Event will feature music, food, wine and fireworks
The San Luis Obispo Symphony, paired with Youth Symphony members and led by Tulare County Symphony and Pasadena Symphony conductor Bruce Kiesling, will perform a 90-120 minute patriotic “Pops” program with a fireworks finale.
–The Paderewski Festival in Paso Robles has officially announced Paso Pops, a new annual patriotic-themed concert and Independence Day celebration held on the Saturday closest to the 4th of July. The event will kick off this year on July 2. It will be held at the new Paso Robles Horse Park, and The San Luis Obispo Symphony, paired with Youth Symphony members and led by Tulare County Symphony and Pasadena Symphony conductor Bruce Kiesling, will perform a 90-120 minute patriotic “Pops” program with a fireworks finale.
“Pops” refers to popular music. “Every song will be recognizable,” said Paso Pops President and owner of Cass Winery Steve Cass. Cass explained that the music will be 8-10 minute pieces, and that the finale will feature a display of fireworks behind the stage, set to the 1812 Overture. “We want people to say, ‘this is the best show I’ve ever seen!” said Cass.
The event was created to provide an annual Independence Day tradition for all members of the community, according to Cass. “We wanted something that would complement the county’s existing city celebrations, while providing recurring funding for youth arts.”
“Paso is already on the map as a wine destination,” said event spokesperson and “Paso Wine Man” Casey Biggs. “We are getting recognized as a food destination…we have the opportunity to become a cultural destination too.”
Tickets go on sale April 1 and range from $10 for Patriot Mall admission up to $3,500 for sponsored President tables that include wine tasting, gourmet buffet, wine and VIP parking. Other sponsor options include Vice President and Speaker tables at $2,500 and $1,500 respectively. Advanced sales of individual tickets are: Vice President $95, Speaker $65; Diplomat $40 and Patriot Mall $10. For active and retired military with ID, students with ID, and seniors over 60, Patriot Mall tickets are $5. Subject to availability, tickets also may be purchased at the gate: Vice President $105, Speaker $75, Diplomat $50 and Patriot Mall $15 ($10 with discount.) Up to two children 12 and under are free with paid Patriot Mall admission.
The finale will feature a display of fireworks behind the stage, set to the 1812 Overture.
Festivities will start at 5 p.m. for those purchasing reserved table or chair seating, and at 6 p.m. for Patriot Mall (lawn) admission. A two-hour walk-around wine tasting featuring more than 30 local wineries will be open to adults, while interactive arts, games and painting activities organized by Studios on the Park and the Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation will be provided for young families. Wine and beer will also be available with a suggested donation. Except for those with special dietary needs, patrons are encouraged to leave their picnics at home as the event has arranged for a variety of the county’s finest food trucks to be on premise. For the safety of all, service animals only will be allowed.
Net proceeds from the event will be distributed to the Paderewski Festival Youth Piano Competition and Student Cultural Exchange Program, San Luis Obispo Youth Symphony, Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation and Studios on the Park Youth Art Program.
Volunteers are needed for this event and will receive a tee-shirt, free Patriot Mall ticket and access to the volunteer canteen area. To register for 2.5-hour shift, volunteers should visit the festival’s website and volunteer link.
To become a table sponsor, to purchase tickets, or to sponsor a musician, or for more information visit the festival’s website at www.pasopops.org.
For those unfamiliar with July 4th concert Boston Pops, which served as inspiration for the Paso event, view the video below:
