Philharmonic’s Fourth of July concert moves to Springs Preserve

For the first time in a decade, you won't see the rockets' red glare during the Las Vegas Philharmonic's Fourth of July concert.

Since 1998, thousands of locals have gone to Hills Park in Summerlin on Independence Day to stretch out on blankets, listen to the orchestra and watch a fireworks show. This year, the popular event has found a new home, but the fireworks have not.

The Star-Spangled Spectacular will be at the outdoor amphitheater in the Springs Preserve, where the environment is too sensitive to allow bombs bursting in air. Dry grasses and sparks do not mix.

But, both Philharmonic and the Springs Preserve officials hope that the concert, backlit by a colored light show and the wonders of nature, will enthrall the audience, anyway.

Yes, it had become a tradition, says philharmonic conductor David Itkin, but "sometimes traditions morph."

The cost of mounting a production at the park was always high and in this year's economic climate, prohibitive, Itkin explains.

"It's very expensive to do a concert there, because you basically have to build a theater," Itkin says. The orchestra had planned to forgo a July 4 performance, until the Springs Preserve approached them with the opportunity to play in the 1,600-seat amphitheater.

"It seemed a shame to have that prominent and popular event go away for lack of a venue," says Springs Preserve spokesman J.C. Davis.

The stage had to be expanded a bit to accommodate a 60-piece orchestra. Otherwise, the space is perfect for an orchestral concert, Davis says.

The repertoire will include patriotic music supplemented by a good mix of Broadway, jazz and other favorites, Itkin says.

The Springs Cafe by Wolfgang Puck will remain open during the concert, and guests can listen to the music from the restaurant's balcony, Davis says. Those spaces will be first-come, first served.

Admission prices range from $17.50 for a grounds pass, which will mean standing outside of the amphitheater or finding a seat on a nearby bench, to $27.50 for a seat in the amphitheater. There is a waiting list for $82.50 VIP tickets that include seating, food and drink. Tickets are available at the Springs Preserve box office. Call 822-7705 for further details.

Guests won't be able to bring in outside food or drinks, lawn chairs or other kinds of seats.

Gates open at 6 p.m., with the concert starting at 8.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564.