Pacific Symphony to Kick Off Summer Festival 2013 with Music of Neil Diamond, 7/4

Heartfelt songs made famous by one of America's most beloved performers-Neil Diamond-along with rousing band marches and meaningful, award-winning film music drum up feelings of celebration and American pride at Pacific Symphony's "July 4 Extravaganza," featuring tribute band Super Diamond.

The original Diamond, considered to be the third most successful contemporary artist of all time on the Billboard chart, has sold more than 125 million records worldwide and has 10 number one hit singles.

Bringing the sound and essence of Diamond to the Symphony's stage is Randy Cordeiro, with his husky, baritone impersonation, and band Super Diamond. Together they plan to rock Verizon Wireless Amphitheater with the American icon's treasured classics, such as "Sweet Caroline," "Song Sung Blue," "America," "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show" and "Heartlight."

The concert, led by Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman, kicks off the Symphony's Summer Festival 2013 on Thursday, July 4, at 8 p.m. at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine. Tickets range from $25 (lawn seating) to $104 (orchestra seating); children under 14 are half price in most sections with the purchase of an adult ticket. Guests are welcome to picnic on the grounds of the amphitheater starting at 6 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.

"It's basically a concert in the park!" says Maestro Kaufman. "Make that a very big concert in the park. That's how our July 4th celebration will feel. And it's always a great treat to bring the vocal sounds of America's most well-known entertainers; this year, we present the distinctive style of a terrific singer who has been at the forefront of popular music for decades: Neil Diamond. And when you add the symphony orchestra to the mix, it becomes even more thrilling!"

Summer Festival 2013, presented by Hoag Hospital, begins with an evening that includes a traditional salute to the U.S. armed forces, patriotic favorites such as "America the Beautiful," "Stars and Stripes Forever" and "Liberty Fanfare," and a breathtaking fireworks finale! The orchestra also honors the 150th anniversary of Gettysburg with the Oscar-nominated music of John Williams from the movie "Lincoln" and Randy Edelman's triumphant theme music from "Gettysburg," along with a dramatic reading of the Gettysburg address; and performs music by Alexandre Desplat from this year's Oscar-winning film, "Argo."

"Each year for this holiday we bring our audience the thrilling sounds and emotions of musical America," says Kaufman. "This July 4th, we'll play some of my favorite patriotic music from John Philip Sousa and remember the 150th anniversary of Gettysburg with inspiring film music. It will be a night the entire family can be together to enjoy memorable music and exciting entertainment as Orange County celebrates the U.S.A."

Based in San Francisco, Super Diamond was formed more than a decade ago by its front man, Cordeiro, also known as "The Surreal Neil," with founding members Matt Tidmarsh (bass guitar), Rama Kolesnikow (keyboards) and James Terris (keyboards), and soon after attracted the stellar talents of Chris Collins (guitar) and Vince Littleton (drums). Since then, the band has performed sold-out shows across the nation in venues such as Irving Plaza in New York, 930 Club in Washington D.C., the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Fenway Park in Boston and numerous House of Blues locations. The band has gained a reputation for transcending the label of "tribute band" by passionately immersing itself in Diamond's huge repertoire and delivering a high-octane show of unforgettable classics. Notably, Neil Diamond himself was quoted on the "Today Show" saying, "I've met them and I have been to their shows-they're wonderful!" And, in 2005 a question on "Jeopardy" appeared as "Super Diamond honors him..." Answer: "Who is Neil Diamond?"

Coming up, on Saturday, July 13, at 8 p.m., "The Planets" transports concertgoers to another galaxy. Featuring guest conductor Case Scaglione and guest violinist Caroline Goulding, the program includes Mozart's Overture to the "Magic Flute," his delightful Violin Concerto No. 5 and Holst's exhilarating "The Planets," as high-definition images from the Hubble Space Telescope are projected onto a large screen above-combined with the beautiful starry-night sky and outdoor setting, this concert is the perfect intergalactic multimedia event.