PICNIC WITH THE POPS Announces 2012 Lineup - Idina Menzel, The Temptations and More

The Columbus Symphony today announced the 2012 season lineup for its two annual summer outdoor concert series, the Nationwide Insurance Picnic with the Pops and Popcorn Pops. This will be the first season the series will be presented in its new downtown home, the Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion in the Columbus Commons.

With the new location and new season comes a new concert format. All Picnic with the Pops concerts featuring a guest artist will offer two full sets of music from the guest artist, as opposed to the format in years past which offered one CSO-only set and one guest artist set. 

“The change in concert format is a big opportunity to provide our concert-goers with an intimate, full symphonic experience with the featured guest artist while simultaneously experiencing the immense talents of the CSO,” stated CSO Board Chair Martin Inglis. “It’s a win-win for everyone which we hope will interest patrons in checking out the CSO in one of our many other capacities.”

In celebration of the grand opening of the new Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion, the CSO has added a Friday night performance to opening weekend. The 2012 schedule is as follows:

All concerts are held at the Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion (160 S. High St.) in the Columbus Commons. Gates open at 6 pm. Concerts begin at 8 pm.

Three Dog Night

Friday, June 15
Larry Baird, conductor

Legendary music icons and Grammy-nominated Three Dog Night maintain an aggressive, year-round touring schedule of more than 80 dates each year, performing their well-loved hits as well as new songs for audiences spanning generations. Founding members Cory Wells and Danny Hutton on lead vocals, original keyboardist Jimmy Greenspoon, and original guitarist Michael Allsup, as well as Paul Kingery (bass and vocals) and Pat Bautz (drums)  will perform a sampling of the group’s 21 consecutive Top 40 hits such as “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” “Joy to the World,” “Black and White,” “Shambala,” and “One.” www.ThreeDogNight.com

 

The Temptations

Saturday, June 16
One of the most iconic bands in the history of American music, The Temptations are an institution noted for their precise choreography and blend of R&B vocal sensibilities. Members of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and listed as one of the top 50 bands of all time byRolling Stone Magazine, The Temptations have earned 18 #1 Billboard singles, 23 Top Ten singles, and 10 Top Ten albums.www.TemptationsSing.com

 

Idina Menzel (ON SALE APRIL 2)

Saturday, June 23

Actress, singer, and songwriter Idina Menzel reached superstardom on Broadway with her Tony Award-winning performance as Elphaba in the blockbuster Wicked and in her Tony-nominated role as Maureen in the revolutionary RENT. She also plays the role of Shelby Corcoran on “Glee,” FOX’s smash hit television series. Amazing audiences worldwide with her captivating live performances,Menzel is touring in support of her new CD/DVD entitled Idina Menzel Live: Barefoot at the Symphony, performing a diverse repertoire of classic pop and musical theater favorites with a fresh spin on contemporary songs. www.IdinaMenzel.com

Patriotic Pops

Saturday, June 30
Peter Stafford Wilson, conductor

Columbus’ grand summer tradition continues as the Columbus Symphony celebrates the Fourth of July. Wave the flag, clap your hands, and stomp your feet to patriotic favorites and rousing Sousa marches including “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and other favorites. The evening is topped off with a brilliant fireworks display.

 

The Music of Led Zeppelin

Saturday, July 7
Brent Havens, conductor

Amplified by a full rock band and accompanied by singer Randy Jackson’s screaming vocals, creator Brent Havens guest conducts the Columbus Symphony as they capture Led Zeppelin’s “sheer blast and power” riff for riff while churning out new musical colors. The concert will feature more than 15 Zeppelin tunes, including “Stairway to Heaven,” “Heartbreaker,” “Black Dog,” and “Immigrant Song.”www.TheMusicOfLedZeppelin.com

Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx

Saturday, July 14

Arnie Roth, conductor

The Music of Styx showcases the band’s greatest hits spanning the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s performed live with founding member Dennis DeYoung, his six-member band, and the Columbus Symphony. The program includes all eight Top 10 hits such as “Lady,” “Babe,” “Come Sail Away,” “Too Much Time on My Hands” and the classic Styx rock anthems “Grand Illusion,” “Renegade,” “Blue Collar Man,” “Suite Madame Blue,” “Rockin’ the Paradise,” and many more. With one of the most recognizable voices in the music world today, DeYoung is a legendary singer, songwriter, keyboardist, composer, and record producer with a career spanning more 40 years.www.DennisDeYoung.com

Peabo Bryson

Saturday, July 21

Diane Louie, conductor

With 20 albums to his credit, Peabo Bryson has established a career as one of the premier male vocalists in contemporary music with hits such as "Show & Tell," "Can You Stop the Rain," and "Lost in the Night." Possessing a beautifully rich, almost operatic voice, this two-time Grammy Award-winner—for "Beauty and the Beast" with international pop singer Celine Dion and "A Whole New World (Aladdin's Theme)" with Regina Belle—has enjoyed an unprecedented, across-the-board level of international success, being the first artist in music history to have separate records topping four different charts. www.PeaboBryson.net

 

The Ohio State University Marching Band
Friday & Saturday, July 27 & 28
Albert-George Schram & Jonathan Waters, conductors

It’s time to don the scarlet and gray and celebrate the coming season’s gridiron clash with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and “The Pride of the Buckeyes.” Don’t miss the biggest tailgate party of the year with “The Best Damn Band in the Land” and fireworks!

 

Tickets go on sale April 16 (other than Idina Menzel, who will go on sale April 2), and are $23 for adults when purchased in advance by phone at 614.228.8600, online at www.PicnicWithThePops.com, or in person at the Ohio Theatre Ticket Office (39 E. State St.). Adult tickets are $25 at the gate on the night of the show. Tickets for children ages 3-14 are always $8 regardless of when or where they are purchased. Children 2 and under are free.

 

Central Ohio Kroger Ticketmaster locations will offer Picnic with the Pops tickets at a discounted price of $20 for adults. The $8 children’s tickets are also available for purchase at these locations.

 

Picnic with the Pops Lawn Coupon Books are available for $180. The book of ten, non-date specific tickets can be used in any combination for any of the 2012 Nationwide Insurance Picnic with the Pops concerts. Lawn Coupon Books must be purchased from the ticket office before July 2, and will not be available at the gate or Kroger locations.

 

Reserved Seating

Center stage tables are available for purchase at each concert. Tables are sold in parties of 8 or 10, and range from $320-$850. Single table seats can be purchased in any quantity and range from $40-$50 per seat. Catering is not included. To reserve table seating, call614.228.8600.

 

Food & Beverage Policy

Patrons may bring their own food and beverages or purchase from on-site vendors. Beer and wine are permitted on-site for Picnic concerts only.

 

Group Discount

A group discount is available for parties of 10 or more. Call 614.228.8600 (ext. 2) for more information.

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