SAN ANGELO, TX — Veterans and First Responders will be honored at the largest Fireworks Display in San Angelo history taking place July 3 at the River Stage, 16 E. Avenue A.
The 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Banner Fireworks and Concert is centered around the largest fireworks display in history set to the music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's The Year 1812, Solemn Overture, Op. 49, also known as the 1812 Overture. The symphonic piece was popularized in the American patriotic context by Boston Pops maestro Arthur Fiedler at a July 4, 1974 concert in Beantown. The San Angelo Community Band performance of the 1812 Overture will also be punctuated with the firing of 19th Century cannons on loan from Fort Concho that will be situated across the Concho River from the River Stage.
The fireworks display is designed and executed by Greg "Pyro" Schaatt. He is familiar with San Angelo when he was hired by the San Angelo Rodeo to design and implement the pyrotechnics opening of the award-winning show over a decade ago. He has also designed many of the fireworks displays at Angelo State University. Last year, Schaatt incorporated just-released aerial displays full of vibrant colors. This year, he has a budget that is 3x the size of last year, making it the largest fireworks display in San Angelo's history. Sunset on July 3 is at 8:50 p.m. This year's fireworks will launch at 9:20 p.m.
After the fireworks, the River Stage comes alive with the music of West Texas Funk. This six-person band with saxophone performs contemporary hits with the lively stage presence of lead singer Tammy Merwin. This year's music theme was Music Friendly San Angelo where we feature local musicians. West Texas Funk has a large fan base in Texas and is based right here in San Angelo! The West Texas Funk After-Party begins right after the fireworks at approximately 10 p.m.
Leading up to the Community Band's 1812 Overture performance are two more local music performers. Opening the show at 6:30 p.m. is the Lake View High School Mariachi Band called Los Caciques (The Chiefs). John Talley's Jazz Concho performs jazz hits from the 1940s until today right after Los Caciques.
General admission to the River Stage is free. VIP tables are situated immediately in front of the stage are sold for $500 each. As of this writing, there are about a dozen remaining. The River Stage opens at 12 p.m. on Monday, July 3 where anyone can come into the amphitheater and claim their spot. The show will start promptly at 6:30 p.m.
First responders and veterans with their families are invited to be VIP guests at the stage tables. Generous donors purchased tables to honor and respect these heroes for all they have done for our communities and country. If you are a member of law enforcement, a fire department (including VFDs), active duty, reserve, guard or retired military or a veteran of a foreign war, you can claim your VIP credentials by emailing or calling Mary Coffey (325) 234-5835 or [email protected].
VIP tables are available for $500 each on Stubwire (pay with credit card) or by stopping by the offices of Downtown San Angelo, Inc. at 24 W. Concho Ave. in downtown (pay with cash, check).
VIP tables include: Local children are showing their love & support by submitting their artwork of firetrucks,police cars, and other First Responder heroes to be placed on your tables Eight seats per table (additional chairs can be added for small children) Two drink tickets per guest Each guest will receive a swag bag from Gandy Ink full of gifts from the event sponsors The Sonny Cleere Memorial Ice Cream Social Courtesy of Dynasty Wireline Burgers & Hotdogs Courtesy of Shelburne Financial Services and provided by Sklenarik's Smoked Meats in Miles. VIP floor seating to the enjoy the bands and after party with West Texas Funk The proceeds from the VIP area pay for the fireworks!
A Star-Spangled Banner Fireworks and Concert is title sponsored by the AEP Texas Foundation. Sponsors include:
- AEP Texas Foundation
- San Angelo LIVE!
- The family of the late Frank Rose
- Stage Sponsor: Shelburne Financial
- Freeman Pickett
- Dynasty Wireline Services
- Sendero Drilling
- Shannon Health: Jazz Concho
- Gandy Ink
- Ener-Tel Services
- Angelo Paving
- Henderson Tractor and Implement, LLC
- Trish Jordan
- Fuentes Downtown Cafe
- Myers Drug
- State Rep. Drew Darby
- County Judge Lane Carter
Proceeds benefit Downtown San Angelo, Inc. and downtown renovations. VIP tables for purchase in-person at Downtown San Angelo, Inc., 24 W Concho Ave. or online at Stubwire. VIP parking passes & wristbands will be made available to you prior to the event.
Food, drinks and beer will be available at the River Stage concessions. BYOB alcohol is not allowed inside the River Stage area and there will be bag and cooler checks at the gate. We look forward to seeing you and your family July 3, 2023! Get a VIP Table here.
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