The Bowl’s boom man

Every Fourth of July for the past 36 years, Gene Evans has holed up in a cramped room inside the Hollywood Bowl as fireworks burst above.

He hears the sound of the orchestra playing along with the rhythm of the explosions in the sky and the oohs and aahs from the audience around him, but he still stays hidden. It’s not that he’s afraid. It’s not that he doesn’t love the holiday. It’s Evans who is making the magic in the sky happen. He’s the one who spends months planning the show, who spends hours in the desert testing the pyrotechnics’ characteristics. And he’s the one who pushes the buttons that launch the chemicals that paint the sky -- and amaze the crowd -- every Independence Day.

“We don’t want them to think about all the work necessary,” Evans says. “We want it to be magic.”

There are dozens of public displays throughout the Southland every Fourth of July, and Evans’ show at the Hollywood Bowl is among the most creative. Since the Hollywood Bowl doesn’t have the wide-open spaces that sites like the waterfront or a stadium can provide, Evans has to keep the fireworks close and intense.

Teamed up with orchestra conductor John Mauceri, Evans not only plans out the displays, he times them to Mauceri’s live music. “Not to toot my own horn, but I think reaction is 99% positive,” Evans says. “Or maybe higher.”

Evans runs more than a dozen other fireworks shows a summer at the Hollywood Bowl, along with putting on displays all over the county and the world for his company, Pyro Spectaculars. But the Fourth of July is always a special show to him. “I’m a very patriotic person,” Evans says. “I’m just tickled to be part of this country.”

Not that the routine ever gets mundane. “As many years as I’ve been doing this,” Evans says, “I still get stage fright.”

Maybe it’s a good thing he gets to hide in the tiny room.

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(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

Fireworks

For more information about these and other professional fireworks programs:

* L.A. County: www.lafd.org/july4.htmor (888) 654-FIRE.

* Orange County: (714) 573-6225 or

www.ocfa.org/allriskcomsafety/fireworks.pdf

* Ventura County: www.fire.countyofventura.org/publicinformation/newsreleases/July4thFi reworksSafety2005.htm

* Riverside County: www.rvcfire.org

All events are taking place Monday unless noted otherwise.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Baldwin Park Fireworks at 9 p.m. Sierra Vista High School, 3600 Frazier St. (626) 960-7741.

Bellflower Fireworks at 9 p.m. Thompson Park, 14001 Bellflower Blvd. Sun. (562) 925-6601.

Burbank A holiday concert with the Tex Beneke Orchestra, the Modernaires, the Chordettes and the Coasters will be followed by a fireworks display. Gates open at 6 p.m.; music 6:30-9 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Starlight Bowl, 1249 Lockheed View Drive. $7-$120. (818) 525-3721.

Calabasas 9 p.m. Calabasas High School, 22855 Mulholland Highway. (818) 222-7177.

Castaic 9 p.m. Castaic Lake Recreation Area, 32132 Ridge Route Road. (805) 257-4050.

Catalina Island Fireworks will be shot off a barge in Isthmus Cove in Avalon. 9 p.m. Sun. (310) 510-1520.

Claremont Fireworks at 9 p.m. on the hammer throw field, Pomona College, 340 N. College Ave. (909) 621-8000.

Cudahy Fireworks at 9 p.m. Cudahy Park, 5220 Santa Ana St.. Sun. (323) 773-5143.

Dodger Stadium Fireworks display at the conclusion of the game between the Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks. Game time is 7:10 p.m. Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., L.A. Sun. Tickets start at $6. (323) 224-1459.

Gardena Fireworks at 9 p.m. on the baseball diamond. Rowley Park, 13220 S. Van Ness Ave. (310) 515-9456.

Glendora 9 p.m. Citrus College, 1000 W. Foothill Blvd. (626) 914-8549.

Hollywood Bowl The July Fourth fireworks spectacular this year celebrates the 50th anniversary of Disneyland. John Mauceri conducts the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. Sat.-Mon., 7:30 p.m. $7-$140. (323) 850-2000.

Huntington Park Live entertainment begins at 6 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Huntington Park High School, 6020 Miles Ave. (323) 584-6218.

