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KY Symphony Orchestra kicks off 24th year of summer concerts at DeVou Park with ‘class reunions’


Northern Kentucky Symphony Orchestra will celebrate its 24th year of outdoor concerts at DeVou Park’s bandshell with a pop music tribune to class reunions ending in 8 (1958, 1968 . . .2018).

Director J.R. Cassidy’s renown creative flair is in full form as KSO’s Boogie Band presents a Class Reunion Remix (45s to mp3s) at the concert starting at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.

The program will also be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday night at Cottell Park in Deerfield Township.

Cassidy says there’s no need for a DeLorean or Huey Lewis to take you “back in time.” The pop music of yesteryear has the ability to immediately bring back memories of old flames, vintage cars, our silly and crazy youth, and a perhaps a time of simplicity and contentment.

The Boogie Band (studio orchestra) was created by the KSO nearly 20 years ago to pump energy and fun into KSO’s annual fundraiser.

Nostalgia is a powerful sentiment, and thanks to the efforts of arranger Terry LaBolt, this 27-piece group — including vocalists — today boasts charts for 281 of the most popular songs of the last 60 years.

LaBolt, current musical theater director at Indiana University, adds 7-9 charts a year based upon the theme of the show that KSO Music Director and founder James Cassidy selects and the music he requests.

The playlist, for the class reunion on the 8s show, takes a multi-generational trip from Bobby Day’s 1958 classic “Rockin’ Robin” to Camila Cabello’s 2018 “Havana” with tunes by The Beatles, Barry Manilow, Bobby Brown, Aerosmith, Coldplay and many others from those youthful years.

The concert is free and so is parking, though there is TANK Shuttle service from the Covington Catholic High School parking lot to the bandshell from 6-7:30 p.m. for just $1 each way.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair, friends, and a picnic, though drinks and concessions are available. Sing along — and enjoy sweet memories.

For more information, visit the KSO website or call (859) 431-6216.

Here’s the playlist:

The rest of the schedule:

Sombreros vs. Lederhosen
(Cultural Music Appropriation)
7:30 p.m., Saturday, August 4

The Over-Tour of Broadway
(Sample Broadway’s Golden Age)
7:30 p.m., Saturday, September 1


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