Picnic Pops concerts begin

The Nevada County Concert Band will perform its first of three Picnic Pops concerts at Pioneer Park in Nevada City on Sunday.

Emceed by KNCO broadcaster Jim Kerr, Sunday's concert theme is "Musical Journeys," which will "take the listener on journeys around the country, the world, and out of this world," commented Mary Whitmore, the concert band's vice-president.

The annual "Picnic Pops" concert series is one of the concert band's most popular venues, according to its Web site.

The Nevada County Concert Band, founded in the early 1970s, is based on Cornish miner immigrants who founded a number of brass bands in the Grass Valley area during the 1850s. Approximately 50 volunteer members of all ages and backgrounds, from teens to retirees, are in today's concert band.

Conductor Cheryl Baker will lead the band Sunday in a variety of numbers from the "Star Wars Medley" to the "Dixieland Jamboree." The program will also include " A Copland Tribute," "Shenandoah," "Sentimental Journey," "American Folk Rhapsody #4," "Caravan Overture," "American Salute," "George Washington Bicentennial March," "Marche from the Opera 'Love of Three Oranges'" and "Washington Post March."

"The music we are playing will appeal to everyone. Most all of the music is familiar. There's a little bit of everything," Whitmore stated.

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring blankets, picnic baskets and lawn chairs as no seating will be provided.

"People who come should expect beautiful conditions and an upbeat concert. It's really the best of all worlds: time with friends, eating food and great music," Whitmore added.

The next two concerts in the Picnic Pops series are on July 20 and Aug. 24.

KNOW & GO

WHAT: Picnic Pops Concert OMusical JourneysO

WHEN: Sunday at 5 p.m.

WHERE: Pioneer Park Band Shell, Nimrod Street, Nevada City

ADMISSION: Free

INFORMATION:

477-4787 or www.nccb.org