Piedmont Wind Symphony Brings The Music of Star Wars to Downtown Winston-Salem for Fall Fundraiser

Free September 13 concert will transform Incendiary Brewing into a galaxy far, far away while raising funds to keep Piedmont Pops free for the community

Prepare to journey to a galaxy far, far away as Piedmont Wind Symphony (PWS) presents The Music of Star Wars, its 2026 Fall Fundraiser, on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Incendiary Brewing Company in downtown Winston-Salem.

Led by Mark A. Norman, Artistic Director and Conductor, and featuring Felice Manget-Harvey as narrator, the immersive outdoor concert will bring John Williams’ legendary Star Wars music to life with storytelling, special lighting, costumed characters, and plenty of galactic fun.

PWS musicians will dress as their favorite Star Wars characters, and audience members are encouraged to join them in costume. Guests can also enter to win four themed raffle baskets featuring items donated by local businesses and community supporters.

Admission is free with RSVP, and proceeds raised throughout the evening will directly support Piedmont Pops, PWS’s free community concert series.

A Fall Fundraiser with a Community Purpose

Piedmont Pops brings professional live music into free, informal community settings throughout Winston-Salem and Lewisville, helping remove financial and social barriers that can make traditional performing arts experiences inaccessible. The series welcomes families, young people, seniors, first-time concertgoers, and longtime arts patrons to experience professional music together.

“Keeping Piedmont Pops free is an intentional investment in our community,” said Brianna Cantwell, Executive Director of Piedmont Wind Symphony. “We want someone to be able to bring their children, invite their neighbors, or simply discover us while spending an evening downtown without wondering whether a concert ticket fits into their budget. This fundraiser allows our community to help make that experience possible for someone else.”

Community response demonstrates a growing demand for these accessible performances. Attendance at PWS’s Downtown Labor Day Piedmont Pops concert grew from approximately 600 attendees in 2024 to 950 in 2025. Additionally, 45 percent of first-time Piedmont Pops attendees subsequently purchase a ticket to a PWS chamber or symphonic concert, showing how free outdoor performances can introduce new audiences to the arts and encourage continued participation.

Funds raised through The Music of Star Wars will help cover the professional musicians, production, equipment, and other expenses necessary to present Piedmont Pops while keeping admission free.

“The success of Piedmont Pops isn’t only measured by how many people attend,” Cantwell said. “It’s seeing a child experience a professional wind ensemble for the first time, seeing several generations of a family sitting together, or hearing from someone who never thought a symphony concert was for them. Those experiences are why maintaining free access matters.”

Whether you’ve loved Star Wars for decades, are introducing the next generation to the saga, or simply want to experience an unforgettable evening of live music, PWS invites you to join the fun while helping sustain free professional music in the community.

Come for the music. Dress for the galaxy. Stay for the fun. Support free music in our community.

May the Force, and the music, be with you.

Event Details

The Music of Star WarsPiedmont Wind Symphony 2026 Fall Fundraiser

Sunday, September 13, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.

Incendiary Brewing Company Downtown Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Admission: Free with RSVP

Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair for the outdoor performance and to come dressed as their favorite Star Wars character.

About Piedmont Wind Symphony

The Piedmont Wind Symphony is a professional wind ensemble based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with a mission of bringing people together through music. Through adventurous programming, collaborations, educational initiatives, and accessible community performances, PWS works to redefine what a professional wind ensemble can be while creating meaningful musical experiences throughout the Piedmont Triad.

For more information, to RSVP for The Music of Star Wars, or to support Piedmont Pops, visit the Piedmont Wind Symphony website at pwsymphony.org.

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Media Contact:

Brianna Cantwell

Executive Director

336.995.0464

cantwellb@pwsymphony.org

Piedmont Wind Symphony