”If you’re proud to be an American,” then join country music superstar Lee Greenwood when he makes his debut with Pacific Symphony on Sept. 8 at Pacific Amphitheatre. This first-ever major concert and community event called “Hail to the Heroes,” salutes veterans, active military duty personnel and first responders. Award-winning actor Gary Sinise welcomes the audience in a pre-recorded video message honoring our nation’s incredible defenders. In addition to headliner Lee Greenwood, the concert features a fantastic lineup of patriotic and orchestral favorites, from “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “God Bless America,” to themes by John Williams. The Symphony joins forces with Pacific Chorale to honor those who serve and keep our country safe. Sharing podium duties will be Music Director Carl St.Clair, Pacific Chorale’s Artistic Director Robert Istad and guest conductor Col. Arnald Gabriel, age 94, who was a gunner on D-Day in Normandy and for over two decades served as the commander and conductor of the United States Air Force Band and United States Air Force Symphony Orchestra.
The evening’s master of ceremonies is James P. Connolly, who served as a Marine based at Camp Pendleton and is currently one of the most popular comedians on Sirius XM Comedy. Also appearing will be 40s-style vocalists, The Swing Dolls and Bugle Boys. Tickets start at $25, but are free for active-duty military, veterans and first responders! Parking at Pacific Amphitheatre is free. Call Pacific Symphony’s box office (714) 755-5799 (Mon to Fri, 9am-5pm) or go to https://www.PacificSymphony.org/heroes.
Before the evening concert at 7:30 p.m., Plaza Pacifica springs to life with picnicking, live music, and fun. Starting at 5:30 p.m. Camp Pendleton’s First Marine Division Band will perform patriotic music. Other pre-concert festivities include activities involving local community partners:
- Family-friendly activities presented by Bob Hope USO
- Free handheld U.S. flag handed out to all attendees, courtesy of The Exchange Club of Irvine
- Special exhibition presented by The War and Society Program at Chapman University
- Heroes Hall Veterans Museum tours
- “Meet a Veteran” booth sponsored by the Freedom Committee of Orange County
- Veteran’s resource fair featuring VA Long Beach Healthcare System and Veterans Upward Bound program at Santa Ana College
Program
WILLIAMS: Liberty Fanfare
STEFFE: “Battle Hymn of the Republic”
VARIOUS: Armed Forces Salute
TRADITIONAL: “Amazing Grace”
VARIOUS: “Wartime Heroes” Medley
WILLIAMS: “Summon the Heroes” (NBC Olympic Games Theme)
WILLIAMS: “Hymn to the Fallen” from “Saving Private Ryan” / “Taps”
VARIOUS: The Music of Lee Greenwood
WARD: “America the Beautiful”
BERLIN: “God Bless America”
