KICK SUMMER OFF WITH FIREWORKS, SPECTACULAR MUSIC AND PORTLAND’S NEW ADDITION TO THE MUSIC COMMUNITY – ROBERT MOODY CONDUCTS THIS YEAR’S PSO INDEPENDENCE POPS SERIES

PORTLAND, Maine – The southern Maine community is buzzing about Robert Moody, the Portland Symphony Orchestra’s new music director. Moody will officially step into this role with the upcoming Independence Pops concerts, beginning June 30 at Shawnee Peak. The Independence Pops concerts are a popular Independence Day annual tradition for the communities they visit; this concert features the PSO in a patriotic and family fun program, concluding with fireworks.

To ensure that the thousands of concertgoers have a fun and safe experience this year at Independence Pops, PSO has created a set of helpful tips and guidelines for the upcoming performances.

Audience Guide to Independence Pops:

Come Prepared: Remember the following items so that can have a relaxing and comfortable evening:

• A blanket or beach/lawn chair – otherwise it’s just the grass.
• Bug spray (summer in Maine, after all).
• Sunscreen – take advantage of the day off and enjoy your time outdoors.
• Sunglasses and/or hats to keep the sun out of your eyes.
• Layers! Because once it’s time to put the sunglasses away, you’ll probably need a sweater.
• Raincoat, hat, etc.: because the show will go on rain or shine!
• Games and toys for the kids.
• A flashlight so you can find your way back to the car after the fireworks.
• Feel free to picnic, but leave the alcohol at home: Whether you bring a gourmet picnic of lobster and caviar, or just cheese and crackers we ask that you do not bring alcohol to the Independence Pops events.
• Please be kind to your local parks and venues and for the enjoyment of all visitors, all trash must be packed out – so don’t forget an extra garbage bag.
• Don’t forget napkins and wet naps!

Meeting your friends and family:

• Bring a flag or balloon to tie to your basket or chair. It will help you keep track of your group (all of those blankets start to look alike after a while).
• Pick a familiar landmark in advance if you are planning to meet people at the concert. There will be a lot of people to look through.

More Hints:

• If you buy your tickets in advance you save time and money! Advance tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and groups of 10 or more, and $10 for children. On the day of the concert all tickets are $20 (under age 18 are $10) – and must be paid in cash. Call PortTix at (207) 842-0800 or stop in at the Myrtle St. box office Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. or log onto www.porttix.com.
• If you are going to the Fort Williams concert in Cape Elizabeth, you can park in the High School parking lot and ride a FREE shuttle bus to the park. No waiting in line to get out after the fireworks!

Please Leave These Things at Home:

• Pets are not allowed. (Your dog will thank you for this.)
• Alcohol is not permitted on the premises in any of the locations.
• Leave the fireworks to the professionals. As your mom would say, “You could shoot your eye out.”
• Recording equipment.

Full list of PSO INDEPENDENCE POPS performance dates and times:

June 30, 2008 at 7:30 PM | Shawnee Peak, Bridgton
Tickets are also available at Shawnee Peak and Sportshaus.

July 1, 2008 at 7:30 PM | Thomas Point Beach, Brunswick
Tickets are also available at Brunswick Bookland.

July 2, 2008 at 7:30 PM | Goodall Park, Sanford
Tickets also available at the Parks & Recreation Department in Sanford's Town Hall.

July 3, 2008 at 7:30 PM | Fort Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth

All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. and gates open 2 hours prior. All concerts will take place rain or shine; free parking is available at all sites.

This year’s production will feature patriotic favorites including “America, the Dream Goes On” by John Williams, a musical portrait of Irving Berlin and more, and as always it will conclude with Tchaikovsky’s monumental Overture to 1812 followed by a spectacular fireworks finale. Pre-concert music at Fort Williams Park will be provided by Maine Suzuki Association and each concert will conclude with a gripping fireworks display.

Independence Pops is sponsored by TD Banknorth and Leavitt & Paris, with additional support for the Bridgton performance from the Robert & Dorothy Goldberg Foundation.

For more information, visit www.portlandsymphony.com. Tickets for all PSO performances are available through www.porttix.com, by phone at 207-842-0800, or at the PortTix box office, 20 Myrtle St., Monday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.