The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra’s 21st Summer in Devou Park continues a nearly 80-year tradition of fun, family-gatherings at the landmark bandshell, starting July 11.
Since 1995, the summer programs have been free and open to the public. This year’s program brings education and entertainment through music and nostalgia sure to have crowds dancing and singing along.
As usual, KSO founder and music director James Cassidy is pulling out all the stops for a fun, creative Saturday night series.
On July 11 at 7:30 a.m., it’s all about baseball, specifically the Hits of the Big Red Machine era. As Sparky, Johnny, Pete and Tony were making Riverfront Stadium the stage for four World Series appearances, the pop music world was a buzz with Queen, Barry Manilow, KC & the Sunshine Band, The Bee Gees, Patti Labelle & Ray Stevens.
Expect to sing along with Knock Three Times, The Streak, December 1963, Silly Love Songs, The Candy Man, Bohemian Rhapsody, Joy to the World and many more.
On August 1 at 7:30 p.m. it’s Zoot Suit Riot, celebrating the Swing Revival of the 1990s. KSO’s new subsidiary group, the Covington Devou-Doo Daddies, and bop, jump and jive to such hits as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, The Squirrel Nut Zippers, Brian Setzer, The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, and Crown Royal Revue.
You are sure to hear Go Daddy-O, Zoot Suit Riot, The Contender, The Ghost of Stephen Foster, Jump Jive an’ Wail and more.
Cassidy turned his creative genius to Broadway for the September 5 concert at 7:30 p.m. It’s the Battle of Broadway — Sondheim vs Webber 7:30.
Accompanied by KSO, Broadway vets Pamela Myers and Jessica Hendy dish about Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber and deliver stand-out songs from 17 hit musicals. Sing along with Sondheim’s Company, Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music, and Follies; and Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, and Phantom of the Opera.
The TANK Shuttle from Covington Catholic to the bandshell runs from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. for $1 each way. Parking is free in the park, but limited.
Drivers should note that the main Western Avenue entrance to the park is again open to traffic.
Restrooms and concessions are available on-site but bring blankets or lawn chairs.
For more information and directions, visit the KSO at www.kyso.org or call (859) 431- 6216. $5 (per person) suggested donation.
Sponsors include Toyota, Artswave, Kentucky Arts Council, Strauss Troy, Macy’s, Fischer Homes, USBank, St. Elizabeth Physicians, and the City of Covington.