The Spokane Symphony will play Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Vivaldi’s“Summer” from “Four Seasons” for some of Spokane’s “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.” It will be 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.

Tickets are $20, through the symphony ticket office (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 also 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.

For the second part of the Best of Spokane celebration, click on "continue reading" below.

The second part of the symphony’s “Best of Spokane” event – officially titled “Say Wow! Celebrating the Best of Spokane” – will be the Community Open House and Showcase on Aug. 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Fox.

It will be a lot like the open house the symphony hosted when the theater reopened in November 2007. This event is free, and includes performances by local groups, tours 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 does not include a performance by the Spokane Symphony. The symphony is only sponsoring, not performing.

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