BARRETT-JACKSON, PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY AND THE PHOENIX SYMPHONY TO PRESENT ‘THE SOUND OF SPEED’
‘Pit Road’ Street Fair and Concert based on racing to celebrate PIR’s 50th Anniversary with Guest Appearances by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace and The Dukes of Hazard star, Tom Wopat among others
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Symphony will rev its musical engines and shift into a new gear to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Phoenix International Raceway in a creative collaboration that mixes great music, classic cars and people who love both with a special performance entitled ‘The Sound of Speed.’ This groundbreaking event marks a new level in the confluence of music and sports with this first of its kind collision between the NASCAR and the orchestral worlds.
“We are thrilled to partner with The Phoenix Symphony for this truly one-of-a-kind event,” said PIR President Bryan R. Sperber. “Our 50th Anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the great moments in racing history, and pairing those memories with a powerful score will create an experience that race fans and music lovers everywhere will enjoy.”
To commemorate PIR’s Golden Anniversary, the musical selection and festivities will be centered around cars and racing. Guests at the event will be greeted by a spectacular ‘Pit Road’ entry statement showcasing several classic race cars along 3rd Street. The ‘Pit Road’ experience is being hosted courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Auction Company CEO Craig Jackson.
“This first-ever event brings together two of America’s greatest pastimes and two of our city’s great cultural and entertainment icons,” said Jim Ward, President and CEO of The Phoenix Symphony. “Audiences are in for a high octane evening of fun in this community celebration.”
Once the party goes inside, guests will be able to experience ‘The Sound of Speed’ concert, conducted by Larry Blank. The performance will also feature appearances by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace as a guest conductor and ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ star Tom Wopat.
“I am honored to serve as the guest conductor for ‘The Sound of Speed’ and to be a part of Phoenix International Raceway’s 50th anniversary celebration,” added Wallace. “I’ve always been a fan of great music, and obviously I’ve spent my life in racing. Combining the amazing talents of The Phoenix Symphony with the scenes from of some of the greatest racing movies ever produced is going to make this a truly unforgettable night.”
This one night only special event will be held November 6, 2014 at Symphony Hall. For more information on tickets and sponsorships visit http://www.phoenixsymphony.org/events/2014-sound-of-speed or call The Phoenix Symphony Box Office at 602-495-1999.
The Phoenix Symphony and Phoenix International Raceway would like to recognize our Co-Chairs for this event, Rob and Melani Walton and Craig and Carolyn Jackson, and C.A. and Nan Howlett, as well as the hard work and generous support of the Steering Committee for this inaugural event: David Barnett, Bob Beck, Bob and Pat Bondurant, Michelle Clarke, Bruce Covill and Lucia Renshaw, Jon Kyl, Mac Magruder, Al Molina and Renee Dee, Fred Pakis, Jason Rose, Lyn St. James, Jack Thomas, Rusty Wallace, and Tom Wopat.
About Phoenix International Raceway:
Since 1964, Phoenix International Raceway has been the premier motorsports venue in the Southwest. Host to some of the most notable moments in motorsports history, PIR will celebrate its 50th Anniversary throughout the entire 2014 season. As the only track in the West to have two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekends a year, PIR will help kick off the 2014 NASCAR season with its traditional March date and round out the year with the semifinal race for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup in November. Season tickets for 2014 are available by visiting PhoenixRaceway.com or calling 866-408-RACE (7223).
About The Phoenix Symphony:
The Phoenix Symphony has been proudly serving the citizens of the Phoenix metropolitan area and Arizona since 1947. The Phoenix Symphony presents an annual season from September through the beginning of June, featuring full-length classical and pops concerts at Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix, as well as concerts in Scottsdale, Mesa, Prescott and throughout central Arizona. The Symphony performs for more than 120,000 students and children, helping to introduce music to new generations through a variety of education and youth-engagement programs.
Phoenix Symphony Media Contact:
Todd Vigil, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
(602) 452-0450 (w); (480) 227-5779 (c)
[email protected]
Phoenix International Raceway Media Contacts:
Zac Emmons, Director of Communications
(623) 463-5613 (w); (602) 582-4347 (c)
[email protected]
Jenn Jepson, Manager of Communications
(623) 463-5632 (w); (602) 297-7437 (c)
[email protected]
Greg Fresquez, Manager of Communications
(623) 463-5634 (w); (602) 692-1472 (c)
[email protected]
For more information on The Phoenix Symphony, visit phoenixsymphony.org
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