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STAR-SPANGLED SALUTE
A WORD FROM JERRY We have kicked off our 27th Season of presenting world class entertainment in both our contemporary and performing arts events. So far we have enjoyed shows from among others, Mumford & Sons, Journey, Florence and the Machine, Jimmy Buffett and of course the wonderful performing arts performances from the Houston Symphony and the Houston Ballet. As you will read in this issue, we are excited to have officially opened The Pavilion Event Center in April. The venue will help The Pavilion stay competitive and attractive to artists. Additionally, The Pavilion was proud to host over 5,000 students from 33 schools across 13 districts for Musical Scores. We value the opportunity to reward students who have met a set goal with a performance on the Main Stage. Please be sure to read more about this on page 2. Congratulations to the just over 3,000 high school graduates from College Park High School, Conroe High School, Oak Ridge High School and The Woodlands High School. The Pavilion is honored to be the site of this momentous occasion in your lives. I also want to thank our retiring Board Members Mark E. Ellis, C. Grant Mitchell, Steve A. Morrow, John Robichau and Janet Wong for their tireless effort and commitment to our organization over the last several years. I welcome and look forward to working with our new board members Paul Carroll, Sarah Epley, Michelle Riley-Brown, Adrienne Ropp, Andrew E. Steinberg, Keith Winters and our incoming chairman Carol Garner. A special thanks to Joe Ash for his leadership and guidance as chairman for the last 2 years. There are many more events to enjoy during our 27th season. Come out, bring the family and enjoy this world class venue.
Houston Symphony - July 3 Kick off America’s birthday celebration at Star-Spangled Salute as the Houston Symphony takes the Main Stage, Sunday, July 3 at 8 p.m. The symphony will perform a variety of patriotic 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 artists include Broadway husband and wife duo Kristine Reese and Billy Tighe. The concert is free courtesy of The Woodlands Development Company who has sponsored this beloved event 27 consecutive times. Copresidents Alex Sutton and Tim Welbes expressed, “The Woodlands Development Company and The Howard Hughes Corporation are honored to sponsor the Star-Spangled Salute concert at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. We have been a proud supporter of this Independence Eve, since its inception in 1990. The Star-Spangled Salute concert is a community favorite and truly brings a feeling of patriotism towards America and to our hometown.” The smell of barbeque wafts in the air; warm corn on the cob butter drips down your chin and is soon replaced by the cool juice of watermelon. Fourth of July picnics are a quintessential American experience. Star-Spangled Salute has become a treasured tradition for families since it first was performed at The Pavilion. This year a new tradition begins with #PavilionPicnic. Show off your love of America and build the ultimate patriotic picnic with red, white, and blue eats and sweets. At the show unpack on the hill and snap a picture. Post all the fun on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #PavilionPicnic and at intermission you may find your picnic featured on the big screen.
See you on the hill.
Jerry MacDonald President & CEO
Pre-concert activities begin at 6:30 p.m. in the North and South Plazas. Guests are welcome to bring a #PavilionPicnic from home or their favorite restaurant to enjoy 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.