2015 Nationwide Insurance PICNIC WITH THE POPS Begins Today

The 32nd season of the Columbus Symphony's Nationwide Insurance Picnic with the Pops kicks off with two in-demand performances in its downtown home at the Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion in the Columbus Commons. Today, June 19, instrumentalist Chris Botti brings his mastery of the jazz trumpet to Columbus audiences, followed by the jump-and-jive swing of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy tomorrow, June 20.

Chris Botti

Friday, June 19, 8pm

Albert-George Schram, conductor

Since the release of his 2004 critically acclaimed CD When I Fall in Love, Chris Botti has become the largest selling American jazz instrumental artist. His success has crossed over to audiences usually reserved for pop music, and his ongoing association with PBS has led to four #1 jazz albums, as well as multiple Gold, Platinum, and Grammy Awards. www.ChrisBotti.com

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Saturday, June 20, 8pm
Albert-George Schram, conductor

After more than 20 years in the music industry, the high-energy, nine-piece Big Bad Voodoo Daddy continues to swing big band style, urging millions of fans worldwide to shake and move while expanding their horizons with new musical inspiration and influence. www.bbvd.com

Location

All concerts will be held at the Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion in the Columbus Commons (160 S. High St.) directly behind the Ohio Theatre. Gates open at 6pm and will be located on the Rich, Third, and State Street sides of the park.

Tickets

General admission tickets are $23 for adults when purchased in advance by phone at 614.469.0939, online at www.PicnicWithThePops.com or www.ticketmaster.com, in person at the CAPA Ticket Center (39 E. State St.), or at central Ohio Kroger Ticketmaster locations. Adult tickets are $25 on the day of the show. Tickets for children ages 3-14 are always $8 regardless of when or where they are purchased. Children 2 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at the Rich Street and State Street entrances of the Columbus Commons on the night of the show.

Tables

Center stage tables are available for purchase at each concert. Tables are sold in parties of 8 or 10, and range from $240-$825. Catering for the table is available through Catering by Design at the discretion of the purchaser. For more information or to purchase a table, call 614.469.0939.

Single Table Seats

Single table seats can be purchased in any quantity and are $35-$85 per seat. Catering is not included. Table seats can be purchased by phone at 614.469.0939, online at www.ticketmaster.com, or in person at any central Ohio Kroger location or the CAPA Ticket Center.

Group Discount

A group discount is available for parties of 10 or more. Call 614.469.0939 for more information.

Will Call

Will Call tickets will be held at the gate on the Rich Street side of the park.

Parking

Parking is available in the lot beneath the Columbus Commons (entrance at 191 S. Third St.), and park-side in the three-story garage at 55 E. Rich St. (entrances are located on Main Street and Rich Street). Parking is $5, and is cash only.

Food & Beverage Policy

Patrons may bring their own food and beverages or purchase from on-site vendors. Beer and wine are permitted on-site for Picnic concerts only. Coolers are permitted but must be less than 2.5 feet in height.

Event Policy

Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for lawn seating but no tables. Pets, skateboards, solicitation or unauthorized sales, handbills, weapons, plastic tarps, tents, and use of stakes are not permitted. Smoking is permitted in designated areas only. Flash cameras, cell phones, laser pointers, and/or video and audio recorders of any kind are not permitted during the performance.

Restrooms

Port-o-lets will be located in the southeast corner of the park at the corner of Third and Rich Streets.

Weather Policy

All concerts are rain or shine, and may start late if necessitated by inclement weather. Concerts will only be cancelled because of severe weather, and the decision will be made after 6pm on the day of the performance. Patrons can call 614.469.0939 (ext. 6) after 6pm on the day of the show for updates. If a concert is cancelled due to severe weather, tickets will be refunded at the point of purchase.

Traffic

Sunny 95 (94.7FM) will provide traffic and parking updates from 6-8pm on concert days. The Ohio Department of Transportation web site provides the latest traffic advisories and current information on highway construction and ramp closures at http://www.dot.state.oh.us/projects/71670/Pages/default.aspx.

Bus Transportation

COTA buses will run their regularly scheduled routes to and from downtown. Patrons can get information on bus schedules and stops at www.cota.com.

Bicycle Parking

Bicycles can be locked up at bike racks throughout the park.

Safety

Medical personnel will be on-site for first aid needs. Columbus Police and other security staff will be on-site monitoring park activity.

Outside the park, Capital Crossroads' uniformed ambassadors can provide directions, information about downtown, and/or car escort services. For more information on Capital Crossroads services, please call 614.228.5718.

Accessibility

All gates are handicap accessible. Accessible restrooms and seating will be located in the northeast corner of the lawn seating area on the Third Street side of the park.

www.ColumbusSymphony.com

All programs and artists are subject to change.

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