Pacific Symphony Launches Summer Festival 2015 with Journey-Themed Fourth of July Celebration

Pacific Symphony launches Summer Festival 2015 with a rollicking, high-energy Fourth of July celebration featuring the ever-popular tunes of Journey, brought to life by the tribute band, Faithfully.

With a reputation for being a highly authentic Journey tribute band, Faithfully preserves the hits of one of the most beloved bands in America through performances of songs such as "Don't Stop Believin,'" "Faithfully," "Any Way you Want It," "Open Arms" and "Wheel in the Sky."

Remaining one of the most popular rock bands in America to this day, Journey's wide variety of musical genres including rock, jazz fusion, progressive rock, hard rock and pop rock have won them 25 gold and platinum albums and 19 top 40 singles.

The Symphony's Independence Day concert (always the most popular of the season!) begins early with picnicking on the grounds and culminates in a brilliant fireworks display set to music performed by the orchestra. The festivities also pay homage to America's war heroes and veterans through a salute to the U.S. armed forces.

Faithfully, enhanced by the musical force of the Symphony's full orchestra, led by Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman, rocks Journey's hits on Saturday, July 4, at 8 p.m. at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre (formerly Verizon Wireless Amphitheater). Tickets for "Faithfully: A Symphonic Tribute to the Music of Journey" range from $25 (lawn seating) to $107 (orchestra seating); children under 14 are half price in most sections with the purchase of an adult ticket. Military personnel and veterans receive free entrance with $20 tickets for family members. Guests are welcome to picnic on the grounds of the venue starting at 6 p.m. and listen to the Orange County Wind Ensemble. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.

"There's nothing like joining several thousand people to celebrate America's birthday," enthuses Maestro Kaufman. "This year Pacific Symphony pulls out all the stops to give everyone the opportunity to honor America in a fun, exciting and memorable way!"

"It's much more than just a concert!" he continues. "We will feature patriotic music to stir the hearts of our audience, and on the first half of the concert we present music from some of Hollywood's most memorable and fun film fantasies. Then, of course, we enjoy the music of the iconic band, Journey, and end with fireworks! It's a night for the entire family and people of all ages."

This first concert of Summer Festival 2015 begins with John Williams' moving "Liberty Fanfare," followed by good old-fashioned family fun, featuring music from popular movies and television shows, including "Harry and the Hendersons," "Doctor Doolittle," "Mary Poppins," "Spiderman," "Star Trek" and "The Flintstones Meet the Jetsons." After intermission, Faithfully's dynamic stage presence captures the sound and character of Journey as they sing the band's top hits. The evening includes a formal salute to the U.S. armed forces, accompanied by patriotic classics such as "America the Beautiful" Sousa's "Washington Post March," "Semper Fidelis," and "Stars and Stripes Forever"-and ends with a breathtaking fireworks finale!

Twists and turns and reinventions sum up the journey of Journey. The band began in San Francisco in 1973, when Neal Schon (guitarist) and Gregg Rolie (vocal and keyboard), members of the original Santana, experienced the breakup of the band and joined forces to create Journey. The addition of Steve Perry in 1977 took Journey in a more pop-rock direction, as well as to greater commercial success, culminating in 1981 with the album "Escape." Other key members included Ross Valory (bass), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), who replaced Rolie when he left, dissatisfied with the commercial direction of the band, Steve Smith (drums) and Perry. Additional upheaval led to Valory and Smith being fired in the mid-'80s. Randy Jackson, famous for his work on "American Idol," came onboard as Journey continued its popularity for one more album, shortly before Journey disbanded. The band reunited in the mid-'90s, releasing an album, but never touring. While they did not recapture their earlier success, Journey has since continued with several new singers, discovering current lead singer, Arnel Pineda, from the Philippines, on YouTube.

"Faithfully-A Symphonic Tribute to the Music of Journey" celebrates the music of Journey like never before. The Faithfully Band hails from Las Vegas and is comprised of members Joseph Finger (music director and drums), Christine La Fond (vocals), Michael Johnson (lead guitar), Keith Hubacher (bass), Tom Lipps (keyboards), and Jesse Bradman (vocals). In addition to performing the music of Journey, members of the band have each performed with headliners over the past several years in the Las Vegas area. The show is produced by Stephen Cook and TCG Entertainment.

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