to expand their plans from “500 seats on the side of a hill” to a full blown amphitheater that would provide revenue generating contemporary shows that could support their performing arts shows and nonprofit mission.

Now an often used mantra of The Pavilion staff, “rock pays for Bach” is the essential model for how The Pavilion operates today.

As a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization, The Pavilion is dedicated to the cultural enrichment of The Woodlands community and the greater Houston area.

The Pavilion’s nonprofit mission is represented in four main objectives.

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TO TO TO TO

PRESENT A DIVERSE OFFERING OF PERFORMING ARTS BE A CATALYST FOR NEW AUDIENCES AND ENHANCE APPRECIATION FOR THE ARTS PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS ABOUT THE PERFORMING ARTS PROVIDE TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG ARTISTS

While many people know The Pavilion for its packed lineup of contemporary shows, the organization’s main focus is fulfilling the pillars of the mission listed above.

Each year The Pavilion produces 10 to 15 performing arts shows that are provided at little or no cost to the public. Contemporary concerts held at The Pavilion generate less than 25 percent of the cost to produce the venue’s performing arts events by the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera and the Texas Music Festival Orchestra. An even smaller portion of ticket sales generated help produce The Pavilion’s vital educational outreach programs.

Over the years corporations responsible for donating monies have put it simply—they want to invest in the organizations that invest in their community. With every performing arts event produced, The Pavilion seeks to fulfill the mission and dreams of the Mitchells.

Private donors are also essential to the success of The Pavilion’s mission. Private donations come in several forms (in-kind gifts, performing arts season sponsorships, scholarship donations, etc.) and they are one of the simplest ways for community members to give back to the arts.

For more about The Pavilion’s nonprofit mission or information about how to donate to the organization, please visit www.woodlandscenter.org.

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EVENT CENTER

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion to Open New Event Center for 2016 Season

Artist rendering.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is set to open a 21,000 square foot multi-purpose event space for the 2016 season. In a joint venture with The Woodlands Township, the $4.9 million construction cost will be split equally. While the primary use of the space will involve both private and public facilities for concert goers, The Woodlands Township will utilize the space for the seasonal ice rink during the winter months.

The new event center is located adjacent to The Pavilion’s box office and extends to Lake Robbins Drive. The multipurpose facility will provide The Pavilion and the Township an event space that is dynamic in both structure and capabilities. Two moveable “air” walls will allow for the space to be divided into three separate rooms, each complete with state-of-the-art multimedia capabilities.

The construction of this space will not only help provide a brick and mortar home for the seasonal ice rink, but also bring a new incentive for artists to consider The Pavilion over neighboring venues. With the rise in popularity of artist sponsorship opportunities and exclusive fan club experiences, many venues are expanding to include space for these events.

Each year beginning in mid-March The Pavilion Event Center will be fully operated by The Pavilion staff and will serve as the home of the House of Blues Lounge which is open to all concert goers during contemporary shows. The Pavilion also plans to utilize the space for educational outreach programs and the annual Children’s Festival. Beginning mid-November of each year The Woodlands Township will operate the space as the seasonal ice rink and as an additional event space after the skating season.

“Having this new event center will help us to stay competitive in the market,” says The Pavilion president and CEO, Jerry MacDonald. “The Pavilion will now be able to provide more of what artists are looking for in a venue, giving us an edge and helping us continue to deliver the quality programming that has helped us remain successful over the years.”

If you would like more information about The Pavilion, please visit www.woodlandscenter.org. Look for The Pavilion on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram, or download The Pavilion’s iOS or Android app.

2016 SHOW SCHEDULE APRIL 29 - 8 P.M.

Houston Symphony, Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles

MAY 5 - 7:30 P.M.

Houston Symphony, “Dreams Can Come True,” Music from The Little Mermaid & Hats Off to Reading with Montgomery County Library System

AUG 3 - 6:30 P.M.

Rod Zombie & Korn with In This Moment

AUG 4 - 7 P.M.

