Moody Gardens in Galveston readies for summer visitors with nature and entertainment aplenty

Dive into an extensive journey of excitement at Moody Gardens in Galveston, who recently was recognized with TripAdvisor’s 2016 Certificate of Excellence Award, for amazing summer fun.

WINGS OF WONDER:  This summer, visitors will have the chance to get up close to owls, falcons, hawks, vultures and a variety of other bird species as they learn about these amazing creatures and their place in nature at Moody Gardens live bird presentation series, Wings of Wonder. The live bird shows will focus on history, special traits and demonstrate the natural skills of some of the most notorious avian creatures in the world.

photo credit: Jerri Hamachek

During this half-hour presentation guests will learn about conservation, biology of the various bird species and be witness to these amazing creatures being put into flight through commands by their trainer, Kevin Gaines of Wildlife Revealed. Visitors will also have the rare opportunity to view the birds’ hunting styles and techniques as the animals soar overhead. Wildlife Revealed, is partnering with Moody Gardens to offer this one-of-a-kind show for bird lovers throughout the region as both of the non-profit organizations share the common mission of education and conservation.

“We are very excited to offer this special experience to our guests,” said Moody Gardens President and CEO, John Zendt. “We hope that this series will educate visitors of the importance of these birds and give a better understanding on conservation of the species.”

Tickets are $7.95 for general admission. This price will be included for Moody Gardens memberships as well as the Day Pass, which gives access to all attractions. Shows are scheduled daily June 4 – August 20th at 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the white tent located near the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat dock. For more information including group pricing call 800-582-4673 or visit www.moodygardens.org.

SUMMER MUSICALS AT MOODY GARDENS HOTEL, SPA & CONVENTION CENTER: Toes are sure to tap this summer as the musicals, “American Pride,” “The Night the Music Died” and “Hello Dolly,” come to Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center. This July, the three musicals will perform on various dates to hundreds of spectators in the Moody Gardens Convention Center. The musicals are part of Texas Family Musicals Incorporated. TFM is a non-profit theater corporation that produces musicals to launch the careers of young professionals in musical theater.

Dates for the musicals are:

• “American Pride” July 1-4
• “The Night the Music Died” July 7-10
• “Hello Dolly” July 14-16

photo credit: TexasFamilyMusical.com

This year’s musicals are paying tribute to the early beginnings of Galveston Summer Musicals. “American Pride” contains actual scenes from the Lone Star and South Pacific which played each year at the Mary Moody Northern Amphitheater.  “Hello Dolly” was another regular production at the Amphitheater having played there seven straight years. “The Night the Music Died” was created on the outdoor stage the last year of production. It is an original show by the Texas Family Musicals and has played each year since its inception.  It plays to capacity crowds each time.  All shows are tied into the early years of the Galveston Summer Musicals.

Details on the musicals are as follows:

1. “American Pride,” is a spectacular musical about what is right with America. Michael Skiles, Executive Producer says, “Forget the news, set aside the politics and come celebrate what is right with America today with Texas Family Musicals’ production of American Pride. A new musical written and directed by The Waltons’ Judy Norton”.
2. “The Night the Music Died” brings music from Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper to life! “Through the magic of theater, this concert comes back to life in full blast where the audience will actually feel that they were there on that fateful night,” said Skiles.
3. “Hello Dolly” is a Tony Award winning classic that features Judy Norton (The Waltons) and Don Most (Happy Days). Skiles says, “Audiences never tire of this classic musical and our production that follows the story of how Mrs. Doll Levi plays matchmaker.”

Ticket prices are $25-$40 with a $4 discount per ticket for seniors 65 and over. Special prices for groups, seniors and children. To purchase tickets call toll free at 1-855-668-1221 or to purchase online, go to www.texasfamilymusicals.com.