Pops Concert Goers Should Get Ready to Party!

It's summer, which means the time has come to party and unwind with the Jackson Symphony Orchestra.

The JSO's popular "Annual Summer Pops Concert" will begin at 7:30 p.m. July 28 at the Potter Center on the Jackson Community College campus, 2111 Emmons Road. A post-concert outdoor party will follow.

The orchestra's evening concert will feature an eclectic mix of patriotic pieces, Broadway songs, summertime classics and folk music with many special guests. Guests include "Fiddlers ReStrung," a string ensemble made up of Saline High School students, who are spotlighted annually in more than 80 performances. Their diverse repertoire includes fiddle music, bluegrass, Celtic and progressive folk. Other guests are the Jackson Chorale, members of the Jackson Youth Symphony and string musicians of all ages from throughout Jackson County.

"I'm very excited for this concert," says JSO Associate Conductor David Schultz, who will be conducting the performance.  "The Summer Pops is always a fun way to start our season, and this year promises to be no different.  I'm especially looking forward to our collaboration with Fiddlers ReStrung, who are one of the most entertaining acts I've had the privilege of seeing."

Program selections include the festive "Carnival Overture," plus "Dance of the Hours" (which Allan Sherman used as the tune for his 1963 summer-camp parody "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduah") and "Hoedown" from Rodeo (an American cowboy ballet that was later used in the Broadway musical "Oklahoma"). Also on the program are "Olympic Fanfare and Theme" and the easy-livin' classic "Summertime." The fanfare piece is a composition that John Williams wrote for the 1984 Olympic Games, held in Los Angeles. Sometimes described as "goosebump music," it was featured during the opening parade of athletes, medal ceremonies and official events to reflect the Olympics' spirit of cooperation and heroic achievement.

After the concert, dancers (and observers!) are invited to enjoy the Michigan State University Salsa Band during an outdoor (weather permitting) "Dancing Under the Stars" party.

The Jackson Symphony Guild is sponsoring the "JSO's 31st Annual Summer Pops Concert."

So, put on your party mood for this exuberant event, which has long been a favorite summer event for listeners of all ages.

Tickets are $15 for VIP seating, $10 for general admission and $5 for children and students with ID. Tickets may be ordered online at the JSO website www.jacksonsymphony.org, at the box office by phoning 517-782-3221, or in person at 215 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson.