Pavilion hosts free 'Star Spangled Salute' July 3

Principle Pops conductor Michael Krajewski leads the Houston Symphony at "Star-Spangled Salute" July 3 at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion with an array of patriotic music and fan favorites.

The annual "Star Spangled Salute" concert is scheduled for 8 p.m. July 3 at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, located at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive.

This free event, presented by The Woodlands Development Co., will feature the Houston Symphony in a selection of patriotic favorites. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and tickets are not required.

Led by Principal Pops conductor Michael Krajewski, the symphony's agenda will include popular songs such as "Fanfare and Star-Spangled Banner," "American Salute," "Olympic Fanfare and Theme," "Pomp and Circumstance March, " "America the Beautiful," "Jersey Boys Tribute," "Service Medley" and Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture," which comes with cannons blasting from the top of the hill.

Joining the symphony are Simon and Garfunkel cover band artists AJ Swearingen and Jonathan Beedle, who have been performing tributes to Simon and Garfunkel for the better part of the past 10 years.

The event starts at 6:30 p.m. with preconcert festivities in the North Plaza sponsored by Fidelity Investments, Market Street-The Woodlands, Renewal by Andersen and Century 21 Realty Partners. The Woodlands Show Chorus will perform patriotic music in the plaza, and Betsy Ross, Uncle Sam and a living Statue of Liberty will be in the plaza along with Barkley and Puffy Pine Cone.

Activities sponsored by The Pavilion Partners, The Woodlands Development Co., Renewal by Andersen, Century 21 Realty Partners, Radio Disney Road Crew and Audi of America will also be available. Guests can register for Tommy Bahama's "Best Seats in the House" contest, which includes dinner for four at the next performing arts event and a $100 gift card from Market Street-The Woodlands.

Picnic sites will also be available, and $5 parking is available in the onsite Town Center Garage, located along Six Pines Drive.

For more information about the Pavilion, visit www.woodlandscenter.org or call 281-364-3010.