Inglewood 9 p.m. Ed Vincent Park, Centinela and Florence avenues. (310) 412-5210.

Irwindale Festivities begin at 6 p.m. Irwindale Speedway, 13300 E. Live Oak Ave. Sat. (626) 358-1100.

La Crescenta 9 p.m. in the activities field, Crescenta Valley High School, 4400 Ramsdell Ave.

La Habra Family-style entertainment begins at 5 p.m.; fireworks at 9:15 p.m. La Habra High School, 801 Highlander Ave. $1-$3. (562) 905-9708.

Lakeview Terrace A three-day multiethnic festival culminates with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. See www.hansen4th.com. Hansen Dam Sports Center, Foothill Boulevard at Osborne Street. (818) 987-9001.

La Mirada 9 p.m. La Mirada High School, 13520 Adelfa Drive. Sun. (562) 943-0231.

Lancaster Fireworks following the JetHawk game at about 9:30 p.m. at the Lancaster JetHawks’ field, 45116 Valley Central Way. (661) 726-5400.

Lancaster Holiday festivities begin at 6 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, Avenue H at the 14 freeway. (661) 723-6077.

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum An all-day fair and jazz concert in Leimert Park, 43rd Street at Degnan Boulevard, will conclude with fireworks from the Coliseum. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, 3911 S. Figueroa St., L.A. (213) 473-7008.

Malibu Fireworks at 9 p.m. from a barge offshore of 80 Malibu Colony Road. (310) 456-2489.

Marina del Rey Fireworks at 9 p.m. on the harbor, 12483 Fiji Way. (310)-305-9545

Palmdale Fireworks at 9 p.m. on the football field at Palmdale High School, 2137 E. Ave. R. (661) 267-5611.

Pasadena The Pasadena Pops Orchestra will perform starting at 6:45 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive. $10, 4 and younger, free. (626) 792-7677.

Placentia Food, games and family-style entertainment begins at 6 p.m.; fireworks at 9. Bradford Stadium, 500 N. Bradford St. $2-$6, 2 and younger, free. (714) 993-8204.

Pomona Fairplex The 19th annual “Kaboom!” July Fourth celebration with monster trucks, motorcycle daredevils and fireworks. Gates open at 5 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave. 8 p.m. $12-$19.50, 2 and younger, free. (909) 865-4047.

Redondo Beach All-day festivities, including live music and other attractions, will conclude with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. off a barge in King Harbor. Redondo Beach Pier, 100 W. Torrance Blvd. Free. (310) 318-0631, Ext. 2.

Rosemead 9 p.m. Rosemead Park, 4343 Encinita Ave. (626) 569-2256.

Santa Clarita Fireworks at 9 p.m. off the roof of the parking structure at Valencia Town Center, 24201 W. Valencia Blvd., Valencia. (661) 287-9050.

Santa Fe Springs All-day festivities will conclude with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. Los Nietos Park, 11143 Charlesworth Road. Free. (562) 948-1986.

Santa Monica “Celebrate America” will feature live entertainment and other attractions. Picnics welcome. Gates open at 5 p.m.; entertainment at 6; fireworks at dusk. Corsair Field at Santa Monica College, 1900 Pico Blvd. Sat. Free. (310) 434-3000.

South El Monte 9 p.m. South El Monte High School, 1001 Durfee Ave., Sun. (626) 442-0218.

Six Flags Magic Mountain Park is open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Six Flags Magic Mountain, 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia. $29.99-$47.99. (661) 255-4100.

South Gate 9 p.m. on the field next to the golf course, South Gate Farmers Market, 4900 Southern Ave., South Gate Park, between Tweedy Boulevard and Walnut Avenue. (310) 635-7938.

Studio City Studio City’s annual festival will feature the Cody Bryant Show, a musical tribute to Bruce Springsteen and others, followed by a fireworks show. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.; music starts at 5 p.m. CBS Studio Center, 4024 Radford Ave. $8-$15, 4 and younger, free. $75 VIP tickets. (818) 655-5916.

Torrance Fireworks at 9 p.m. from a barge off of Torrance Beach, Torrance Beach Paseo de la Playa. (310) 372-2166.

