COEUR d'ALENE - Here are two reasons to attend the Coeur d'Alene Symphony's Labor Day Concert in the Park on Monday.

It's free and, says symphony booster Bob Bittick, it's going to be great.

And if you need a third, here it is:

"We want people to hear what's coming up this season," he said.

The symphony's 1 p.m. performance at Coeur d'Alene City Park is being billed as "the best Coeur d'Alene has to offer as you lay in the sun with your picnic on the lawn, listening to a selection of pops, patriotic and light classics from the full orchestra."

Selections will include a James Bond medley, the Armed Forces salute and themes from "Pirates of the Caribbean."

Two of the National Young Artist Competition winners, Tim Angel on violin and Joe Porter on marimba will be featured soloists.

The concert will conclude with the monumental "1812 Overture" by Tchaikovsky.

The free performance has become a tradition in its 10 years and draws a few hundred folks to the park for a chance to hear beautiful music in a beautiful setting, Bittick said.

"It's a great spot for this show," he said.

Even the weather is cooperating, with a forecast of sunny skies and temperatures in the high 70s.

The symphony also uses the concert as a chance to highlight its upcoming season and spark ticket sales.

Conductor David Demand will outline the lineup that includes:

• Friday, Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 13, 2 p.m. - Scotland Forever! This is a Scottish tribute concert.

• Saturday, Dec. 8, 2 and 7:30 p.m. - Amahl and the Night Visitors. A Christmas story set to music, with dancers, singers and chamber orchestra. "This is a super thing for the family," Bittick said.

• Friday, March 8, 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, March 9, 2 p.m., National Young Artist Competition winners. Seven young artists will perform with the symphony.

• Friday, May 3, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 4, 2 p.m., season finale. Concerto #2 for jazz piano and orchestra by local composer Brent Edstrom. Symphony #3 "Eroica," Beethoven.

Concerts will be at a new venue, the Kroc Center.

"It's going to be a great season," Bittick said.

In addition to the regular series, the symphony will be joined by the Northwest Sacred Music Chorale and St. George's Choir for the traditional "Messiah" sing along on Dec. 1, 7 p.m., Lake City Community Church.

The Black and White Ball will be Jan. 19 at the Coeur d'Alene Best Western Inn.

Bittick said tickets will be available at Monday's concert. A special is the "Big Bang for your Bucks Deal" that offers all six events for $100.

Season tickets for the four concerts are $65 for adults, $50 for seniors, $32 for youth and students.

Those planning to attend should bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Info: 765-3833 or www.cdasymphony.org