The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra continues a nearly 80-year tradition of fun, family-gatherings at the concert bowl in Covington’s Devou Park. The KSO began its annual summer series of concerts in 1995. This summer’s programs extend the KSO’s efforts to enlighten, entertain and educate through a variety of great music, activities and nostalgia. Musical programs range from patriotic to health and fitness to a Cincinnati- based sit-com. Over the course of the three shows, the KSO will perform 57 selections that will have crowds dancing, clapping, running, exercising and singing along.
Let Freedom Sing
A Patriotic Pastische
7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 8
The KSO’s Summer Series kicks-off with a salute to America’s independence. The program offers a blend of unique, fun, traditional and stirring patriotic works providing historical insight into America’s military conflicts and pays tribute to those who have answered and continue to answer the call to defend America’s freedom. Treasured area vocalists Rob Reider and Nancy James, the KSO Chorale, color guard and bagpiper join forces with the KSO for an independence weekend celebration.
Program Highlights: “Yankee Doodle,” “Battle of New Orleans,” “Ashokan Farewell,” “Over There,” “Ballad of the Green Berets,” “You Can’t Blame Your Uncle Sammy,” God Bless America,” etc.
Fit as a Fiddle II
A Classic Run & Workout
7:30 p.m. Saturday, August 5
Limbering up for Covington’s health and fitness weekend, the KSO presents Fit as a Fiddle II, dusting off the Beethoven 5k Run (runners race through Devou Park to beat the orchestra to the end of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony). The second half features fitness instructors for more audience cardio participation with “Sweatin’ to the Symphony” (a 50-minute, non-stop aerobic workout to well-known classics).
Sample Program: Beethoven Symphony No. 5; Well-known works and excerpts by Bizet, Mozart, Prokofiev, Smetana, Khachaturian, Tchaikowsky, Offenbach, Rossini, J. Strauss, Grieg, Brahms, Sousa, Massenet and more.
Remembering WKRP in Cincinnati
Songs from the Show, 1978-82
7:30 p.m. Saturday, September 2
The KSO Boogie Band hits the rewind button and plays tunes heard on the 1978-82 CBS sit-com WKRP in Cincinnati. The show, about a wacky rock & roll radio station in downtown Cincinnati, included classic com- edy bits and music from the era. Video from episodes and character reminiscences, together with gag appro- priate tunes by Toto, Grover Washington, Marvin Gaye, Chic, Bob Seger, Queen, Kool and the Gang and many more fill the evening with nostalgia and fun for the old timers. A possible cameo, awaits the Labor Day weekend audience.
WKRP Theme, “Hold the Line,” “ For the Love of Money,” “Rise,” “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Le Freak,” “Old Time Rock & Roll” and many more.
“The KSO’s Summer Series in this beautiful tree-lined park is really about the community coming together. Few events today allow families, neighbors and friends to simply come out and share a relaxed and unique cultural moment. Continuing a truly memorable tradition is what the KSO provides in part with the support of local corporate sponsors Toyota, Thomas More College, DBL Law, Schneller Heating and Air and Fischer Homes,” said KSO Music Director and Founder James Cassidy.
Join the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. — July 8, August 5 & September 2.
Concessions are available on-site. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. For more information and directions, visit the KSO at www.kyso.org or call (859) 431-6216. $5 (per person) suggested donation.
The TANK Shuttle from Covington Catholic to the band shell runs from 6-7:30 p.m. and after the concert for $1 each way. Free parking in the park (though limited).
