Music Under the Stars returns on Sunday, September 22 with a trifecta of outstanding concerts performed by the Tucson Pops Orchestra. It’s all under the direction of Maestro Khris Dodge at the DeMeester Outdoor Auditorium at Reid Park.
Tucson Pops Orchestra has now performed concerts in the park for 69 seasons!
The free performances bring together thousands of attendees each season — families, friends, and music lovers from all over the city when the weather is near perfection in the evenings.
“I love how music brings people together,” said Dodge. “Whether it be in a family’s living room, in a jazz club, a theatre, or a city park, we yearn for that human connection, not only with the musicians but with the people who surround us as we listen. The Tucson Pops Orchestra creates that special opportunity to engage, and we couldn’t be happier to provide. You won’t want to miss one enjoyable minute of our fall series of Music Under the Stars’ salute to Tucson Talent.”
Tucson Pops concerts will take place on Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. and all performances are free with support from sponsors and “Friends of the Pops” at each concert.
Each concert will have a beer garden, hosted by MotoSonora Brewing and Barrio Brewing from 5:30 – 9 p.m., wine from Sand-Reckoner, and a wide selection of dining opportunities from Food Truck Roundup.
Keep scrolling to see the schedule!
TUCSON POPS FALL CONCERTS
Sunday, September 22 – “Showtime”
- The orchestra will present an evening dedicated to great movie and Broadway classics performed by local vocalists Tyler Wright, and Erin Anderson along with talents from The Circus Academy of Tucson, a wonderful organization that provides diverse education in circus and theatre arts to youth and adults.
Sunday, September 29 – “Memories”
- Featuring solo performances by two Tucson Pops musicians: Oboist Christian Hill and Trumpeter Byron Yount who will present a selection of timeless classics and Tucson Pops favorites with the orchestra.
Sunday, October 6 – “Celebrate Tucson”
- Featuring the remarkable guest artist, Violinist/fiddler Heather “Lil’ Mama” Hardy, and other local talents in a concert that showcases the world-class musical talents who make Tucson their home.
Participating Food Trucks
- SAAFB Coffee Corner
- Quesadillas & More
- Sarge’s Cheesecake
- Hot Pops Kettle Corn
- Colonel Mustard Hotdogs
- Fiesta Filipino
- Hawaiian Shaved Ice
Plus, you’re encouraged to bring your own picnic set up, relax, and enjoy three beautiful evenings of outstanding Music Under the Stars.
As mentioned, it’s free to attend but if you’d like “preferred seating,” tickets are $10 and can be purchased online.
The DeMeester Outdoor Performing Arts Center is located at Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way. For more information, visit tucsonpops.org.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
