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 offers a diverse musical menu of live entertainment on Thursday and Friday nights, July 11 through August 2, at Cannonsburg Ski Area. The 2013 season will include:
Classics: Patriotic blockbusters with fireworks, honoring the President Ford Centennial
Celtic: Feverish fiddler Natalie MacMaster
Dance: A night of the greatest dance tunes of all time
Pop: ABBA–The Concert. The ultimate ABBA tribute, performed by Swedish band Waterloo
Now in its 19th year, the D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops promises to serve 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 fourth 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 an enjoyable way 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.
Programs and Special Guests for Summer 2013
Classical Fireworks – July 11 & 12, 8 p.m. President Gerald R. Ford Centennial Celebration
David Lockington, Conductor
This perennial audience favorite celebrates President Gerald R. Ford's 100th Birthday (July 14). Music Director David Lockington leads the orchestra in a patriotic program of John Philip Sousa marches, a salute to the U.S. Armed Forces and highlights from David Culross’ orchestral tribute to President Ford, “Portrait of a Humble Healer,” for narrator and orchestra. The concert ends with a fireworks show and Tchaikovsky’s “1812” Overture.
Celtic Fiddle with Natalie MacMaster – July 18 & 19, 7:30 p.m.
David Lockington, Conductor
Celtic music reaches new heights with Natalie MacMaster, the Canadian master of Cape Breton fiddling. This feverish fiddler, known for expanding musical boundaries, performs jigs, reels, airs, waltzes and more with intricate technique and an infectious energy. In addition to her fiery fiddling, MacMaster delights audiences with lively step dancing – sometimes while she’s playing. MacMaster has recorded 11 albums, earning two Grammy nominations, eight Canadian Country Music Awards and 10 East Coast Music Awards. MacMaster electrifies audiences around the world with 100 performances each year; she previously performed with the Grand Rapids Symphony in 2009.
Gotta Dance! – July 25 & 26, 7:30 p.m.
Greatest Dance Tunes of All Time
Matt Catingub, Guest Conductor Anita Hall, Vocalist, Steve Moretti, Drums
This high-energy concert features more than 20 of the greatest dance tunes ever written: everything from Swing and Rock 'n' Roll classics to Pop hits from the '70s, '80s and '90s. Guest Conductor Matt Catingub will lead the orchestra in this show he developed and arranged especially for the Grand Rapids Symphony. Hawaiian-born vocalist Anita Hall, drummer Steve Moretti and dancers join Catingub to present this concert of all-time favorite dance tunes spanning five decades. Program includes “In the Mood,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Twist and Shout,” “Footloose” and more.
Special Event: ABBA – The Concert – Aug. 1 & 2, 7:30 p.m.
John Varineau, Conductor
Swedish band, Waterloo, salutes the music of the ‘70s Pop sensation in this ultimate tribute that’s sure to please ABBA fans of all ages. The Symphony welcomes the return of the band, which appeared at Cannonsburg in Summer 2008; since that time enthusiastic audiences have continued to request their return. Audiences will enjoy memorable tunes from ABBA’s extensive catalog including “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me” and “Mamma Mia,” all enhanced by the sound of the Symphony.
Ticket Options and Prices
3-Concert Combos and FlexPasses
Purchasing either a 3-Concert Combo or FlexPass will save concertgoers up to 40 percent over purchasing tickets for individual concerts.
- 3-Concert Combo is good for lawn seating to “Classical Fireworks,” “Natalie MacMaster,” and “Gotta Dance!”: $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,” “Natalie MacMaster” and “Gotta Dance!”: $79 for adults, and $67 for seniors 62+.
Priority Access to ABBA – The Concert for Combo and FlexPass Buyers
Tickets for ABBA – The Concert are available now as an add-on to any 3-Concert Combo or FlexPass purchase.
ABBA – The 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, 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.
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, 10 a.m. 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 $3 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, nine 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.