Picnic with the Pops is back

Columbus Symphony Orchestra brings big names to its summer concert series

By Aaron Gilliam

BETWEEN LIVE COLLABORATIONS and tributes, the 2023 Nationwide Picnic with the Pops season is set to span a variety of musical genres – from 1970s easy listening to 2000s hip-hop. The Columbus Symphony Orchetsra’s annual outdoor concert series hosts seven shows from June 17 to July 29 featuring a wide range of artists.

Ne-Yo brings his soulful sound to the stage at the Columbus Commons on June 17 to share a unique take on R&B. With decades of experience as a singer-songwriter, Ne-Yo has been to the top of his industry with hits such “Miss Independent” and “So Sick.” He is performing alongside his band, dancers and the Columbus Symphony.

Multi-platinum selling pianist and vocalist Ben Folds has been entertaining audiences since his time as part of the three- member Ben Folds Five in the 1990s, using his skills as a composer and pianist to create works that still find their place in pop culture today. Folds’ solo and collaborative albums provide the symphony with plenty of material, from ’90s alternative rock radio hit “Brick” to 2000s nu-metal spoof “Rockin’ the Suburbs,” when it joins him on July 22.

In an annual tradition, The Ohio State University Marching Band joins the sym- phony to celebrate the first tailgate of the year with a two-night performance to kick off the football season and finish off Picnic with the Pops. The TBDBITL performance has been a staple for years and provides some extra school spirit right before the fall semester. Performances are July 28 and 29.

Other performances in the concert series include:

• Super Diamond: A Tribute to Neil Diamond, June 24

• Patriotic Pops and Soul: featuring Tamika Lawrence and the Worship and Praise Chorale, July 1

• The Music of Whitney Houston: A Celebration, July 8

• The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA, July 15

Columbus Commons hosts all shows in the concert series. Doors open at 6 p.m., with music beginning at 8 p.m.. Tickets are available at www.columbus symphony.com. CS

Aaron Gilliam is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com