COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The Columbus Symphony has unveiled the artists performing in its Picnic with the Pops concert series.
The summer outdoor concerts will take place from June 15 to 27 at Bicentennial Pavilion, 160 S. High St. Led by Principal Pops Conductor Stuart Chafetz, the event will feature artists from different genres.
Generation Radio (Saturday, June 15)
Generation Radio is a supergroup featuring singer Jason Scheff of Chicago and singer/keyboardist Jay Demarcus of Rascal Flatts. The duo will play their hit songs and hits from Journey, Tom Petty and more. Generation Radio’s performance will be conducted by Chafetz. Demarcus is a Columbus native.
Violent Femmes (Saturday, June 22)
Violent Femmes is a folk rock band from Milwaukee, with cult classic songs such as “Add It Up,” “Blister in the Sun” and “Kiss Off.” Chafetz will conduct the performance.
Patriotic Pops, a Gershwin celebration (Saturday, June 29)
The Columbus Symphony will celebrate the legacy of composer George Gershwin, including a performance of his “Rhapsody in Blue,” with 2024 marking its 100th anniversary. The U.S. Color Guard, a military branch recognition, a flyover by members of the Cincinnati Warbirds and fireworks will all be featured. The celebration of Gershwin’s music will be conducted by Chafetz.
Windborne: The Music of Led Zeppelin (Saturday, July 6)
The show will feature renditions of Led Zeppelin songs, including “Kashmir,” “Black Dog” and “Good times, Bad Times.” The conductor of the tribute is to be determined.
Nas (Saturday, July 13)
Nas, who stands as one of New York’s leading voices in hip-hop, will stage a symphonic rendition of one of the most revered albums in hip-hop history, Illmatic. Chafetz will conduct the performance.
Cody Fry (Saturday, July 20)
American Idol finalist and Grammy nominee Cody Fry will bring his genre-bending music. The singer-songwriter has over 200 million global streams on TikTok. Gary Fry will conduct the performance.
Ohio State University Marching Band (Friday and Saturday, July 26 and 27)
To conclude the series, Ohio State’s Marching Band will perform an ode to the Buckeyes, show being accompanied with fireworks. Chafetz and Dr. Christopher Hoch will serve as conductors for the final performance of the event.
How to buy tickets
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Thursday. They can be purchased at the CBUSArts Ticket Center at 39 E. State St., online at the Picnic with the Pops or CBUS Arts websites or by phone at 614-469-0939. General admission lawn tickets cost $36.75 in advance and $52.50 at the gate. Lawn tickets for children between 3 and 12 are $10.50-$15.75. Children 2 and younger may attend for free. Full tables and single table seats are available for purchase from $63 to $1,157.
