Join the Grand Rapids Pops as we celebrate America with Classical Fireworks: Salute to America and a playlist featuring an The Armed Forces Salute, Leonard Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, Irving Berlin’s God Bless America, John Williams’ Theme from Born on the Fourth of July, and John Phillip Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever. 

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops, pianist Rich Ridenour, a Grand Rapids native who performed at the very first concert in July 1995, will return for an encore performance of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue

The evening will end in an explosion of color and grandeur against the backdrop of the night sky while the Grand Rapids Symphony performs Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.

Arrive at the concert early and enjoy pre-concert entertainment featuring Michael Schaeffer on accordion.

Gates open at 5:45 p.m. for picnicking and pre-concert activities including children's crafts and a musical instrument petting zoo. The concert begins at 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday, July 11-12, at Cannonsburg Ski Area, 6800 Cannonsburg Road NE.

Tickets in advance start at $20 adults, $5 students for lawn seats. Table seats and reserved chairs also are available. Call the Grand Rapids Symphony at (616) 454-9451 or go online to GRSymphony.org