The Cleveland Orchestra - John Williams 80th birthday

photo courtesy of Sith-Seamstress

George Lucas has said that he wanted to tell the story of “Star Wars” from the perspective of the droids C3P0 and R2-D2, because their story covers the entire saga.  There is another whose impact on the Star Wars universe has covered all six movies, and much more, and his name is John Williams.  And because this year marks John Williams’ 80^th birthday, the members of Great Lakes Base, Mando Mercs and Ohio Garrison were at Blossom Music Center to help The Cleveland Orchestra pay tribute to John Williams’ legacy of movie music.

This was my third tour “trooping” at Blossom Music Center, and frankly this is one of my favorite venues.  This giant outdoor amphitheater is one of northeast Ohio’s most popular summer destinations.  Tucked away in the middle of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Blossom Music Center is a virtual “Endor” – halfway between Cleveland and Akron.  Maybe that’s why Blossom is the perfect outdoor venue for Star Wars costumers?  As guests entered the main gate, they’d come across Princess Leia and Padme walking through gardens that could be on Naboo, or they’d find themselves running up the hill with Captain Rex and the clone army, maybe look for cover as Rebel Pilots and Mandolorian bounty hunters traded blaster fire with some Imperial troopers.  Or the most dangerous scene of all: a Jedi wanders out alone on the lawn with maybe 10-12 kids… all with their very own lightsabers! ;)

GLB - The Cleveland Orchestra/John Williams tribute "Mission Photos"

The Cleveland Orchestra is known as one of “The Big Five” among symphony orchestras in the country, and I can tell you their reputation is well deserved!  On this night, The Cleveland Orchestra was under the leadership of Richard Kaufman – who happened to work with John Williams on several film scores.  Throughout the evening, Kaufman would pause (between songs) and recount a story about his experience playing under John Williams on movies like “Jaws” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” – which gave the evening a very personal feeling.

Overall, the concert was a huge success!  Thanks to everyone who pulled together to make this “double-header” of such high-profile events possible.