"Little Mermaid' star to perform at 25th Symphony 'Pops' on the Green

FALLBROOK – The world knows Jodi Benson as the wonderful voice of Ariel in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” one of the best Disney animated films ever created.

Benson is a rare artist whose unique voice thrills audiences not only in the movies, but also in concert halls throughout the world. She will step into the guest soloist spotlight for Fallbrook Music Society’s 25th Annual Symphony ‘Pops’ on the Green, Thursday, August 19.

The concert features a special engagement of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Matthew Garbutt, with a program that promises to be an exciting exploration of music familiar to many, with broad appeal to music fans of all ages. This family night performance includes songs from ‘The Little Mermaid,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Pocahontas” and “Fantasia” as well as hit songs from several movie classics.

Benson also has the distinction of providing the bubbly voice of Tour Guide Barbie in Disney’s “Toy Story II”- winner of the Golden Globe Award for Best Picture.

Benson’s recent projects include “The Little Mermaid II and III: Return to the Sea,” “Lady and the Tramp II,” “101 Dalmations II,” Dreamwork’s animated movie “Joseph: King of Dreams,” along with many others. An active favorite on the concert stage, she has appeared as a concert soloist with The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, The National Symphony, Cleveland, Dallas, Tokyo Philharmonic, San Francisco and Chicago to name a few.

The event will be held lakeside on the grounds of the Grand Tradition Estate, 1602 S. Mission Road. General admission tickets for this evening under the stars are $25 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Reserved tables for four, six or 10 persons and BBQ picnic dinners are available. Complete dinners, provided by Holy Smokes BBQ of Fallbrook must be pre-ordered by Friday, August 13. Concertgoers may also choose to purchase their admission and dinner tickets at Major Market in Fallbrook or at http://www.fallbrookmusicsociety.org.

Fallbrook Music Society also encourages those attending to bring blankets and low-backed chairs for lawn seating - and picnics are welcome. Gates open for picnics and dining at 5: 30 p.m., the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, call Fallbrook Music Society at (760) 451-8644 or visit http://www.fallbrookmusicsociety.org.