The Hamilton Community Foundation and Butler Philharmonic will celebrate their shared 75th anniversaries with a free live orchestrated showing of Disney’s & Pixar’s Toy Story at RiversEdge Amphitheater on Friday, September 18, 2026. 

The free community event will feature the Butler Philharmonic performing Disney and Pixar's Toy Story in Concert, presenting a screening of the groundbreaking film alongside Oscar® and Grammy®-winning composer Randy Newman's musical score performed live by the orchestra — creating a one-of-a-kind outdoor movie night for families, neighbors, and music lovers across the region. The film's dialogue, songs, and effects will remain part of the movie presentation, while the Philharmonic performs the score live in sync with the film. 

Conducted by Dr. Scott Woodard, of the Butler Philharmonic Orchestra, the performance represents one of the most ambitious public productions in the Philharmonic’s history and showcases the organization’s artistic strength, technical ability, and continued commitment to serving the community through live music. 

The performance is made possible by the Reinhold and Emma Schwarz Fund for Music, Dance, and Performance at the Hamilton Community Foundation. Reinhold Schwarz was deeply involved in Hamilton’s music community for decades as a clarinetist, saxophonist, teacher, bandleader, and performer with groups including the Hamilton Symphony Orchestra and Klaberheads. Emma Schwarz shared his love of music and dance, often accompanying him to performances and celebrating the joy that music brought into their lives.  

“This is exactly the kind of moment that reflects what community philanthropy can make possible,” said John Guidugli, President and CEO of the Foundation. “As the Foundation celebrates 75 years of working alongside donors, nonprofits, and community partners, we are grateful to help bring an experience like this to Hamilton. It honors the Schwarz family’s love of music, celebrates the Butler Philharmonic’s remarkable legacy, and creates a welcoming opportunity for the whole community to gather and enjoy the arts together.” 

“For 75 years, the Butler Philharmonic has been proud to share live orchestral music with this community,” said Missy Beers, General Manager of the Butler Philharmonic Orchestra. “Performing the score of Toy Story live with the film is an exciting artistic challenge and a joyful way to welcome people of all ages into the experience of live music. This experience will allow our musicians to showcase their hard work, while creating unforgettable memories. It is an honor that will have a lasting impact on both our musicians, our program, and our community.” 

Both the Hamilton Community Foundation and Butler Philharmonic mark their 75th anniversaries in 2026. The organizations have worked together since their earliest years, connected by a shared belief that music, culture, and community gathering places help strengthen Hamilton’s quality of life. 

The event is being planned in partnership with RiversEdge, Christian’s Corn Stand Jam, the City of Hamilton, and Hamilton Parks Conservancy. Food trucks and beverages will be available for purchase through RiversEdge, as with other RiversEdge events. 

The performance is free and open to the public. No registration or ticket is required. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets. The event is expected to begin near sunset, with the final start time to be announced. In the event of severe weather, the performance will be rescheduled. 

Event Details 

What: Free live orchestrated showing of Disney’s Toy Story featuring the Butler Philharmonic 
When: Friday, September 18, 2026 
Time: Evening, Movie starts around 8pm 
Where: RiversEdge Amphitheater, Hamilton, Ohio 
Cost: Free, no registration required 
Seating: Lawn seating. Guests may bring chairs and blankets. 
Food and beverages: Available for purchase onsite 

ABOUT DISNEY CONCERTS 

Disney Concerts is the concert production and licensing division of Disney Music Group, the music arm of The Walt Disney Company. Disney Concerts produces concerts and tours, and licenses Disney music and visual content to symphony orchestras, choruses and presenters on a worldwide basis. Disney Concerts’ concert packages include a variety of formats, such as “live-to-picture” film concerts, and themed instrumental and vocal compilation concerts that range from instrumental-only symphonic performances to multimedia productions featuring live vocalists and choirs. Showcasing concerts from the largest movie franchises in the world and the most iconic studios in entertainment – Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Pixar Animation Studios, 20th Century Studios and National Geographic – Disney Concerts delivers world-class specialty entertainment, from bespoke performances to blockbuster hits, classics to seasonal favorites, in many of the world’s leading venues. Current and upcoming titles include the Star Wars Film Concert Series, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Infinity Saga Concert Experience, Black Panther, Moana, Frozen, The Lion King, Coco, Waiting to Exhale, Disney Princess: The Concert, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Toy Story, Edward Scissorhands, Home Alone 2, and the hit Worlds Collide Concert Tour. For more information visit www.disneyconcerts.com.