SLO Symphony brings back Pops by the Sea concert after 2 years: ‘Sun, fun and great music’
Love classical music? The San Luis Obispo Symphony is bringing back its popular Pops by the Sea concert after a two-year hiatus.
The symphony will cap off its 60th anniversary season with an outdoor concert at Avila Beach Golf Resort on Saturday, Sept. 3, the nonprofit organization announced in a news release Friday.
Conducted by music director Andrew Sewell, the symphony, which is celebrating its 60th year, will play music by John Williams, Aaron Copland and John Phillip Sousa, among others.
For 30 years, Pops concerts have “entertained thousands of music lovers on the Central Coast,” the release said. “This year’s event honors that tradition and offers the community an afternoon by the sea of sun, fun and great music.”
Traditionally held Labor Day weekend in Avila Beach, Pops by the Sea was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due the COVID-19 pandemic.
And it wasn’t the first time the event took an extended absence.
In 2015, the symphony’s board of directors, staff and orchestra musicians decided to cancel the annual fundraiser, citing economic reasons. Pops by the Sea didn’t return until 2019.
Now the family-friendly event is back once more. Gates open at 2:45 p.m., with music beginning at 4 p.m.
Tickets for the Sept. 3 event go on sale at the Performing Arts Center box office in San Luis Obispo on Saturday, May 14, and via phone and online on Monday, May 16.
Lawn seating costs $25, or $15 for kids 13 to 17. Children under 13 are free with a paying adult.
Theater seating costs $50, and table seating is available for $75 a seat or $600 for a table of eight. Parking is free for all concertgoers.
Concertgoers can bring picnics, but no outside drinks are permitted. “Ice chests will be inspected upon entry,” the symphony said.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 805-356-1438 or visit slosymphony.org.
