Grand Rapids Symphony D&W Picnic Pops Kicks off This Week

The Grand Rapids Pops series strikes up the band this summer with the D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops at Cannonsburg Ski Area.

The Grand Rapids Symphony’s 22nd summer season opens with Classical Fireworks this Thursday and Friday, July 14-15.

Rock rolls on with We Will Rock You! The Music of Queen on July 21-22 followed by The Music of the Beach Boys on July 28-29. Special events include The Music of David Bowie on August 2 and R&B sensations Boyz II Men performing live on August 4.

Principal Pops Conductor Bob Bernhardt will be on the podium for the D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops season-opening event Classical Fireworks. Featuring Richard Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries,” heard in films such as “Apocalypse Now,” and Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture," the show will end in a crescendo of fireworks to accompany the music.

The season continues with the Music of Queen playing hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody” with special guests Jeans ‘N Classics on July 21-22. The Music of the Beach Boys with California surf-rock band Papa Doo Run Run playing classics like “I Get Around” on July 28-29.

Capping off the 2016 Picnic Pops are two one-night only, special-event shows. On August 2, Picnic Pops welcomes Windborne Music playing a tribute to the legendary David Bowie with his greatest hits such as “Under Pressure.”

The final Grand Rapids Pops event of the summer on August 4 will be a live concert by the Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Boyz II Men, including singer Wanya Morris, who recently appeared on TV’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

Gates at Cannonsburg Ski Area open at 5:45 p.m. each night for picnicking and pre-concert entertainment, including free, kid-friendly activities such as face painting, crafts, and a musical instrument petting zoo.

All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. except for Classical Fireworks on July 14-15, which begin at 8 p.m.

Pack your own picnic baskets and coolers or purchase food from the grill at the Cannonsburg concession stand. Alcoholic beverages are permitted on the grounds, and parking is free for concertgoers. VIP Parking upgrades will be available for a small fee.
Tickets for all five events are on sale now, and season tickets offering big discounts as well as single tickets with a variety of seating options currently are available.
All single tickets for all concerts are $5 more on the day of the show.

Tickets can be purchased through the GRS box office by calling 616.454.9451 x4 weekdays or 616.885.1241 evenings or in person at 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100, or online at GRSymphony.org.

Tickets also may be purchased through Ticketmaster at 800.982.2787, or at Ticketmaster outlets at select D&W Fresh Markets, Family Fare Stores and Walmart. Tickets purchased at these locations will include a Ticketmaster service fee.