Available Press Releases

NEW - 2007 Fireworks Lineup (leaves this page)

July 4, 2007 - Family, Fun and Fireworks

Pyro To Dazzle AmericaFest 2007 at Rose Bowl Pasadena

AmericaFest 2007 Tickets and Information

AmericaFest 2006 Slide Show

Pyro Presents Elvis: An American Idol

Pyro to Repesent USA at Montreal Fireworks Festival

Fireworks Family Passing Down Secrets

Rialto Fireworks King Skyrockets Lead Industry

How Fireworks Work

PYRO SPECTACULARS by SOUZA PLANS

4TH OF JULY FAMILY, FUN & FIREWORKS

Rialto, CA, June 19, 2007 -- Pyro Spectaculars by Souza, a premier pyrotechnic display company in America, invites you to attend one of its more than 400 Independence Day celebrations to be staged across this great nation. The 5th generation Souza family business is preparing for its busiest day of the year. “We never stop preparing for the 4th of July,” says James Souza, president. “There are millions of people that depend on us to create a magical summer night for them, with the great American tradition of fireworks.”

THE NATION'S BIGGEST DISPLAYS!

Several of our nation's largest displays come from this famous family of pyrotechnicians, from the largest display in the nation, Macy’s 4th of July Spectacular in New York City, to the Boston Pops, and from Houston’s Big Bang to Honolulu.

As always, the Macy's display will be telecast nation wide on NBC stations. This year Pyro Spectaculars by Souza is thrilled to add the famous Rose Bowl in Pasadena to the list of 4th of July broadcasts, this year on CBS. CBS will also include the beautiful and exciting CBS Studios display from Studio City, California on it Independence day lineup.

California is also a very popular place to view the Souza brand of entertainment at regional displays in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Redlands, Pomona (Fairplex), Carson (Home Depot Center), Long Beach and the Los Angeles Coliseum.

A PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES!

The magic only happens because of the hard work contrubuted by so many dedicated professionals, staff, helpers and volunteers across the country. These people give up their holiday because they believe in the great tradition of fireworks on the 4th of July. It is only with the support of the sponsors, fire departments, government agencies and the thousands of volunteers that such an extraordinary undertaking is possible. "We have thousands and thousands of pieces of specialized equipment that can only be used for one thing, and 95% of it is only used one day a year," Souza reminds us. "We go from a few shows a week to more than 400 shows in one day."

“An American Joourney” is the 2007 title of the company’s Pyro Musical production. These displays bring not only fireworks but a story of patriotism and pride to all Americans as we celebrate more than 200 years of Freedom. Narration and patriotic music are designed to tell the story of American history, from our forefathers signing of the Declaration of Independence to great symbols like the Liberty Bell and Statue of Liberty. It just would not be a Souza fireworks show unless there were special tributes to those Americans that keep us safe so that we can celebrate our independence. The show concludes with the famous “Souza grand finale” performed to the Stars and Stripes Forever.

DEFINING STATE OF THE ART!

High definition comes to fireworks with fabulous new effects that dazzle the eyes and the imagination with multiple sparkling effects like you have never seen. Extra portions have been brought in of the crowd’s favorites like, Happy Face, Whistling Dixie, and The Americana along with the “Souza Signature” aerial firework, the “Golden Eagle” that will form a giant golden canopy cascading from the sky at our largest displays.

ABOUT PYRO SPECTACULARS BY SOUZA

Safety comes first at Pyro Spectaculars. More than 2500 pyrotechnic operators and crew have been licensed by the State of California and trained by our company though "Pyro University." This year-long program provides training and up to date information on new products, equipment and regulations. The training is offered to new and current pyrotechnic operators and to local fire services. For more information on how to become an operator, see the Pyro Spectaculars Web site at http://pyrospectaculars.com/techniciantraining.html

Pyro Spectaculars by Souza has produced many national and international events such as the Olympics, Super Bowls, Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, Statue of Liberty Centennial and many more world class events. The Souza family has been featured in many news articles and documentaries including the Discovery Channel, Learning Channel, The NBC Today Show, ABC Good Morning America and People Magazine.

The company is a leader in the fireworks display industry pioneering the use of electronic and computer controlled displays. Fusing together the ancient art of fireworks with modern technology keeps the 5th generation Souza’s in the forefront of the industry.

The company specializes in presenting large public displays and offers full service programs to the hundreds of communities celebrating this 4th of July with traditional fireworks shows as well as state-of-the-art pyrotechnics exploding to synchronized sound tracks and performances at parks, piers, golf courses, country clubs and even over the ocean.

Click here to see a list of Major Displays being presented by Pyro Spectaculars for the Indepence Day Celebrations around the nation. Some may be in your area.

