Nick Nelson, director of the Springfield Art Museum, and Monte McNew, Guaranty Bank CEO, unveil the logo for the inaugural Pops in the Park. The first edition of the free symphonic rock concert is June 21, featuring members of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and the Canadian band Jeans ‘n Classics playing hits by Billy Joel and Elton John. (Photo by Jeff Kessinger)
SOURCE: Springfield Daily Citizen Articles
This June, you can spread your blanket out on the grass at Phelps Grove Park and enjoy iconic hits from Billy Joel and Elton John in what the organizers say will be an annual event.
The Springfield Art Museum and Guaranty Bank are teaming up to present Pops in the Park, a free symphonic rock concert. The inaugural edition is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, June 21, and it features members of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and the Canadian band Jeans ’n Classics.
“Imagine a summer evening under the stars with live music filling the air, performed on a grand 40-foot outdoor stage,” Nick Nelson, director of the Springfield Art Museum, said at a Monday announcement. “Picture families and friends gathering with their own chairs and blankets, enjoying an accessible and welcoming cultural experience, as well as fine art activities provided by the Art Museum in the Phelps Grove Park pavilion.
“Pops in the Park is designed to be a celebration of community, music and the magic of shared experiences in one of Springfield’s most beloved parks. With the museum just steps away from the park, we couldn’t imagine a more fitting setting to experience live music, surrounded by nature, history and creativity.”
Peter Brennan’s Jeans ’n Classics has blended rock musicians with symphonies for 27 years. With nearly 1,000 original orchestrations and 45 productions, Jeans ’n Classics brings fresh interpretations to rock and pop songs. The group has performed with more than 100 orchestras in various venues.