Lynyrd Skynyrd & Peter Frampton

AUG. 6 - 7 P.M.

Dixie Chicks

AUG. 7 - 5:30 P.M.

Sublime with Rome & 311

MAY 7 - 8 P.M.

The 1975 with The Japanese House

AUG. 12 - 7:15 P.M.

Hank Williams Jr. and Chris Stapleton

MAY 12 - 8 P.M.

An Evening with the Houston Ballet

AUG. 13 - 6:30 P.M.

MAY 13 - 8 P.M.

Disturbed & Breaking Benjamin with Alter Bridge & Saint Asonia

Dave Matthews Band

AUG. 14 - 7 P.M.

Gwen Stefani with Eve

MAY 15 - 7 P.M.

Hall & Oates with Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

AUG. 19 - 6:30 P.M.

MAY 17 - 7:30 P.M.

Heart with Joan Jett & the Black Hearts and Cheap Trick

Florence and the Machine with Grimes

AUG. 20 - 7 P.M.

Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa

MAY 20 - 8 P.M.

Houston Symphony, Symphonie Fantastique Andrés Orozco-Estrada, conductor

AUG. 22 - 7 P.M.

Def Leppard with REO Speedwagon and Tesla

MAY 21 - 7 P.M.

Journey with The Doobie Brothers & Dave Mason Joe Walsh & Bad Company with Steve Rodgers

AUG. 27 - 8 P.M.

Sound of Music Sing-A-Long

MAY 24 - 7 P.M.

SEPT. 2 - 8 P.M.

Houston Symphony, Music of Rolling Stones, Brent Havens, conductor

MAY 27 - 8 P.M.

Houston Grand Opera, Tosca (Full Production, English Subtitles)

SEPT. 8 - 7 P.M.

MAY 28 - 6 P.M.

Goo Goo Dolls & Collective Soul with Tribe Society

Boni’s Dance & Performing Arts Studio Recital

MAY 29 - 6 P.M.

Boni’s Dance & Performing Arts Studio Recital

SEPT. 15 - 8 P.M.

JUNE 4 - 8 P.M.

Houston Symphony, Hispanic Heritage Celebration, Andrés Orozco-Estrada, conductor

Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band

5 Seconds of Summer

Houston Symphony, Star Wars & More: A John Williams Tribute

SEPT. 18 - 7:30 P.M.

JUNE 7 - 8 P.M.

SEPT. 23 - 8 P.M.

Ray LaMontagne

JUNE 10 - 7 P.M.

Weezer & Panic! at the Disco with Andrew McMahon

SEPT. 25 - 6:45 P.M.

Counting Crows & Rob Thomas

JUNE 12 - 7:30 P.M.

Boston with Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx

OCT. 7 - 7:30 P.M.

Houston Symphony, Hocus Pocus Pops

JUNE 24 - 8 P.M.

Texas Music Festival Orchestra

NOV.12 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

21st Annual Children’s Festival Presented by ExxonMobil

JUNE 26 - 6:30 P.M.

Slipknot with Marilyn Manson and Of Mice and Men

NOV. 13 NOON TO 5 P.M.

21st Annual Children’s Festival Presented by ExxonMobil

JUNE 29 - 6:30 P.M.

G-Eazy & Logic with Yo Gotti & YG

DEC. 1 - 7 P.M.

Holly Jolly Jingle

JULY 3 - 8 P.M.

Houston Symphony, Star-Spangled Salute, Steven Reineke, conductor

JULY 5 - 7 P.M.

Twenty One Pilots

JULY 9 - 8 P.M.

Jim Gaffigan

JULY 21 - 8 P.M.

Houston Symphony, DreamWorks™ Animation In Concert

For more information, call 281-364-3010 or visit our website at www.woodlandscenter.org.

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Complete list as of print deadline.

