11^th ANNUAL “POP GOES THE FORT”

INDEPENDENCE DAY CONCERT & FIREWORKS CELEBRATION

MONDAY, JULY 4, 7:30pm BIGGS PARK, FORT BLISS

El Paso, Tex. – The El Paso Symphony Orchestra is honored to perform and celebrate at the 11^th annual “Pop Goes The Fort” concert in salute of the brave men and women of Fort Bliss and all those who served to protect our country.

The free concert celebrating America’s Independence is on Monday, July 4, 7:30pm at Biggs Park, 11388 Sergeant Major Blvd. EPSO conductor Bohuslav Rattay will lead the El Paso Symphony in a patriotic and pops concert featuring the USO Show Troupe.

The program will include traditional Sousa marches like The Washington Post and Stars and Stripes Forever and music from E.T., Jurassic Park, The Greatest Showman, Indian Jones plus more. In addition, members of the 1^st Armored Division band will conduct and perform with the El Paso Symphony. The concert will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display.

The concert is open to DOD (Department of Defense) I.D. holders and their guests. Civilians interested in attending can now get a Fort Bliss recreation pass. Information at https://home.army.mil/bliss/index.php/my-fort/all-services/gate-information. For information contact the MWR at (915) 568-3500. Gates open at 4pm. No outside alcoholic beverages, glass containers or pets allowed. Food trucks available in the park.

“This concert is a highlight in our season. What a wonderful blessing to get to start our season performing for our troops at Fort Bliss!” said Ruth Ellen Jacobson, Executive Director of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra Association. “Bohuslav has put together an exciting and varied program mixing traditional patriotic music, contemporary patriotic music, and pop music.”

ABOUT THE USO: The only officially chartered entertainment group for The United Service Organizations (USO.) Each year, the USO Show Troupe provides entertainment and advocacy at over 200 military and civilian events world-wide. At the core of the group’s mission is lifting the spirits of American military, veterans, and their families. Each member serves as an ambassador for the USO programs, helping connect civilians with the many support opportunities available through the USO. A nonprofit, congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO in a non-partisan program created to provide U.S. citizens a direct means of supporting our military. The USO is not part of the U.S. government. It is recognized by the Department of Defense, Congress and President of the United States, who serves as Honorary Chairman of the USO.

The El Paso Symphony is working with the Fort Bliss, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) to make this event special. The El Paso Symphony Orchestra is supported in part by the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Pops Goes the Fort is sponsored by Phoenix Truck Driving School, Fort Bliss. Fireworks spectacular sponsored by USAA.

For information and further details on Pop Goes the Fort contact the MWR at (915) 568-3500.

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9th ANNUAL “POP GOES THE FORT”
INDEPENDENCE DAY CONCERT & FIREWORKS CELEBRATION
THURSDAY, JULY 4, BIGGS PARK, FORT BLISS

The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will perform a free concert celebrating America’s Independence on Thurday, July 4, at Biggs Park, 11388 Sergeant Major Blvd. EPSO Assistant Conductor James Welsch will lead the El Paso Symphony in a patriotic and pops concert featuring USO Show Troupe in salute of the brave men and women of Fort Bliss and all those who served to protect our country.

Biggs Park will be open at 4:30pm and the festivities will begin at 5:30pm with a Cannon "Salute to the Union.” Concert begins at 7:30pm and the evening culminates with a spectacular fireworks display.
“We are so honored to continue this wonderful collaboration with the MWR. This will be our 9th consecutive year of performing for our troops at Fort Bliss and the El Paso Community” said Ruth Ellen Jacobson, Executive Director of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra Association. “James has put together an exciting and varied program mixing traditional patriotic music, contemporary patriotic music, and pop music performed with the USO Show Troupe.

This concert would not be possible without the financial support of our community who support the El Paso Symphony Orchestra especially Pioneer Services and Clark McCarthy Healthcare Partners II (Clark Construction and McCarthy Building Companies), Marathon Petroleum and the Hunt Family Foundation.
The El Paso Symphony is working with the Fort Bliss, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) to make this event a fun-filled family day for everyone. The MWR will have vendors selling food, drinks and beer and activities for the entire family.

The concert and activities are free and open to everyone. Simply present valid ID for access to Biggs Park through Biggs gate. Lawn chairs and coolers are welcome. Pets, alcohol and glass containers are prohibited. Food and beer is available for purchase.

RECAP:
9th Annual Pop Goes the Fort
4:30pm: Gates Open
5:30pm: Cannon Salute to the Union
7:30pm: El Paso Symphony Orchestra with special guests USO Show Troupe followed by Fireworks
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra is supported in part by the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department and the Texas Commission on the Arts.