EAGLES Tribute Concert To Kick - Off Pacific Symphony’s Summer Festival 2012

A cherished Orange County tradition for the last 25 years, Pacific Symphony's Summer Festival 2012, presented by Hoag Hospital, begins with a July 4th extravaganza as the orchestra rocks out to the music of the highest-selling American band of the 1970s-the Eagles. Formed in Los Angeles in 1971, the Eagles defined the phrase "life in the fast lane" with country-flavored rock-and-roll that described the pursuit of the American dream. Achieving five No. 1 singles, six Grammys, five American Music Awards and six No. 1 albums, including the first to ever hit platinum (1 million sold), the Eagles have left a stream of mega hits and influence on American music. Taking place Wednesday, July 4, at 8 p.m. at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, this holiday celebration stars the rock tribute band Windborne, performing Eagles' favorites such as "Take it Easy," "Desperado," "Witchy Woman," "Peaceful Easy Feeling" and "Hotel California."

Led by Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman, the orchestra opens the first half with an 80th birthday tribute to legendary Hollywood composer and long-time Symphony friend, John Williams. The orchestra performs Williams' "Liberty Fanfare," "Jurassic Park," the Theme from "Jaws" and the March from "1941." The audience is -more- Pacific Symphony/July 4/the Eagles Page 2 of 3 invited to vote by text for an encore taking place at the end of the first half: the Flying Theme from "E.T., The Extra Terrestrial" or the Main Title from "Star Wars." This season opener also includes a traditional salute to the U.S. armed forces and an eye-popping fireworks finale to patriotic favorites. Active military and retired veterans are invited to attend concerts free all summer season long-the Symphony's way of saying thanks.

"There's nothing like a night under the stars at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, listening to one of America's greatest symphony orchestras," says Maestro Kaufman. "Great music, a tribute to our military heroes and incredible fireworks- all under the stars! It's the perfect way for Americans of all ages to come together to celebrate the birthday of our beloved country."

Individual tickets range from $25 for lawn seating to $99 for orchestra seating; children under 14 are half price in most sections with the purchase of an adult ticket. Five-concert Summer Festival packages range from $95 (lawn) to $465 (orchestra). Guests are welcome to picnic on the grounds of the amphitheater starting at 6 p.m. For more information on the series or purchasing tickets, call the Symphony ticket office at (714) 755-5799, or visit the website at www.PacificSymphony.org.

"As John Williams celebrates his 80th birthday year, we at Pacific Symphony pay tribute to this extraordinary man and his memorable music," continues Kaufman. "John has been a friend to Pacific Symphony for many years, and it is more than appropriate that we celebrate one of the greatest creators of film music in the history of motion pictures. John Williams is an American treasure and film music is an important part of the lives of just about every American."

The Eagles tribute-band Windborne was founded by Berklee-trained arranger/conductor Brent Havens, who has been writing music for television, theatrical movies, music libraries and industrial productions since 1980. Taking the stage for "Music of the Eagles" are the voices of Terry Brock, Glenn Delaune (also on guitar) and -more- Pacific Symphony/July 4/the Eagles Page 3 of 3 John Hines with Dan Clemens on bass, Powell Randolph on drums, and Eldon Sully and George Cintron on guitar and background vocals.

"My concept for 'Music of the Eagles' was to take the music as close to the originals as we could, keeping those wonderful harmonies intact and then add some colors to enhance what the original group had done," says Havens. "The wonderful thing with an orchestra is that you have an entire palette to call upon. The band is reproducing what the Eagles did on the albums, as closely as possible, and then having an orchestra behind the band gives the music a richness, a whole different feel, a greater sense of depth."

Coming up-on Saturday, July 21, at 8 p.m., "The Three Phantoms-Broadway's Biggest Hits!" takes the summer stage by storm. Led by Maestro Kaufman, this concert stars three extraordinary performers with powerhouse voices, who have played the title role of The Phantom-Craig Schulman, Gary Mauer and Ted Keegan-as they join the orchestra for a night of soaring melodies from Andrew Lloyd Webber's phenomenon and blockbusters from "Les Misérables," "Kiss Me Kate," "Man of La Mancha" and more!

The July 4th concert is generously sponsored by Hoag Hospital. Summer Festival 2012 is presented by Hoag Hospital with support from The Orange County Register. The festival receives additional support from American Airlines, The Westin South Coast Plaza, KUSC, PBS SoCal, K-EARTH and KPCC.