$1000 Candi & Gerald Glenn Alison & Rich Henderson Amy & Johnathan Homeyer Tricia & Jerry MacDonald Whitney & Derek McCoy Vicki & Michael Richmond Paul Taylor

$500 Annette & Kenneth Hallock Amy & Jeff Kaszak Terry & Ray Larson

$250

PARTNERS PRESIDENT LETTER

I just love this time of year at The Pavilion!

As most of you are probably aware, this is the time we welcome back all our returning Pavilion Partners and encourage our friends, relatives, co-workers and neighbors to join the Partners organization. We have several training opportunities available for those who would like to take an active role at volunteering for events this season.

Please contact Leslie Williams for details at lwilliams@woodlandscenter.org.

For those who are enthusiastic to begin volunteering in our community, the 2016 Performing Arts season kicks off with two great shows back-to-back. Houston Symphony’s Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles April 29 and “Dreams Can Come True,” Music from The Little Mermaid May 5 are going to be two of this season’s biggest hits and extra hands will undoubtedly be needed. Sign up now to get in on the action.

I would like to personally welcome all of our new and returning Partners volunteers back for a successful and rewarding 2016 season at The Pavilion. Thank you for committing to making a difference through the arts in your local community.

See you out there, Sarah Epley

Nancy Battle Cynthia & Ronald Brandt Deborah Butler Beth & Doug Grijalva Karen & Gary Lach

$100 Melissa & Bernardo Aguayo Susan & Darrell Bach Nancy & Mike Becker Roberta & Ed Bergemann Debbie & Danny Black Melissa Black & Susy Pardillo Robin & Jim Booth Joy & James Borneman Brenda Eames & Alan Braaten Sharon & Tom Bowen Carol & Tom Buffa Perisha & Jeremy Burnham Annabelle & Chris Carillo Barbara & Regan Chambers Patsy & Namen Chambliss Julia & Edmund Chapman Sean Kenneth Connelly Gaye & Bill Craig Andria & Gabe Cuellar Debra & Matt Dozier Linda & Rob Eissler Keith & Grady Ferry Mary-Lou & Gary Fitch Lisa & Al Fittipaldi Beth & Greg Folks Angela & Mark Gott Robin & Mike Griffith Dana Hahn & Jason Podsednik Patricia Harrison & Frank Radik Janene & Rick Hemmen Amy Jackson & Paul Herman Freda Thomas & Nathaniel Holt Monica & Jon Hoover Connie & Bob Horton Judy & Richard Jones

Minda & Jon Joslin Rosie & Bill Kelly Conchita & Eric Ladwig Linda & Irv Lichtman Karen & James Listak Christina & Jose Lozano Nancy & Terrance Mahan Christine & William McBee Estelle & Mark McLaughlin Shelli Moran & Justin Styles Dalinda & Brien O’Donal Mr. and Mrs. Michael O’Neil Jeannie & Bernie Otten Melissa & Brian Pate Karen & Lance Portman Joyce & Ken Reynolds Margie & Keith Richardson Arlene & Sol Sachs Nancy & Steve Sandstrum Ann & Dane Sever Chrystal & Don Tamillo Ellen & Nat Turner Paula & Benny Van Osdell Eileen & Gilbert Withers

$50 Ashley Adriance Robert Arend Alana Ashley Laura Ashley Melissa Barksdale Cleo Barry Judith Bartok Bunny Benditz Audrey Bernhoft Bruce Bernhoft James Bibis Michelle Bridges Beth Butler Debbie Cain Gordon Carruth Simone Chiang Candis Cooper Michael Cozart Debra Cruz June Cullum Rose Davis Ruth Dowden Sarah Epley Beverly Fennessy Jane Fisher Sylvia Forbes Caroline Garrett Viorica & Ion Ghica Siriwan Goodwin

