Season tickets for the Grand Rapids Symphony’s D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops are now on sale. 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 12 through August 3, at Cannonsburg Ski Area. The 2012 season will include:
• Classics: Orchestral blockbusters with fireworks
• Pop: Hit songs of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
• Folk/Country: A tribute to the legendary John Denver
• Rock: 70’s chart-topping rock band, Kansas
Now in its 18th 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. The outdoor concert series is a summer destination for some 25,000 concertgoers each year, giving music lovers a whole new way to experience the Grammy-nominated Grand Rapids Symphony.
D&W Fresh Market, a retail banner of Byron Center-based Spartan Stores, returns for a third 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 Merchandising and Marketing, Spartan Stores. “The community and Spartan associates 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 D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience it.”
Gates open each night at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking, pre-concert entertainment and free 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 concertgoers may bring alcoholic beverages onto the grounds, alcohol is not available for purchase. Parking is free.
“The Best Of” Classical Fireworks– July 12 & 13, 8 p.m.
David Lockington, Conductor
The summer series kicks off with “Classical Fireworks,” a perennial audience favorite led by Music Director David Lockington. The concert traditionally features dramatic, instantly recognizable musical works with a fireworks grand finale. This summer’s program is no different; however, the line-up reflects “the best of” Classical Fireworks programs from the series’ nearly two-decade history, including those works that have garnered some of the greatest audience response.
“Every year we pick our favorite orchestral pieces that first got us excited about orchestral music,” said Music Director David Lockington. “They happen to still have broad appeal and we particularly want young people to grow up loving them as well.”
Concertgoers will hear selections including Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” Rossini’s Overture to “William Tell,” Dukas’ “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” and Dvorak’s New World Symphony finale. The concert will be topped off with Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” and a spectacular fireworks display.
“If you like picnics, music and fireworks then come to beautiful Cannonsburg for a wonderful evening of excitement,” said Lockington
Oh, What a Night! Music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons – July 19 & 20, 7:30 p.m. John Varineau, Conductor
From 1962 to 1978, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons sold more than 100 million records. Thanks to the volcanic success of the Tony-winning musical “Jersey Boys,” which chronicles the life and times of Frankie and his legendary group, the classic chart toppers are all the rage once again.
There is something about the group’s music that makes young people of every generation want to get up and dance. There will be plenty of dancing on the slopes of Cannonsburg as performing and recording members of the Four Seasons and other mega-star acts perform a night of hits including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Oh, What a Night,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and more. The program also includes backstage stories of how the hit songs were created, from the musicians who were there and part of it all.
“Believe it or not, the Four Seasons were the most popular rock band before the Beatles,” said Associate Conductor John Varineau. “And with the popularity of ‘The Jersey Boys,’ the songs of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons have become a timeless part of our musical heritage.”
A Tribute to John Denver with Jim Curry – July 26 & 27, 7:30 p.m.
John Varineau, Conductor
The music of John Denver is like an old friend, outlasting trends and standing the test of time. Jim Curry, the singing voice of the CBS-TV movie “Take Me Home: The John Denver Story,” performs this tribute to one of the most beloved American singer/songwriters.
Curry is not the usual “Vegas-style” impersonator. In fact, he is not an impersonator at all. Curry sings, in his own natural voice, a tribute to Denver’s music in a way that has to be seen and heard in order to understand the pure honesty of his performance.
The performance features original orchestrations written for John Denver by Grammy-award- winning composer Lee Holdridge. The program includes multi-platinum hits like “Rocky Mountain High,” “Sunshine,” “Calypso,” “Annie’s Song,” and more. Nearly fifteen years after Denver’s death, Curry continues to deliver his popular music containing the heartfelt message of caring for the earth and caring for each other.
"Being a ‘Rocky-Mountain boy’ myself, I’m really looking forward to conducting this concert,” said Varineau. “His songs have entered the great american songbook, and linger in the hearts and minds of music lovers everywhere.”
Special Event: Kansas – Live in Concert! – Aug. 2 & 3, 7:30 p.m.
Larry Baird, Conductor
With their self-titled first album released in 1974, Kansas went on to become one of the decade’s most popular rock acts, issuing classic rock albums such as 1976’s ”Leftoverture” and 1977’s “Point of Know Return,” along with the hit singles “Carry on Wayward Son,” “Dust In the Wind,” and “Point of Know Return.” The band includes three original members – drummer Phil Ehart, singer/keyboardist Steve Walsh, guitarist Rich Williams – plus bassist Billy Greer and violinist David Ragsdale. The band continues to tour in front of large and enthusiastic audiences and to this day, and remains a fixture on classic rock radio. The band will perform their greatest hits, all enhanced with live orchestral accompaniment.
3-Concert Combos and FlexPasses
Purchasing either a 3-Concert Combo or FlexPass will save concertgoers up to 36 percent over purchasing tickets for individual concerts.
• 3-Concert Combos good for lawn seating to “Classical Fireworks,” “Music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons,” and “A Tribute to John Denver” are: $12 for children ages 2-15; $27 for students 16+ and seniors 62+; and $33 for adults. Children under the age of 2 are admitted free on the lawn. Combos for general admission chair seating, in a reserved area, are $69; $120 for reserved individual seats at tables; and $960 for a reserved table for eight.
• FlexPass 6-Pack offers six lawn tickets, which can be used in any combination for “Classical Fireworks,” “Music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons,” and “A Tribute to John Denver,” are $75 for adults, and $63 for seniors 62+.
Priority Access to Kansas for Combo and FlexPass Buyers
Tickets for Kansas are available now as an add-on to any 3-Concert Combo or FlexPass purchase.
• Kansas – Live in Concert!: Lawn seats are $24 ($22 for students 16+/seniors 62+, $10 children ages 2-15). Children under the age of 2 are admitted free on the lawn. Other prices are: $34 for general admission chairs in the reserved area; $49 for reserved individual seats at tables; and $392 for a reserved table for eight.
Group Tickets
Group tickets for 15 or more are on sale now and provide additional savings for most concerts.
Individual Concert Tickets
Individual concert tickets for all four concerts go on sale to the general public April 2.
How to Buy Tickets
• A 3-Concert Combo or FlexPass can be purchased through the Symphony office and are available now at 616-454-9451, Ext. 4, or in person at 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100.
• Group tickets are also available now by calling 616-454-9451, Ext. 142. • Individual lawn tickets are available beginning April 2 by calling Ticketmaster at 800-982-2787 or online through www.grsymphony.org. Tickets are also available at the gate the night of the concert.
• Individual table and chair tickets are available beginning April 2 by calling the Symphony office at 616-454-9451, Ext. 4, or in person at 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100.
• Tickets increase by $2 if purchased on the day of the performance.
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. To learn more about the Grand Rapids Symphony, please visit www.grsymphony.org.
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.