Valencia Fireworks, from 9:15 to 9:45 p.m., can be viewed from the parking lot of the Valencia Town Center, 24201 W. Valencia Blvd. Free. (661) 286-4018.

Woodland Hills A concert by Captain Cardiac and the Coronaries and Don Sweeney and the SRO Orchestra will be followed by a fireworks display. Music at 6 p.m. Warner Park, 5900 Topanga Canyon Blvd. (818) 704-1358.

ORANGE COUNTY

Aliso Viejo Community festival with live music, food, games and fireworks. Gates open at 5 p.m. Grand Park, 26600 Horizon. (949) 362-5890.

Anaheim Canyon Hills community’s all-day July Fourth celebration with food, games, live entertainment and fireworks. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Peralta Park, 115 N. Pinney St.. (714) 974-0859.

Angels Stadium Fireworks after the game between the Angels and Minnesota. Game starts at 6:05 p.m. Angel Stadium, 2000 Gene Autry Way, Anaheim. Tickets start at $9. (714) 634-2000.

Dana Point Fireworks shot off a barge will be visible from the park. Music at 6:30 p.m.; fireworks at 9. Lantern Bay Park, 25111 Dana Point Harbor Drive. (949) 248-3530.

Dana Point The Ocean Institute will offer a sunset cruise to view fireworks. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive. 7 p.m. $27-$35, 3 and younger, free. (949) 496-2274.

Disneyland The park will have a patriotic finale to its usual nightly show commemorating its 50th anniversary. Disneyland, 1313 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim. 9:25 p.m. (714) 781-4565.

Fullerton The 16th annual community fireworks show at Fullerton High School Stadium. Also music, games and food. Gates open at 5 p.m.; fireworks at 9. Fullerton High School, 201 E. Chapman Ave. (714) 738-6545.

Huntington Beach All-day community July Fourth celebrations culminate in a fireworks display at 9 p.m. Huntington Beach Pier Plaza, Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street. (714) 536-5281.

Irvine Annual Concert on the Green and Fireworks Festival; gates open at 3 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Irvine High School, 4321 Walnut Ave. $7-$12. (949) 724-0488.

Knott’s Berry Farm Park is open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park. $14.95-$35, 2 and younger, free. (714) 220-5200.

Laguna Beach Fireworks will be shot from Monument Point at Heisler Park, with best viewing from the main beach. Starts after dusk. Free. (800) 877-1115.

Laguna Hills Live music, food, games, rides and other attractions. Gates open at 4 p.m.; fireworks at 9. Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Parkway. Free. (949) 707-2680.

Laguna Niguel All-day festivities will conclude with fireworks at 9 p.m., visible from the Laguna Niguel Regional Park, 28241 La Paz Road. (949) 425-5100.

Los Alamitos Gates open at 4 p.m.; no motor homes allowed; family-style entertainment begins at 6 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Valid ID will be required for adults. Joint Forces Training Base, Katella Avenue at Lexington Drive. (562) 430-1073.

Mission Viejo A street fair with crafts, rides, food and entertainment starts at noon on Olympiad Road between Marguerite Parkway and Melinda Road. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Free. (949) 830-7066.

Newport Beach All-day festivities will include rides, crafts, games, contests and music. Gates open at 7 a.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Newport Dunes Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive. $25 per car. (949) 729-3863.

Orange The city’s 10th annual July Third celebration will feature games, a petting zoo, rides and fireworks. 4-9 p.m. Fred Kelly Stadium at El Modena High School, 3920 Spring St. Sun. (714) 744-7278.

San Clemente Fireworks will begin at dusk from the end of the San Clemente Pier, 600 block of Avenida Victoria. Free. (714) 361-8260.

San Juan Capistrano Train rides, pony rides, live music and other attractions, 4-9 p.m.; fireworks at 9. San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, 25925 Camino del Avion. Free. (949) 493-5911.

Tustin Live music; picnics welcome. Gates open at 6 p.m.; fireworks at 9. Tustin High School Northrup Field, 1171 El Camino Real. Sun. Free. (714) 573-3326.

Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Orange County’s Pacific Symphony kicks off its summer season led by principal pops conductor Richard Kaufman. The Kingston Trio sings their hits, plus patriotic favorites and a tribute to John Wayne. Also on the program: TV’s Pat Sajak reads the classic poem “Casey at the Bat.” The evening concludes with fireworks. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. 8 p.m. $18-$101. (714) 755-5799.

Westminster Gates open at 5 p.m.; entertainment begins at 5:30 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Westminster High School Stadium, 14325 Golden West St. Free. (714) 895-2860.

Yorba Linda Gates open at 4 p.m.; food, games and other attractions; fireworks at 9 p.m. Valley View Sports Park, 4756 Valley View Ave. Free. (714) 961-7160.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

Indio Fireworks at 9 p.m., sponsored by the fairgrounds. Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival, 46-350 Arabia St. at Highway 111. (800) 811-FAIR.

Lake Elsinore Fireworks follow the 7 p.m. Lake Elsinore Storm baseball game. The Diamond, 500 Diamond Drive. (951) 245-HITS.

Moreno Valley All-day festivities; Tommy James and the Shondels headline a musical lineup that starts at noon. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Morrison Park, Dracaea Avenue and Morrison Street. (951) 413-3281.

Palm Desert Fireworks at 9 p.m., sponsored by the city, at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park. (760) 346-0611.

Temecula All-day festivities; fireworks at 9 p.m., sponsored by the city of Temecula. Rancho California Sports Park, 30875 Rancho Vista Road. (951) 694-6480.

SANTA BARBARA

Santa Barbara Fireworks from a barge offshore Santa Barbara Harbor at about 9 p.m. Free. (805) 965-3023, Ext. 10.

SAN BERNARDINO

Chino A free day of family fun, including rides, games, live entertainment, classic cars and fireworks, will run from 3-9 p.m. Chino High School, 5472 Park Place. (909) 628-1571.

Ontario Ontario’s Star-Spangled Fourth of July Celebration includes family festivities, rides and games in the afternoon at Westwind Park and then a patriotic fireworks display choreographed to music. Festivities start at 5 p.m. Westwind Park, 2425 Riverside Drive. (909) 390-3346.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Legoland Fireworks start at 8:30 p.m. The park will be open extended hours on July 4. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Legoland, 1 Lego Drive, Carlsbad. (760) 918-5346.

Petco Park Fireworks following the 7:05 p.m. game between the Padres and San Francisco Giants. Petco Park, between 7th and 10th avenues along J Street, San Diego. Sat. Tickets start at $12. (619) 881-6500.

VENTURA COUNTY

Camarillo Gates open at 3 p.m. Food, raffles, jolly jumpers, live entertainment and other attractions, 4-8 p.m. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Camarillo Airport, 455 Aviation Drive. (805) 484-8388, Ext. 395.

Moorpark Fireworks at 9 p.m. Arroyo Vista Community Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road. Sun. (805) 517-6300.

Fillmore Fireworks at dusk, Fillmore High School, 555 Central Ave. (805) 524-1500.

Ojai Fireworks at 9 p.m. Nordhoff High School, 1401 Maricopa Highway. (805) 646-4295.

Oxnard All-day festivities, including a parade, live entertainment, arts, crafts, rides, games and food, will culminate with a fireworks display over the harbor at 9 p.m. Channel Islands Harbor Oxnard, Victoria Avenue and Channel Islands Boulevard. (805) 985-4852.

Santa Paula Fireworks at dusk. Harding Park, Harvard Boulevard. (805) 933-4226.

Simi Valley Festivities start at 3 p.m. with games, rides, live entertainment and other attractions. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Simi Valley High School, 5400 Cochran St. $6-$9, 3 and younger, free. (805) 584-4400.

Thousand Oaks The city of Thousand Oaks concludes its daylong celebration with fireworks at 9 p.m., with best viewing from the Oaks Mall and Janss Marketplace parking lots. Free. The Oaks Mall, 222 W. Hillcrest Drive. (805) 381-2747.

Ventura Fireworks at dusk. Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road. (805) 654-6400.