Careen Gregory Linda Gulledge Lori Guyette Lynn Hullinger Michelle Huser Marlies Iida Theresa Jensen Lisa Johnson Valerie Johnston John Kanai Letty Kelley Donna King Cindy Kirk Deborah Kline Lisa Koetting Jose Leal Karen Lewis Cameron Lorenz Linda Mallet Melinda Martin David Mayes James Mayo Brian McCulloch Jane McKetta Ann Moore Myron Murphy Betty Nelson Linda Newbold Nora Norman Cindy Notarainni Madeleine Nutt Nancy Pearsall Larry Perry Nancy Phillips Liz Regan Rhonda Richardson Dwana Ricks John Robichau Lori Rubel Sharon Schilling David Smith Ronald Smith Stacy Spitzmueller Suzann Staats Chris Steinke Kim Stetler Stephanie Teed Ben Thomas Connie Wagner Edward Walsh Carol Watkins Jeannie Williams David Wilson Gene Wolfson Jamie Youngblood

WINE DINNER & AUCTION The Pavilion Partners reach the $1 million milestone in Fine Arts scholarships After an evening of wining and dining, the 18th Annual Pavilion Partners Wine Dinner and Auction on March 20 raised $185,000, bringing the total amount of scholarship money raised by Partners to over $1 million. This one-of-a-kind dining experience on the Main Stage at The Pavilion is the Partners’ largest annual fundraising event. Proceeds from this event directly fund college scholarships for Houston area students majoring in the fine arts.

“The evening was such an amazing success. We even had eleven guests donate specifically to a fine arts scholarship,” said Lisa Koetting, co-chair of the Wine Dinner & Auction. “We are happy to give back to those students who are trying to pursue a career in the arts. Hitting the million dollar mark is almost surreal.”

The scholarship program is a core piece of The Pavilion’s mission statement. Partners volunteers are actively engaged with Houston area schools promoting the program throughout the year. This dedicated committee also reviews all applications, manages student auditions and hosts a reception for winning students and donors. “In the end, we give away as much as we raise. It’s been an incredible 18 years in the making,” said co-chair Randy Lowry.

Left to right, 18th Annual Wine Dinner honoree, John Robichau, with Wine Dinner co-chairs Lisa Koetting and Randy Lowry, and Pavilion president and CEO Jerry McDonald.

This year’s dinner honored John Robichau of Robichau’s Jewelry.

Robichau has been a long time member and supporter of Partners; serving as president of the organization from 2012 to 2015 and generously donating his custom designed jewelry for auctions and fundraisers.

“John has been a wonderful leader for The Partners organization during his time as president,” said Leslie Williams, volunteer and events coordinator at The Pavilion. “Not only is he incredibly generous with his time and efforts, it is evident that he truly cares about the work that Partners is doing for the community.”

Fleming’s Steakhouse & Wine Bar served chef selected, barrel cut filet mignon as guests enjoyed wines from Flora Springs Napa Valley Family Estate. Jonathan Lammey, a Partners scholarship recipient, performed during the dinner. Dynamic duo Judy Larson Olson and Nelda Blair served as auctioneers for the live auction which raised more than $65,000.

Left to right, 18th Annual Wine Dinner and Auction contributing underwriter, Carol Winkler with Kathi Coles and Pavilion board member Estelle McLaughlin.

Guests also had the opportunity to purchase tickets to a Wells Fargo Private Bank sponsored exclusive dinner featuring former Philadelphia Eagles coach Dick Vermeil, hosted at the home of Astros World Series manager, Phil Garner and his wife Carol.

Additional underwriters of the event include Carol Winkler, Candi & Gerald Glenn, The George Lindahl Family, Lorri & Brian Petrauskas, Mercedes-Benz of The Woodlands, Sylvia Caracio, Lisa & Fred Koetting, Judy & Dick Jones, Cindy Notarainni, JoAnne & Randy Lowry, Whitney Bank, Maydwell Music Group and Modern Luxury Magazine.

Past and present chairs of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s Board of Directors enjoying an evening at the 18th Annual Wine Dinner and Auction. From left to right, Joe Ash, Jeff Shipley, Candi Glenn, Carol Garner and George Lindahl.

