Las Vegas Philharmonic schedules holiday concert at Springs Preserve
After 10 years in Summerlin, the Las Vegas Philharmonic's annual July Fourth concert has found a new home at the Springs Preserve.
The musicians won't need to worry about being upstaged by any explosions in the sky, either.
"We quickly decided against shooting off fireworks over a grassy area filled with critters," said J.C. Davis, spokesman for the Las Vegas Valley Water District, which runs the preserve.
Instead, a laser light show will back the philharmonic's Star Spangled Spectacular this year.
The Independence Day event was launched in 1998. The concert had to move from its usual home at Hills Park because Las Vegas and the developers of Summerlin are in discussions about a possible transfer of ownership of the city acreage.
Organizers hope the roughly seven-mile move to the Springs Preserve on Valley View Road just south of U.S. Highway 95 will provide a boost for both the philharmonic and the preserve.
Since it opened two years ago, the 180-acre attraction has fallen well short of attendance projections and required nearly $20 million in operational subsidies from the water district.
The spectacular is expected to draw roughly 2,000 people. "We're hoping to sell this out early," Davis said.
Tickets are on sale now and range from $17.50 for a grounds pass to $82.50 for a catered VIP package.
"This is a different kind of event. You don't get many chances to see a full-on, 50-piece symphony concert," Davis said. "Hopefully, people will forgive us for not setting the Springs Preserve on fire with fireworks."
The departure of the Star Spangled Spectacular won't leave Summerlin empty-handed this Fourth of July. The community is still home to the Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade, now in its 15th year.
A crowd of more than 30,000 is expected for this year's parade, which will include traditional floats, giant helium balloons, American Indian dancers, and a salute to Nellis Air Force Base.
It is set to begin at 9 a.m. July Fourth at the corner of Hillpointe Road and Hills Center Drive. From there, the parade route runs south on Hills Center Drive to the Village Center Circle roundabout and then west on Trailwood Drive. The parade will end at the corner of Trailwood Drive and Spring Gate Lane.
The Review-Journal is a sponsor of the free event.
Contact reporter Henry Brean at hbrean @reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0350.
IF YOU GO
What: Las Vegas Philharmonic's Star Spangled Spectacular.
When: July Fourth. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m.
Where: The Springs Preserve on the east side of Valley View Boulevard between Alta Drive and U.S. Highway 95.
How much: Tickets now on sale range in price from $17.50 for a standing-room only grounds pass to $27.50 for a seat in the outdoor amphitheater where the orchestra will play.
Food and drinks, including beer and wine, will be available at additional cost.
A limited number of VIP tickets also are available for $82.50, which includes special seating and a catered pre-concert reception.
Discounts are available for children under 12 and annual-pass holders to the Springs Preserve.
More information is available at springspreserve.org or by calling 702-822-7705.
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