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PYRO SPECTACULARS by SOUZA TO DAZZLE

AMERICAFEST® 2007 AT PASADENA ROSE BOWL

Pasadena, CA, June 19, 2007 -- Pyro Spectaculars by Souza will again present a dazzling display of fireworks for AmericaFest® 2007, the 81st Annual Fourth of July Celebration at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on July 4, 2007. 

“We are very pleased to continue our decades long participation in AmericaFest,” announced Jim Souza, President of Pyro Spectaculars by Souza. “We have some incredible new fireworks to show off, including our High Definition Fireworks™ that are state of the art pyrotechnic artistry.”

Paul Souza, Jim’s son and a fifth generation pyrotechnician, will work with his father in producing the 2007 AmericaFest fireworks. “I have been working with the testing of the new designs, and I will tell you they are really impressive,” Paul reports.

The event is also scheduled to be featured in a CBS Independence Day broadcast. But, Jim Souza reminds us, “Don’t forget the best way to celebrate our nation’s most patriotic holiday is to come out to the Rose Bowl, enjoy a warm summer evening, and feel the excitement of the music and fireworks.”

Indeed, the Rose Bowl is planning a fun 4th of July for all guests starting at noon with its Food and Fun Festival, followed by the popular Patriotic Concert by the California Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Victor Vener, inside the Rose Bowl at 7:00 p.m. 

The fireworks start at 9:00 p.m. and will feature lots of never-before-seen fireworks effects choreographed to a musical program. “The Rose Bowl is such a beautiful place to watch fireworks,” we were told by dozens of families that watched last year’s AmericaFest fireworks. “Inside the stadium is the best place to watch because you can hear and see everything,” Jim Souza told us.

Better get your tickets early for this one. As big as the Rose Bowl is, some of the interior space is taken for the fireworks that are presented exclusively for ticket holders that are seated inside.  With the popularity of this event growing by leaps and bounds each year, better make sure you have your tickets for this exciting event. 

Get additional information by calling 626-577-3101 or visit the Rose Bowl Web site at:

AmericaFest 2007 Tickets and Information

PICTURES OF AMERICAFEST 2006

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PYRO SPECTACULARS by SOUZA

INVITES YOU TO MONTREAL FOR

MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS FESTIVAL

RIALTO, CALIF., JUNE18, 2007 -- Pyro Spectaculars by Souza is pleased to invite you to join them as they represent the United States of America with a grand display of fireworks at the world famous L’International des Feux Loto-Québec on July 14, 2007 in Montreal Canada, as they present:

ELVIS PRESLEY: AN AMERICAN IDOL

Pyro Spectaculars by Souza will present a “live” Sky Concert saluting the “King of Rock ‘n Roll” - Elvis! at the world famous Montreal International Fireworks Festival in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on July 14, 2007.

Elvis Presley, a true American Idol, had a sound and style that uniquely combined his diverse musical influences and ushered in a whole new era of American music and popular culture.

Elvis’ musical influences ran from American pop and the country music of the time, to gospel and R&B.

Pyro Spectaculars by Souza will perform “live” with their fireworks to the music of Elvis, including the famous Hound Dog and Jail House Rock, the familiar Viva Las Vegas and Blue Suede Shoes and a moving grand finale to the American Trilogy.

The firework performances will be as varied and diverse as the music of Elvis with gyrating Tourbillions, dancing Sousa Comets, the broad spectrum Colored Rain and the company’s signature Golden Eagle with Thundering Platinum salutes.

Join Pyro Spectaculars by Souza on this fascinating Pyro musical journey and travel back in the radiance of the fireworks' light to the timeless music that earned Elvis the title "King of Rock 'n Roll."  Elvis Presley: a true “American Idol.”

In the words of the Festival Program:

Five generations have built up this family firm—the largest in the United States—with achievements that include the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1984, 1996, and 2004 Olympic Games. This year’s show pays fiery tribute to the King himself, Elvis Presley. Through his most immortal songs, a people’s mania for one of its greatest idols is reflected in the sky, where the light of those who never die burns forever bright.
 

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PYRO SPECTACULARS by SOUZA

REPRESENTING U.S.A. AT

MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS FESTIVAL

RIALTO, Calif., May 7, 2007 -- Pyro Spectaculars by Souza is honored to have been selected once again to represent the United States with a grand display of fireworks at the world famous L’International des Feux Loto-Québec on July 14, 2007 in Montreal Canada.

Also known as the Montreal International Fireworks Festival, the event runs for more than a month and includes examples of the finest displays from the most brilliant show designers and companies in the world. Each company has its own night to put on its display for visitors to La Ronde Park and the City of Montreal. The event will take place on nine different nights between June 20 and July 28, 2007.

"We really have our hands full presenting the U.S. display on July 14 because we are all still reeling from hundreds of shows on the 4th of July," reported Jim Souza, President of Pyro Spectaculars by Souza and the designer of the United States display planned for the Montreal gala.

