Symphony to revive pops series
The sounds of silence last year will give way this year to music of the 1970s and '80s on the lawn of Chemical Abstracts Service.
With help from Christopher Cross, the Oak Ridge Boys and other acts from decades past, the Columbus Symphony plans to revive its warm-weather Picnic With the Pops and Popcorn Pops series.
Pianist and songwriter Marvin Hamlisch will conduct the June 27 performance (with Broadway singer Linda Eder), while Albert-George Schram, a regular fixture on the summer circuit, will conduct seven other pops concerts and all three Popcorn Pops shows -- designed for families with children 3 to 12.
As in years past, the orchestra will share the stage for two performances, July 31 and Aug. 1, with the Ohio State University marching band.
The symphony's financial woes prompted the cancellation of the popular outdoor series in 2008, leaving many longtime fans without a summertime connection to the orchestra.
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Will jilted audiences reappear?
"They've returned for our winter series, so I have every reason to believe they'll return for Picnic With the Pops," said Tony Beadle, executive director of the symphony.
Regular pops patron Michele Kusma of Bexley and her family will be there.
"We love it," she said. "I'm so glad it's back."
The summer series are considered important, Beadle said, because they give the symphony a chance to reach people who might not visit the Ohio Theatre for classical concerts.
The tight economy, he said, might even prove a blessing for ticket sales.
"This will be the ultimate 'stay-cation' activity for people this summer," he said.
Nationwide will serve this year as the title sponsor, underwriting a large portion of the costs.
Corporate support, Beadle said, provides about 65 percent of the funding for the summer concerts, with ticket sales covering the rest.
"The profit comes from large audiences, and the weather is a major factor," he said. "Every year, it's a gamble."
The series schedules
The concerts will take place on the lawn of Chemical Abstracts Service, 2540 Olentangy River Rd.
Patrons should take blankets for lawn seating. Food and beverages can be carried onto the site or purchased from vendors, with catering available in advance.
Picnic With the Pops
• June 20: singer Christopher Cross, with conductor Albert-George Schram
• June 27: singer Linda Eder, with conductor Marvin Hamlisch
• July 4: "Patriotic Pops," including fireworks, with Schram
• July 11: Oak Ridge Boys, with Schram
• July 18: Aaron Neville and his quintet, with Schram
• July 25: "ABBA: The Music," with Schram
• July 31 and Aug. 1: Ohio State University marching band, with Schram and OSU band director Jon Woods
Shows will start at 8:15 p.m., with gates opening at 6.
Tickets, to go on sale May 21, cost $18, or $12 for children 3 to 12, in advance at Giant Eagle stores in the Columbus area; $13 and $20 at the Columbus Symphony box office, 55 E. State St., and www.picnicwiththepops.com; $15 and $22 at the gates. For table reservations or $102 packages of six lawn tickets, call 614-228-8600.
Popcorn Pops
• July 10: "George Goes Jungle," a musical safari, with conductor Albert-George Schram
• July 17: "Remarkable Farkable," a showcase for the talents of young audience members
• July 26: "Symphonic Stew," a musical menu
Shows will start at 8 p.m., with gates opening at 6:30 for activities such as crafts, face painting, picnicking and a musical petting zoo.
Tickets, to go on sale May 21, cost $11 at Giant Eagle stores; $12 at the box office, the gates and www.picnicwiththepops.com. For $40 packages of four lawn tickets, call 614-228-8600.