Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post, July 8, 2026
Story and photos by Phil Houseal/Full House PR
See collection of national media coverage of the concert…
Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during the Symphony of the Hills’ Stars, Stripes and Spirit concert July 4 at the Cailloux Theater in Kerrville. Abbott joined state and local dignitaries for the patriotic performance, which also honored the victims of the 2025 Kerr County flood. — Photo by Phil Houseal/Full House PR
Gov. Greg Abbott joined the Symphony of the Hills on Independence Day to honor the 119 people who died in the 2025 Kerr County flood, taking part in a musical tribute during the orchestra’s Stars, Stripes and Spirit concert at the Cailloux Theater in Kerrville.
The July 4 performance combined a celebration of the nation’s semiquincentennial with a remembrance of one of the Hill Country’s darkest chapters. During the program, Abbott read the names of the 119 flood victims as part of a special musical selection.
Symphony of the Hills conductor and artistic director Gene Dowdy said the governor’s participation reflected his continued connection to the Kerrville community.
“Governor Greg Abbott responded in Kerrville immediately after the flood one year ago—he remains deeply connected to our community through our ongoing recovery,” Dowdy said. “The governor’s participation in the symphony’s July 4 concert will include a musical selection where he reads the names of the 119 who perished in Kerr County. The symphony concert celebrates our nation’s semiquincentennial and remembers the tragedy and heroic responses in our community.”
Symphony of the Hills soprano Sarah Davis performs “God Bless America” during the Stars, Stripes and Spirit concert July 4 at the Cailloux Theater in Kerrville as conductor and artistic director Gene Dowdy leads the orchestra. — Photo by Phil Houseal/Full House PR
More than 800 people attended the concert, which featured patriotic music and tributes throughout the afternoon. The event was livestreamed nationwide by CBS News and covered by major news organizations as part of the Hill Country’s Fourth of July observances.
The Symphony of the Hills performs during its Stars, Stripes and Spirit concert July 4 at the Cailloux Theater in Kerrville. The patriotic program celebrated the nation’s 250th anniversary while honoring the victims and heroes of the 2025 Kerr County flood. — Photo by Phil Houseal/Full House PR
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