July 1, 2004

Saturday, July 3 reminder

Don’t miss Sunset Symphony Concert, fireworks at Lake Cunningham

Celebrate the Fourth of July weekend at Lake Cunningham Park with a rousing, family-friendly concert, including picnicking on the lawn, delicious food for those who want to buy supper on the spot, a dazzling fireworks display, and Elvis thrown in just for fun.

International harmonic virtuoso Bonfiglio is scheduled to perform two concertos with the Symphony Silicon Valley orchestra, one based on Stephen Foster’s songs and the second on Elvis! In a surprise addition to the program, Bonfiglio will lead the audience on their harmonicas in an ensemble perfomance backed by the full orchestra. If you have your own harmonic, bring it along.

The program includes popular classics including Handel’s Water Music, Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances, and Tchaikovsky’s famous 1812 Overture complete with cannons’ roar. The second half of the program features the Stephen Foster medley and Elvis Live! performed by the Symphony and Bonfiglio.

Between these works, San Jose’s own 15-year-old singing sensation Manuel Romero will perform. Finally, fireworks will accompany Sousa’s patriotic Stars and Stripes Forever.

Arrive early
Stake out your plot of grass for a relaxing family picnic in the park. Bring blankets and LOW lawn chairs for this old-fashioned summer concert. Buy Mirassou wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages, or freshly grilled entrees and snacks provided by Aroma Catering at the event; or bring your own picnic. (No hard liquor in the Park). Prices will be from $2 to $6.

Free harmonicas will be distributed to the first 1,000 families to arrive at the park. After a lesson from Bonfiglio, make your debut with the Symphony performing a patriotic favorite!

The reserved portion of the park will open at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking.  The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. with fireworks scheduled about 9:15 p.m.; the festivities should be complete by 9:30 p.m.

Transportation and parking
Limited $6 parking is available at Lake Cunningham (across from Raging Waters) through the entrance on White Road at Tully near Capitol Expressway. You’re encouraged to use the free symphony shuttle busses from the nearby Eastridge Mall parking lot, running from 5 p.m. until 7:15 p.m.  

Shuttles will return from the Park following the concert. Pick up the shuttle in the north-east corner of the Eastridge lot, between Tully Road and Capitol Expressway. No shuttles will run in either direction during the concert.

Tickets
For tickets, call the Symphony Silicon Valley box office at (408) 286-2600. Tickets are only $15, thanks to the generous support of Wells Fargo Bank and the Almaden Times Weekly. Seating is general admission, and everyone except infants must have a ticket. Tickets will also be available at the park on the day of the concert. (Cash only at the park.)