It's time for the 25th annual Symphony 'Pops' on the Green

FALLBROOK – Fallbrook Music Society presents its 25th annual Symphony ‘Pops’ on the Green, on Thursday, August 19. This year’s concert features the San Diego Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Matthew Garbutt, and guest artist Jodi Benson.

This family-oriented performance will include songs from The Little Mermaid, The Wizard of Oz, Pocahontas, and Fantasia as well as hit songs from several animated movie classics.

Fallbrook’s Grand Tradition estate is the setting for the evening, where the heart-shaped lake and beautiful landscape make a natural backdrop for symphony entertainment.

“We invite families, friends and music fans of all ages to come out with their own picnics, low-back lawn chairs and blankets to experience the power of a live symphony concert,” said Brenda Montiel, president of the Music Society.

Conductor Matthew Garbutt has been the staff conductor and resident Pops conductor of San Diego Symphony for more than 25 years.

Singer Jodi Benson has received worldwide recognition and critical acclaim as the voice of Ariel in the Academy Award-winning Disney animated feature film The Little Mermaid. Jodi’s recent projects include The Little Mermaid III, among many other stage and screen credits. On the concert stage, she has performed as a soloist with symphonies all over the world.

Concertgoers may choose to bring their own picnic, or pre-order a complete barbecue dinner prepared by Holy Smokes BBQ of Fallbrook. The dinner includes a choice of smoked BBQ pulled pork or beef brisket sandwich, coleslaw, baked beans, a chocolate brownie and a choice of water or a soft drink - for $13 per person (dinners must be ordered before Friday, August 12). Tables for four, six or 10 people are available by advance reservation through Fallbrook Music Society’s box office. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30.

This year’s title sponsor is The County of San Diego at the recommendation of Supervisor Bill Horn, Fifth District, and the silver sponsor is The Hegardt Group at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.

Concert tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets and barbecue dinners may be purchased at Major Market in Fallbrook, by calling Fallbrook Music Society (760) 451-8644, or going online to http://www.fallbrookmusicsociety.org.