But I wouldn't worry too much about Pyro Spectaculars by Souza getting their show ready for this confluence of elite pyrotechnic talent. "We have a little twist on the concept of The American Idol that we think will be a big hit" Souza told me through a sideways grin. He wouldn't give me details other than to say the show would be performed to the music of a great American Rock 'n Roll legend that would remind all the American fireworks fans present in Montreal of America the beautiful and the green grass of home.

The Motreal Festival was created in 1985 at the largest amusement park in the Canadian Province of Quebec. Vistors to the park can purchase tickets for a ring side seat, but millions watch the displays around the city of Montreal

Spectators are never disappointed with the pyrotechnic mastery from the world's finest artists. According to the US representative, Jim Souza, the results are driven by the competitive nature of the artists themselves. "We are all inspired to work to our highest possible levels because we know how great the others are, and we want our best to be displayed."

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Five-Generation Fireworks Family

Passing Down the Secrets

One thing you don't do around the Souza home is light a match. That’s because the Souza family is a major player in the American fireworks industry, an industry with a bright future, so-to-speak, but steeped in past traditions of a family business. The family has passed down their pyrotechnic knowledge from generation to generation, trusting only family members with secret formulas that produce the “rocket’s red glare” we’ve come to expect.

"Once the fuse is lit in a family, it stays lit," says Jim Souza, a fourth generation pyrotechnicist carrying on the family business with Pyro Spectaculars by Souza, Inc. of Rialto, California, and president of the American Pyrotechnic Association. "Many businesses founded by one family member rarely continue past one generation. The fireworks business is different."

Like many in fireworks, the Souza family is very busy this time of year as the nation prepares for its Independence Day celebration. As the fireworks business grows -- it has doubled since 1976, according to the Maryland-based American Pyrotechnics Association -- so do the families that supply them. For most of the icons, it is the third and fourth generations that are now emerging as supreme "sky artists" who are pushing the limits of fireworks as entertainment.

The American Pyrotechnics Association says that one reason fireworks stays in the family is that the training involved in fireworks is precise and dangerous, and the chances and consequences of mistakes are demonstrable. Most of the family members can point to excellent safety records, although each will be able to show scars or maimed fingers as proof positive it's risky business. The family has also learned to rely on one another to keep a comfortable degree of safety.

After 9-11 and the resultant Homeland Security Act, the business of pyrotechnic entertainment has become increasingly more difficult. While the consumer fireworks industry is achieving record breaking sales and profit, things are not so profitable for the professional public display side of the industry.

“The display industry has encountered an onslaught of additional regulation following the events of 9-11, due to homeland security concerns,” says Julie L. Heckman, Executive Director of the American Pyrotechnics Association. “Add increases in insurance costs, coupled with surges in transportation and fuel fees, criminal background check and fingerprinting for employees and these professional companies are finding it extremely difficult to tow the bottom line, let alone make a profit,” she said. For more information on the Rialto, California family business, please contact Jay Geer at Miller Geer Arizmendez.

Thank you for your consideration.

Richard Damrel
Miller Geer Arizmendez, Inc.
(562) 818-0369

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Rialto Fireworks King Skyrockets to Lead Industry

American Pyrotechnics Association Elects Jim Souza President

RIALTO, California, (May 31, 2005) – The American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) has elected Jim Souza of Pyro Spectaculars by Souza, president for fiscal year 2005. The APA represents more than 250 manufacturers, importers, consumer fireworks retailers and professional fireworks display and special effects companies. Souza was elected by popular ballot to lead the association in what promises to be a challenging year for the industry.

“It’s an honor to serve as president of the APA,” says Souza, a two-time association board member. “With the enactment of the Safe Explosives Act and other homeland security requirements, the current regulatory climate is severe and we have many issues facing our industry.”

The Safe Explosives Act has made the business of pyrotechnic entertainment more demanding. While the consumer fireworks industry is achieving record breaking sales and profit due to the resurgence in national pride and patriotism since 9-11, things are less profitable for the professional public display side of the industry.

“This year the industry has come under severe regulatory pressure,” says Julie L. Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association. “Fortunately, Jim is an outstanding leader and visionary. He is focused on the entire industry-special effects, close proximity pyrotechnics and fireworks retailers as well as the pyrotechnic display professionals.”

Souza’s company, Pyro Spectaculars by Souza, is the fifth generation of Souzas to be in the pyrotechnics business. Headquartered in Rialto, California, the company has safely presented thousands of fireworks displays for the public including the Atlanta and Salt Lake City Olympic Games. The family has passed down their pyrotechnic knowledge from generation to generation, trusting only family members with secret formulas that produce the “rocket’s red glare” Americans across the nation have come to expect.

Richard Damrel
Miller Geer Arizmendez, Inc.
(562) 818-0369

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