Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Pepsi Pops provides waterfront concert, food and fireworks

• The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s Pepsi Pops concert will be held at Old Trace Park on the Ross Barnett Reservoir on Friday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m.
• The concert will feature music from “Wicked,” “Grease,” “Twilight,” a tribute to Elvis, and works by John Williams.
• Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the gate, and $5 for students.
• Food and beverages will be available for purchase, but attendees are asked not to bring glass, alcohol or tents.

Get your picnic blankets and lawn chairs ready: the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s Pepsi Pops is Friday, May 9, on the Ross Barnett Reservoir.

Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Pepsi Pops is annual outdoor concert that brings Jackson area residents together to enjoy live music with picnics and fireworks.

This year marks the 44th Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Pepsi Pops.

If you go:

• When: 7:30 p.m., Friday, May 9
• Where: Old Trace Park on the Ross Barnett Reservoir Reservoir, 422 Post Road, Ridgeland

What can I expect?

With the sun setting over the Ross Barnett Reservoir as a backdrop, the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra members will perform pieces from radio hits to movie themes and Broadway tunes.

This year’s show will include pieces from “Wicked,” “Grease” and “Twilight.” The orchestra also will perform a tribute to Elvis.

The show will include pieces from composer John Williams. The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra also performed a John Williams tribute concert in February, bringing some of Williams’ most beloved movie themes to life including “Harry Potter,” “Star Wars,” “Jurassic Park” and “Indiana Jones.”

Gates open at 5 p.m. At 5:30 p.m., the Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra and Hinds County School string students will greet guests as they set up their blankets and chairs. Jazz group David Keary and Friends will perform at 6:30 p.m.

The MSO will begin at 7:30 p.m. with WLBT’s Maggie Wade and local restaurateur Jeff Good as emcees.

Local favorites (plus Pepsi) will provide the refreshments. Guests can purchase Poppy Pies pizza, Pig and Pint barbecue and banana pudding and ice cream sundaes from Mo’ Betta Dessert Bar.

The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra asks that guests do not bring glass, alcohol or tents.

A fireworks display will close out the evening.

How can I get tickets?

Tickets are $15 each for adults when bought in advance through the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra website.

Tickets bought at the gate are $20 each. Students with a valid ID can purchase tickets for $5 each.

Free parking is available in the lot west of Old Trace Park.

Got a news tip? Contact Mary Boyte at mboyte@jackson.gannett.com