Summer Concerts Feature Fireworks, Tributes to the Beach Boys and Michael Jackson
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 29, 2011 – Beautiful Michigan summer evenings, filled with the sound of the Grand Rapids Symphony and special guests, are just around the corner at the D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops.
Sponsored by D&W Fresh Market, the popular four-week outdoor concert series will offer a diverse musical menu of live entertainment on Thursday and Friday nights, July 14 through August 5, at Cannonsburg Ski Area. The 2011 season includes:
• Orchestral favorites with fireworks
• Great rock songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s
• A tribute to the legendary Beach Boys
• Chart-busting hits of mega-star Michael Jackson
“Now in its 17th year, the D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops promises to dish up some of the best summer entertainment in West Michigan, served family style in a relaxed, natural setting,” said Associate Conductor John Varineau. “We have become a fun summer destination for more than 25,000 concertgoers each year. Our outdoor concerts give music lovers a whole new way to experience the Grammy-nominated Grand Rapids Symphony.”
Gates open each night at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking, pre-concert entertainment, and children’s activities including face painting, crafts and an instrument petting zoo. Concertgoers may bring their own picnics or purchase grilled items and soft drinks at Cannonsburg’s concession stand. While alcohol is permitted on the grounds, it is not available for purchase. Parking is free. Dance floors will be available on the grounds for all concerts except for July 14 and 15.
D&W Fresh Market, a retail banner of Byron Center-based Spartan Stores, returns for a second season as title sponsor.
“D&W Fresh Markets and Spartan Stores are delighted to be associated with this top-quality, affordable and wonderfully entertaining summer music series that has become a West Michigan summer tradition,” said Alan Hartline, executive vice president of merchandising and marketing, Spartan Stores. “The community and Spartan employees will be able to enjoy excellent orchestral music — with a summer flair — in a relaxed, family-oriented and community building setting.
“Summer is one of the best times to be in Michigan – and spending an evening with the Grand Rapids Symphony at the Picnic Pops is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience it.”
Programs and Special Guests for Summer 2011
Classical Fireworks – July 14 & 15, 8 p.m.
The season kicks off with “Classical Fireworks,” a perennial audience favorite led by Music Director David Lockington. The concert will feature dramatic, instantly recognizable musical works with a fireworks grand finale.
Concertgoers will hear Beethoven’s “Egmont Overture,” selections from Bizet’s “Carmen Suite,” Kabalevsky’s Overture to “Colas Breugnon,” as well as John Williams’ Overture to “The Cowboys.” The concert will be topped off with Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” and a spectacular fireworks display.
“This is a fantastic program that will appeal to all concert-goers,” Lockington said. “The focus is on big, bright and colorful music that will showcase the talents of the orchestra. Add the beauty of Cannonbsurg as a backdrop, punctuate it with fireworks and we have a truly memorable evening.”
Kris Hitchcock & Small Town Sun, a country band featuring Symphony violinist Susan Belliel, will provide pre-concert entertainment.
Generations of Rock with Michael Cavanaugh – July 21 & 22, 7:30 p.m.
After wowing audiences two summers ago with his renditions of Billy Joel classics, pianist and vocalist Michael Cavanaugh is back with a dynamic new show featuring the greatest hits of piano legend Sir Elton John. Cavanaugh will also open the Rock ‘n’ Roll songbook to play some of the greatest songs of the 50s, 60s and 70s.
Associate Conductor John Varineau will lead the concerts, which represent a second show for Cavanaugh in his “Generations of Rock Series.” Some of the music will include “I’m Still Standing,” “Crocodile Rock,” “Bennie and the Jets,” “Hotel California,” “Come Sail Away” and other iconic standards.
Cavanaugh is a charismatic performer, musician and actor. He rose to fame for his piano and vocal skills in the Grammy- and Tony-nominated Broadway hit musical “Movin’ Out,” and was handpicked by Billy Joel to star in the title role. He began touring in his own right when the show closed in 2005, quickly becoming one of the hottest artists in the corporate events market.
After performing worldwide for company, charity and sporting events such as the PGA tour and Indy 500, Cavanaugh’s talents were discovered by symphony orchestras and he developed a show to honor his hero and mentor, Billy Joel.