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MUSIC, MOVIES AND MEMORIES The 2016 Performing Arts Season at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Enjoy the arts under the stars at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in 2016. This performing arts season includes nine Houston Symphony performances, a full production of “Tosca” © DREAMWORKS KUNG FU PANDA

by Houston Grand Opera, and a mixed repertory program by the Houston Ballet featuring excerpts from “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Sleeping Beauty.” The Pavilion also brings back the sing-along experience (by popular demand) with The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long.

After a hugely positive response to the first sing-a-long at The Pavilion in 2015, we’re headed to Austria this summer to sing along with one of the most iconic movies of all time, “The Sound of Music.” Guests are encouraged to dress like their favorite character or song lyric from the movie for a chance to win big during the costume contest on the main stage. Warm up those vocal chords, cut up your curtains and get ready for a memorable evening with the whole family!

on-site parking, admission to the Woodforest National Bank VIP Club for each performance and a subscription to The Pavilion’s CenterStage newsletter. Performing arts subscribers also receive preferred seating and VIP on-site parking for the Houston Symphony’s Star-Spangled Salute, Texas Music Festival Orchestra and Holly Jolly Jingle. The total value of the performing arts season package is $435. Children’s Festival and The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long are not included in season subscriptions, but individual tickets are available for purchase.

Tickets can be purchased at The Pavilion Box Office, located at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive in The Woodlands, Texas. Tickets also are available by calling 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s 2016 Performing Arts Season is presented by The Woodlands Development Company and sponsored by Live Nation, Huntsman, Texas Children’s Hospital—The Woodlands, Mercedes-Benz of The Woodlands, official automobile of The Pavilion, South Walton Florida, The Wortham Foundation, United Airlines, official airline of The Pavilion, and The Pavilion Partners.

Music from your favorite movies will be featured center stage this season with multiple performances by the Houston Symphony.

Bring the kids along to enjoy family favorites with DreamWorks™ Animation in Concert (July 21) and reminisce over some familiar favorites with Star Wars & More: A Tribute to John Williams (June 7). The Houston Symphony also honors two of music’s most legendary bands with Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles (April 29) and The Music of The Rolling Stones (Sept. 2) At most performing arts events, mezzanine and lawn seating is free. Free seating sponsors include Anadarko, H-E-B, Huntsman, Insperity, KPMG, Woodforest National Bank, The Woodlands Development Company and The Wortham Foundation. Orchestra seating for most events is $20. 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 at all performing arts events.

Looking for the same great seats for every show? Performing arts season subscriptions are only $175 per seat and include orchestra-level seating to all Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera performances at The Pavilion, VIP

The critically acclaimed “The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long” comes to The Pavilion August 27.

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.

THE WOODLANDS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380

NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID THE WOODLANDS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

2016 Performing Arts Season Sponsors

SaMe GrEaT SeAt FoR EvErY ShOw! Your season ticket includes orchestra-level seating to all Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera performances at The Pavilion, VIP on-site parking and Woodforest Bank Club access. Season subscriptions also include preferred seating and VIP on-site parking for the three free concerts this season: Texas Music Festival Orchestra performance, Houston Symphony’s Star-Spangled Salute and Holly Jolly Jingle.

For season ticket information, e-mail boxoffice@woodlandscenter.org, call 281-210-1127, or visit The Pavilion Box Office at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive in The Woodlands.

2016 PERFORMING ARTS SEASON OPENER

HOUSTON SYMPHONY

FRIDAY

APRIL

29

$20 orchestra seating FREE mezzanine & lawn seating courtesy of

&

8 p.m. / Doors: 7 p.m.

Official Airline of The Pavilion

* The Children’s Festival & Sound of Music Sing-A-Long are not included in season subscriptions.

ONLY

$175

PER SEASON TICKET

$435 IF PURCHASED SEPARATELY INCLUDING VIP PARKING