MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / July 31, 2023
(Pictured from left to right, top row: Ryan Murray, conductor; Capathia Jenkins, guest artist; Darryl J. Williams, guest artist; bottom row: Picnic at the Pops!)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra’s Picnic at the Pops! Presents Aretha: A Tribute
FEATURING THE MUSIC OF ARETHA FRANKLIN, STEVIE WONDER, AND MORE STARRING CAPATHIA JENKINS AND DARRYL JOVAN WILLIAMS
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra proudly presents Picnic at the Pops! Aretha: A Tribute this September 9, 2023 at 7:30 pm on the beautiful E. & J. Gallo Winery Grounds. Picnic at the Pops! is a family-friendly outdoor concert that attracts thousands of music lovers from Modesto and the neighboring communities for an evening of music, dancing, and fun beneath the stars.
This community event promises an unforgettable evening of soul-stirring music and timeless melodies that celebrates the life and legacy of the incomparable Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. The evening will feature the exceptional talents of your Modesto Symphony Orchestra led by Principal Pops Conductor, Ryan Murray, and the mesmerizing vocals of Broadway powerhouse Capathia Jenkins and Darryl J. Williams as they bring audiences on a journey through Aretha Franklin’s greatest hits including “Respect,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and more. After a successful return in 2022, the Modesto Symphony Orchestra Association is confident this year’s Picnic will be an even more delightful experience.
“Picnic at the Pops! holds a special place in our hearts not only because it is the MSO’s largest event of the season and our biggest annual fundraiser, but it is truly a beloved community tradition,” says Caroline Nickel, President and CEO. “Last year, witnessing families and friends come together to experience pure joy as the stage lights up and the orchestra performs was so heartwarming, especially after returning from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Picnic at the Pops! is a true community concert, created for the community by the community. The MSO is seeking volunteers to help make Picnic a success. Volunteer duties include the setting up and breakdown of the venue space, selling scrip tickets during the concert, and more. Visit ModestoSymphony.org/picnicvolunteer for more information and to sign up today.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy all that the space has to offer. Outside alcohol is prohibited; wine generously donated by the E. & J. Gallo Winery and an assortment of beverages are available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the MSO. For those not looking to pack their own picnic, patrons may pre-order meals from The Village Butcher, or purchase food on-site from The Sinaloense Food Truck and Yogurt Mill’s Froyo Truck. Full details on food offerings will be available at our website at ModestoSymphony.org/picnic.
Tickets for Picnic at the Pops! are on sale now, online, in-person, and over the phone. General Lawn tickets are $45 for Adults and $12 for Youth under the age of 17, and Reserved Lawn tickets are $75 for Adults and $20 for youth. Groups of 10 or more can receive a 20% discount on General Lawn Tickets.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Gallo Center Ticket Office or calling 209.338.2100. Starting in August, tickets will also be on sale in-person at The Village Butcher in McHenry Village in Modesto, in Turlock at the Carnegie Arts Center, and the MSO Office in Modesto. For more information and to buy tickets online visit ModestoSymphony.org/picnic.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Picnic at the Pops! Aretha: A Tribute
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Grounds Open at 5:00 pm
Concert Starts at 7:30 pm
Ryan Murray, conductor
Capathia Jenkins, guest artist
Darryl Jovan Williams, guest artist
E. & J. Gallo Winery Grounds
600 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto
Tickets
General Lawn Seating: Adults $45 / Youth $12
Reserved Lawn Seating: Adults $75 / Youth $20
Groups of 10+ save 20% on General Lawn Adult tickets
(Youth prices for ages 4 through 17, 3 & under are free)
Tickets are available online through ModestoSymphony.org or through the Gallo Center for the Arts Ticket Office at (209) 338-2100. Gallo Center Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00am-6:00pm / Saturday 12:00pm-6:00pm
Starting in August, tickets can also be purchased at The Village Butcher, Carnegie Arts Center, and the MSO Office. For full details on ticket offerings at the outlets, please visit our website at ModestoSymphony.org/Picnic.
The Village Butcher: 1700 McHenry Ave., #65, Modesto
Carnegie Arts Center: 250 N. Broadway Ave., Turlock
MSO Office: 911 Thirteenth Street, Modesto
Artist Bios
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The Modesto Symphony Orchestra is a Resident Company of The Gallo Center for the Arts.
The DoubleTree Hotel is the official hotel of the MSO.
Picnic at the Pops! is generously sponsored by
Presenting Sponsors: E. & J. Gallo Winery & Family; Porges Family Foundation
Headline Sponsor: Wille Electric Supply Company, Inc.
Concert Sponsor: Garton Tractor
