Symphony celebrates ‘Best of Spokane’
The Spokane Symphony will play Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and Vivaldi's "Summer" from "Four Seasons" for some of Spokanes "best" causes on Aug. 18, 7:30 p.m. at the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox.
We say "best" because the symphony is billing this as its first-ever "Best of Spokane Concert," and it is both a tribute and a fundraiser for these Spokane institutions: Bloomsday, First Night, Hoopfest, the Lilac Festival, MusicFest Northwest, Spokane International Film Festival, and Unity in the Community.
Here's the lowdown on the concert itself: It will cost $20, now on sale at (509) 624-1200 or TicketsWest outlets.
Now, about that "Best of" idea. Those organizations will not only be honored at the concert, but they will get a cut of the proceeds. Concertgoers are encouraged to wear t-shirts and hats representing any of those organizations.
Eckart Preu will conduct, and the concert will also include a patriotic sing-along. This event replaces the BestFest, which the symphony has held the last two summers.
The second part of the symphony’s “Best of Spokane” event – officially titled “Say Wow! Celebrating the Best of Spokane” – will consist of the Community Open House and Showcase on Saturday, Aug. 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox.
It will be a lot like the open house the symphony hosted when The Fox re-opened in November 2007. This event is free, and includes performances by local groups, tours of the theater and hands-on children’s activities.
Here’s the performance schedule:
9 a.m.: Blessing and Drum Circle.
10:30 a.m.: Floating Crowbar, traditional Irish music.
Noon: Master Class Jazz Orchestra, Big Band Swing.
1:30 p.m.: Spokane Civic Theatre’s Musical Showcase, previewing its season.
3 p.m.: Big Red Barn – Rhythm and bluegrass.
Please note that this free day on Aug, 20 does not include a performance by the Spokane Symphony. The symphony is sponsoring it, but not performing. The symphony's appearance is only at the Aug. 18 event.