Unusually dry weather and dangerous wind conditions this year made the legendary old-fashioned fireworks show at the Starlight Bowl's July 4 th Celebration out of the question for fear of fire. But according to Brad Korb, who attended the event, an innovative laser light show more than made up for it.

"It was maybe even more exciting than conventional fireworks - it was something totally different, like a new adventure," he said.

Cathryn Villalobos, Recreation Supervisor with the City of Burbank, said the crowd seemed to love the laser show as well as the rest of the evening's program, which put an emphasis American music of several eras. The Answer, a group that's been performing since 1964, treated concert-goers to classic rock. They were followed by the highly-regarded Burbank Philharmonic Orchestra with guest soloists Dale Kristien (Daae in "The Phantom of the Opera"), pianist Anli Tong, and tenor Daniel Chaney.

The orchestra and soloists featured the works of American composers such as George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein. The program also included a Salute to the Big Band Era.

For more information about upcoming events at the Starlight Bowl, Burbank's historic natural amphitheater, visit the Bowl's official website at starlightbowl.com.