MUSIC

The Houston Symphony and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion present Hocus Pocus Pops, Friday, October 23, at 7:30pm. Trick or treat? Why not “treat” the family to Hocus Pocus Pops at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. It’s a night of enchanting music and whimsical fun as the Houston Symphony casts a magical spell on The Pavilion.

Conductor for the evening, Brett Mitchell (pictured), gets into the spirit with songs such as: John Williams’ March from “Superman” and Hedwig’s Theme from “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” Dvorak’s “The Noon Witch,” Op. 108, Humperdinck’s Hexenritt (Witch’s Ride) from “Hansel and Gretel,” Herrmann’s Psycho, A Narrative for String Orchestra, Sondheim and Sebesky’s Suite from “Sweeney Todd” and more.

Daddies, mummies and all the little ghosts and goblins are invited to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes for a chance to walk on stage during the concert. The first 100 children in costume to check in at Hocus Pocus Central in the North Plaza are invited to march on stage in the Goblin Parade during the Symphony’s performance.

Concertgoers can register to win free prizes from H-E-B! Bring any H-E-B receipt from October 2009 to Hocus Pocus Pops and register to win one of two gift baskets provided by H-E-B and The Pavilion. Receipts must be brought to Hocus Pocus Central in The Pavilion’s North Plaza prior to the performance (between 6:00 and 7:30 p.m.) on Oct. 23. The drawing takes place on the Main Stage before the concert.

Have a “spooktacular” time at the pre-concert activities in the Fidelity Investments Plaza starting at 6 p.m. Little monsters can try out The Pavilion Partners Instrument Petting Zoo, sponsored by Music & Arts, and use their imaginations to create crafty spiders at the Partners arts and crafts booth. Other activities include pumpkin decorating, bean bag toss, ring toss, temporary tattoos, grab bags full of candy and toys, spooky photos with Fidelity, a prize wheel and more. As costumed characters roam the grounds, little monsters can mash it up with Radio Disney before the concert begins. Radio Disney Party Patrol will be on hand with music, dancing and great prizes! Gates open at 6 p.m.

An imaginative blend of chilling music and spirited fun is sure to spook you into the season. Pre-concert activities and hands-on arts and crafts begin at 6:00 PM.

Orchestra Seating $15
Free Mezzanine and General Admission Lawn Seating courtesy of H-E-B.

Preferred parking for this event is available at all Ticketmaster locations for $5 plus service charge