MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS
22nd ANNUAL PICNIC AT THE POPS FEATURING MUSIC OF MICHAEL JACKSON
AT THE E. & J. GALLO WINERY ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2016
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO), continuing its trend of booking high-profile shows with instant name recognition, will present THE MUSIC OF MICHAEL JACKSON at its 22nd Annual Picnic at the Pops concert Saturday, September 10, 2016. Held on the grounds of the E. & J. Gallo Winery, this family-friendly event attracts nearly 4,000 guests from Modesto and neighboring communities for an evening of music, dancing and fun underneath the stars. The grounds open at 4pm and the concert begins at 7:30pm. In addition to an excellent concert, Picnic at the Pops also serves as a successful fundraiser for MSO, and raises thousands of dollars to support music and educational outreach initiatives in the community.
Picnic at the Pops provides a rare opportunity for guests to not only enjoy the symphony outside of its regular Gallo Center for the Arts home, but to also experience a “behind-the-scenes” glimpse into the E. & J. Gallo Winery’s beautiful grounds. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket, pack a picnic and enjoy all that the space has to offer. Outside alcohol is prohibited; however, wine and assortment of beverages are available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting MSO. O’Brien’s Market and Greens will be offering pre-ordered lunch options for those who choose not to bring a picnic.
The star of this year’s performance, in addition to the Modesto Symphony lead by guest conductor Brent Havens, is James Delisco, one of the nation’s top Michael Jackson tribute artists and a budding superstar in his own right. Since winning The E! Network’s reality show “The Entertainer” in 2005, Delisco has been performing non-stop, using his vocal skills to honor the works of Stevie Wonder, Bruno Mars, Lenny Kravitz and Sammy Davis Jr. Perhaps the highest compliment, Delisco has toured with The Jacksons in recent years performing Michael’s parts with his own signature style.
Caroline Nickel, Modesto Symphony’s President and CEO, is confident this year’s Picnic will be one of the most successful to date. “Jackson’s career spanned 40 years, so there’s a pretty good chance that nearly everybody knows at least one of his songs,” Nickel said. “The name recognition, the high quality of the show and the unique opportunity to spend time at the Gallo Winery all come together to create an event that’s sure to drum up a lot of excitement. And it’s also important to note this is a fundraiser, so all the money raised stays in the community and we couldn’t be more appreciative of all that the Gallo Family and the Gallo Winery does to support this event.”
Guest conductor Brent Havens is a Berklee-trained arranger/conductor and has written music for orchestras, feature films and virtually every kind of television. His TV work includes movies for networks such as ABC, CBS and The Family Channel, commercials, sports music for networks such as ESPN and even cartoons. He worked with the Doobie Brothers and the Milwaukee Symphony, arranging and conducting the combined group for Harley Davidson’s 100th Anniversary Birthday Party Finale attended by over 150,000 fans. Havens most recent film work includes the score for the film “Quo Vadis,” a Premier Pictures remake of the 1956 gladiator film. Havens is Arranger/Guest Conductor for five symphonic rock programs – the Music of Led Zeppelin, the Music of Queen, the Music of Pink Floyd and the Music of the Eagles, The Music of The Doors and now the Music of Michael Jackson.
James Delisco Crowned “The Entertainer” by Mr. Las Vegas/Wayne Newton himself, on the E! Network’s reality TV series, James Delisco has proved he is more than worthy of that title. After completing his one million dollar contract at the Las Vegas Hilton, where his show opened to rave reviews, “Delisco” continues to obtain critical acclaim in every market and venue on his recent world-wide touring. An iconoclastic showroom performer with orgiastic energy, Delisco emanates old school charm with contemporary charisma! His handling of a song is so true to itself and to the purpose of music, to uplift and inspire, that a musical and entertainment revolution is only a matter of time for this enormously talented Artist. Where classic quality meets edgy rock and soul style with undeniable stage presence, Delisco is the future of music
and entertainment.
Delisco creates a connection between artist and audience member while ushering in his unique new sound through his original music. He has crafted his own style of music he calls RaGaBaR, which is a synthesis of the elements of 20th century music such as Rhythm and Blues, Gospel, Rock and Ragtime. As confirmation of its appeal to all generations in its design and commitment to the celebration of energy and musical ethic,
Delisco continually brings the audience to its feet, with standing ovations at every performance. On the threshold of major stardom, this polished young talent and electrifying performer returns to the U.S. from Berlin, Germany, the Venetian Casino in Macau and opening the new Sands Casino in Singapore! He plays to sold out audiences everywhere he appears, which is a testament to both the mystery & intrigue of Delisco.
WHO: Modesto Symphony Orchestra
Windborne Music
Brent Havens, conductor
James Delisco, lead vocalist
Felicia Barton, vocalist
Kelli Reisen, vocalist
PROGRAM: Got To Be There
ABC
Ben
I’ll Be There
Bad
Beat It
Billie Jean
Man in the Mirror
I Just Can’t Stop Loving You
Earth Song (Orchestra)
The Way You Make Me Feel
Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough
Rock With You
She’s Out of My Life (Orchestra)
Smooth Criminal
Thriller
Wanna Be Starting Something
Human Nature
(program subject to change)
WHEN: Saturday, September 10, 2016
Grounds Open – 4:00p.m.
Concert Begins – 7:30p.m.
WHERE: E. & J. Gallo Winery Grounds
600 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto
TICKET Reserved Lawn Seating: Adults $58 / Youth $19
PRICES: General Lawn Seating: Adults $38 / Youth $12
General Lawn Groups of 10+ Adults $32 / Youth $10
(Youth 17 and under; 3 and under are free)
TO PURCHASE Tickets can be purchased by calling the Gallo Center Ticket Office at 209.338.2100 or at modestosymphony.org. GCA Ticket Office hours are M-F 10am-6pm and Sat 12pm-6pm.
TICKETS: General lawn seating tickets can also be purchased at all O’Brien’s Market locations, the Hilmar Cheese Visitor’s Center, Nu-Way Cleaners and Salon Salon.
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Picnic at the POPS is sponsored by Hilmar Cheese Company.
This concert is also made possible through the generosity of:
E. & J. Gallo Winery, Prime Shine Car Wash and Wille Electrical Supply Company
Media Sponsor: iHeart Media & SUNNY102.3
