The Columbus Symphony has announced the 2007 season of its outdoor summer concert series—the Fifth Third Bank Picnic with the Pops and Popcorn Pops. Both series take place on the lawn of Chemical Abstracts Services, 2540 Olentangy River Rd., just north of Lane Avenue.
This season marks the 25th year the Symphony and Chemical Abstracts Services have worked together to present one of the most anticipated and exciting summer traditions in Central Ohio.
“More than anything, the Columbus Symphony’s Fifth Third Bank Picnic with the Pops defines summer living in Columbus,” says Columbus Symphony Executive Director Tony Beadle. “Each weekend thousands gather on verdant lawns with friends and family, thanks to our friends at CAS. It is the destination for the ultimate in musical entertainment, and we are proud of our line up this year, its 25th anniversary.”
The summer season will kick off on June 23 with a performance by your Symphony’s music director, Junichi Hirokami and guest soloist Chu-Fang Huang. Patriotic music and dazzling fireworks are showcased in Patriotic Pops on June 30 with guest conductor Scott O’Neil. R&B group and recording act The Pointer Sisters will bring their family affair to Columbus on July 7.
Audience members will find out why “county rocks, but bluegrass rules” with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder on July 14. Clay Aiken of American Idol fame joins the Symphony July 21 to perform his hits from his most recent release, A Thousand Different Ways. On July 28 rock with 50’s legends Sha Na Na when they return to Columbus to prove that “rock and roll is here to stay.” Returning for the grand finale to the 2007 Picnic with the Pops is the Ohio State University Marching Band, August 3 and 4, for two nights of Buckeye classics and a spectacular fireworks display.
Gates open at 6 p.m. for picnicking and fun, and the concert will begin at 8:15 p.m.
The Symphony’s resident staff conductor and kid-favorite Maestro Albert-George Schram will lead the outdoor family concert series, Popcorn Pops. Popcorn Pops features musical selections that highlight popular classical, theatrical, and patriotic themes children of all ages know and love.
These four, fun-filled concerts begin July 6 when Batman, Harry Potter and Superman are all on watch for Popcorn Pops opening night celebration of “Superheroes.” On July 13 have a toe-tappin’ good time and celebrate America with “Red White and Bluegrass.” Enjoy a night of magic with music from Disney classics like Snow White and Pirates of the Caribbean during “It’s a Small World” on July 20. The season concludes July 27 when you share the night with your family and favorite cuddly companion at “Teddy Bear’s Picnic.”
The gates for Popcorn Pops concerts open at 6:30 p.m. for a variety of free pre-concert activities, including a musical petting zoo, face painting, picnicking, and crafts. Popcorn Pops packs fun for everyone this summer! All concerts start at 8 p.m.
Single tickets for both series go on sale May 21 at 8 a.m.
Fifth Third Bank Picnic with the Pops single lawn tickets are $20 in advance or $22 at the gate. Popcorn Pops single lawn tickets, both in advance and at the gate, are $12. Children 2 and under are admitted free of charge at both events.
You may also order tickets online through www.PicnicWiththePops.com, by calling the Symphony’s Customer Service Center at (614) 228-8600, or visiting in person at our ticket office in the Capitol Square Walkway between the Hyatt and City Center.
Discounted advance tickets, valid for any Picnic with the Pops concert are $18 each; Popcorn Pops discount ticketsare $11 each. Both are available at all Columbus area Giant Eagle locations and Fifth Third Bank branches.
Coupon books of six lawn tickets can be purchased for $102 for Picnic with the Pops and $40 for four Popcorn Pops tickets. Coupon books may only be purchased in advance through the Symphony’s Customer Service Center.
Group sales discounts for lawn seating are available for groups of 10 or more people, perfect for birthday parties, family reunions, and more. Table subscriptions for the 2007 Picnic with the Pops are on sale now, tables for 4, 8, and 10 people are available. For group sales or table subscriptions, contact Aubrey Yuzva at (614) 228-9600 x 1214.
For single concert table sales, contact Joe Calmer at (614) 228-8600.