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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spotlight

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.



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