Paso Robles gets new Independence Day concert and celebration
Paso Pops, a new Independence Day celebration and patriotic-themed concert to benefit local youth art programs, will be July 2 as a new Paderewski Festival event.
The event — slated to take place on the Saturday closest to the Fourth of July, and which organizers hope to hold annually — will include wine, food, fireworks and live music from the San Luis Obispo Symphony, according to a news release.
The symphony will perform a 90- to 120-minute patriotic “Pops” program, paired with Youth Symphony members and led by guest conductor Bruce Kiesling.
The performance is a new addition to the San Luis Obispo Symphony’s concert schedule and is not replacing any other shows, said Francie Levy, general manager of the San Luis Obispo Symphony. She added that the group is excited to be playing in the North County and hopes to draw a new crowd with the location.
“I’d like this (event), at one point in time, to be a longstanding tradition that people look forward to,” said Steve Cass, president of Paso Pops and past president of the Paderewski Festival. Paso Pops was his idea.
A two-hour wine tasting will feature more than 30 local wineries. In addition, beer and wine will be available for a suggested donation and food trucks will be on site. There will also be interactive arts, games and painting activities for children.
The event will be at the new Paso Robles Horse Park at 3801 Hughes Parkway, off Highway 46 and Airport Road.
Cass expects the first event to cost about $125,000. He hopes it will generate a profit of about $50,000, to be distributed among select youth art programs.
He’s looking to draw about 1,500 people, with hopes that it will grow each year.
Lawn, chair or table seating is available. Tickets go on sale April 1, ranging from $10 to $3,500 for sponsored “President” tables. Up to two children 12 and younger are free with paid lawn admission. A variety of sponsor options are available.
Net proceeds from the event will benefit 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, the news release said.
Volunteers are needed for the event.
Danielle Ames: 805-781-7902
For more info
When: July 2
Where: Paso Robles Horse Park, 3801 Hughes Parkway.
Festivities will begin at 5 p.m. for reserved table or chair seating, 6 p.m. for lawn admission
To become a sponsor, purchase tickets, or volunteer visit www.pasopops.org.
For event information, contact 235-5409.
This story was originally published March 30, 2016 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Paso Robles gets new Independence Day concert and celebration."