The Steve Talaga Trio, a Grand Rapids favorite jazz combo, will provide pre-concert entertainment.
Beach Boys Tribute with Papa Doo Run Run – July 28 & 29, 7:30 p.m.
Grab your shades and flip flops and let the beach party begin! The Grammy-nominated surf band Papa Doo Run Run joins the Symphony to bring back Beach Boys favorites, including “Good Vibrations,” “California Girls,” “Fun, Fun, Fun” and “Surfin' U.S.A.”
Formed in 1965, the now-legendary California band Papa Doo Run Run quickly discovered its forte as Beach Boys sound-alikes. After a stint with music icons Jan & Dean, Papa Doo Run Run toured and recorded with the Beach Boys for two decades. The group also had an unprecedented 15-year run as the celebrity house band at Disneyland.
Today, Papa Doo Run Run still averages more than 100 tour dates a year, performing classic rock hits of the 60s and 70s – with a healthy dose of sun, surf and the music of the Beach Boys.
Djangotones, a Grand Rapids favorite jazz combo, will provide pre-concert entertainment.
Special Event: The Music of Michael Jackson – Aug. 4 & 5, 7:30 p.m.
Relive 40 years of hits from the King of Pop as the Symphony and singer/dancer James Delisco take you through each era of Jackson’s storied career: from “ABC” and “I’ll Be There” to “Beat It,” “Thriller,” “Rock With You,” “The Way You Make Me Feel” and more.
Guest Conductor Brent Havens will lead the concerts, which will feature the powerful vocals and innovative dance moves of Delisco. Winner of E! Network’s reality series “The Entertainer,” Delisco has been dubbed the new “Prince of Pop” and compared to such greats as Elvis Presley, Lenny Kravitz and Jackson himself. Delisco’s undeniable stage presence will get audiences up and dancing.
The jazz stylings of vocalist Kathy LaMar, who will be accompanied by pianist Bon VanStee, will deliver cool pre-concert entertainment.
Ticket Options and Prices
A variety of seating options are available. Reserved tables for groups and individuals are in front of the orchestra. The tables seat eight and must be reserved in advance. Chair seating is also available in a reserved, general admission area close to the stage. Lawn seating is also general admission. Patrons may bring their own blankets or lawn chairs, and choose their place on the hill. There are discounts for students, seniors, and children. Children under the age of two are free on the lawn.
• Purchasing a 3-Concert Combo or FlexPass will save concertgoers up to 36 percent over purchasing tickets for individual concerts. A 3-Concert Combo or FlexPass can be purchased through the Symphony office and are available at 616/454-9451, Ext. 4, or in person at 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100.
• “Classical Fireworks,” “Generations of Rock,” “Beach Boys Tribute” Advance Lawn seats are $14 ($12 for students 16+/seniors 62+, $5 children ages 2-15). Children under the age of 2 are admitted free on the lawn. Other prices are: $25 for general admission chairs in the reserved area; $41 for reserved individual seats at tables; and $328 for a reserved table for eight. Tickets increase by $2 if purchased on the day of the performance.
• “The Music of Michael Jackson” Advance Lawn seats are $22 ($20 for students 16+/seniors 62+, $8 children ages 2-15). Children under the age of 2 are admitted free on the lawn. Other prices are: $32 for general admission chairs in the reserved area; $49 for reserved individual seats at tables; and $392 for a reserved table for eight. Tickets increase by $2 if purchased on the day of performance.
How to Purchase
• Tickets for table, chair seating and groups can be purchased by calling the Symphony ticket office, 616/454-9451, Ext. 4, or in person at 300 Ottawa NW, Suite 100.
• Lawn tickets may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 800/982-2787, or online at ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available at the Cannonsburg box office beginning at 5:30 p.m. each concert evening.
About the Grand Rapids Symphony
The Grammy-nominated Grand Rapids Symphony was officially organized in 1930 and is recognized as one of America’s leading regional orchestras. Led by Music Director David Lockington, eight concert series are presented, featuring a wide range of music and performance styles. More than 400 performances are presented each year, touching the lives of some 170,000. Nearly half of those who benefit are students, senior citizens and people with disabilities reached through extensive education and community service programs. The Symphony sponsors the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses, and also provides the orchestra for Opera Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Ballet Company.
These concerts are made possible with support from the Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.