Papa Doo Run Run, the premier Beach Boys tribute and Grammy-nominated surf band, will join the Grand Rapids Symphony for a concert featuring surf-inspired tunes and Beach Boys favorites.
Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 28 and Friday, July 29 at Cannonsburg Ski Area, as part of the D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops Series.
This outdoor concert venue will transform into the biggest beach party of the summer with this evening of sun-drenched tunes, including Beach Boys staples “Fun Fun Fun,” “California Girls,” “Good Vibrations,” “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” and “Help Me Rhonda.”
Don Zirilli, keyboard and vocals for Papa Doo, says the audience will enjoy a whole new Beach Boys experience.
“I remember our first symphony date,” reminisces Zirilli. “Suddenly, the same music our audiences grew up with – the same harmony, the same guitar and keyboard riffs, and the same memories – were literally new again with orchestral accompaniment. And our audiences love it!”
Associate Conductor John Varineau agrees. “Papa Doo Run Run is sure to give loyal fans the music they love, but with a fabulous new twist and depth with the added element of the orchestra,” says Varineau. “The first half of the concert will feature an orchestral spectacular focusing on water, waves and sea.”
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and parking is free on the Cannonsburg grounds. Patrons are invited to arrive early to enjoy picnics and pre-concert activities. The family fun area, open from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., features free children’s activities including an instrument petting zoo, face painting and crafts. Dance floors will be available for audience participation. Pre-concert entertainment will be Steve Talaga Trio.
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. The best kept secret ... Papa Doo Run Run is who the Beach Boys call when they need someone to fill in for their band.
Tickets
Advance lawn tickets are $14, less for students/seniors ($12), and children ages 2-15 ($5). Ticket prices increase $2 the day of show. Children under 2 are free on the lawn. Reserved seating is also available through the Symphony box office at 616/454-9451, Ext. 4, Lawn tickets may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 800/982-2787, at any Ticketmaster outlet or online at ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available at the Cannonsburg box office beginning at 5:30 p.m. each concert evening.
Benefactor Sponsors: Butterball Farms, Harvey Cadillac, Miller Johnson, Spectrum Health-Blodgett Hospital
Media Partners: Channel 95.7, FOX17, GRNow.com, On-the-Town
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.