Summer series continue in central Ohio with this year's Picnic with the Pops
Alongside natural beauty and cultivated walking trails, symphonic tunes will greet those who venture out to the Columbus Commons this June and July.
Beginning on June 15, the Columbus Symphony is launching its 2024 summer concert series, Nationwide Picnic with the Pops. These performances take place in the Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion at the John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons on eight different days throughout the summer, promising big names and dynamic music.
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"I'm really looking forward to Nas with the orchestra. That's going to be amazing. And then also Violent Femmes; that's going to be a ton of fun," said Stuart Chafetz, Principal Pops Conductor.
But it's not just big names that make this event such a blast for Chafetz, it's about bringing people together.
"The OSU one is always fun just because of the connection with the marching band and being able to conduct that incredible ensemble, and the community really has a great time," said Chafetz.
Chafetz is in for a busy month and a half, conducting six of the eight upcoming performances for Picnic with the Pops, but the musician of over two decades is prepared. Chafetz, who plays the timpani as well as conducting, joked that he went from two sticks down to one after making the switch to conducting.
The multitalented artist has a multifaceted skillset, and he said he is grateful for the ongoing opportunities that Picnic with the Pops provides.
"I'm just so fortunate, as we all are in Columbus, to have such a great orchestra, to be able to do a variety of wonderful performances," said Chafetz.
Chafetz is not alone in this gratitude, as the public, too, has shown their support.
"From what I understand, it's selling really well, and people are excited about the concerts," said Chafetz. "I love the energy; it's just a perfect location for just tons of great music making."
Generation Radio member, and Rascall Flatts guitarist and vocalist Jay DeMarcus is also excited. DeMarcus decided to perform at Picnic with the Pops in a conversation with his partner at Generation Radio, Jason Scheff.
Being from Columbus, DeMarcus said he loves the opportunity to get back onstage in his hometown.
"There's a part of my heart that will never leave Columbus," said DeMarcus. "It's going to be a new experience for me, but just one that I'm so excited to be a part of. I mean, obviously in my hometown, it's a really, really big deal."
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Ticket prices vary for the summer series of music at Picnic with the Pops and are available for purchase online at columbussymphony.com/tickets-events/picnic-with-the-pops. The events are as follows:
Saturday, June 15: Generation Radio
Saturday, June 22: Violent Femmes
Saturday, June 29: Patriotic Pops: A Gershwin Celebration
Saturday, July 6: Windborne: The Music of Led Zeppelin
Saturday, July 13: Nas
Saturday, July 20: Cody Fry
Friday and Saturday, July 26 and 27: The Ohio State University Marching Band
Gates open at 6 p.m. and performances begin at 8 p.m. In addition to these main eight, there are two "Popcorn Pops" events for younger children, one on June 21 and another on July 12, from 7-8 p.m.
Friday, June 21, Celebrate Summer!: Pixar and Disney songs are to be performed in concert followed by a screening of "The Secret Life of Pets."
Friday, July 12, Carnival!: A concert with dancing and music followed by a screening of "Ratatouille."
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Picnic with the Pops series brings big names, from Nas to TBDBITL
