USM Partners for the Arts to Host Pops in the Park

Tue, 09/24/2024 - 11:23am | By: Dr. Mike Lopinto

Partners for the Arts (PFTA) presents the second annual Pops in the Park concert, a showcase of popular music performed by The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Symphonic Winds, conducted by Dr. Colin McKenzie, and the Steel Pan Orchestra, conducted by Dr. John Wooton. 

Pops in the Park offers the community a memorable outdoor musical experience, that has become a tradition on the Hattiesburg campus. It will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024 at Spirit Park, opening at 5:30 p.m. The Steel Pan Orchestra will perform at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Symphonic Winds taking the stage at 7:00 p.m. at Southern Station in Spirit Park. This event is free and open to the public.

The concert will showcase the incredible talents of Southern Miss students, as they perform popular music with a mix of jazz, rock, pop, film scores, Broadway favorites, and American classics — this event has something for everyone to enjoy!

“The Southern Miss Symphonic Winds and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to share with you the second annual Pops in the Park concert,” said Dr. McKenzie, director of the School of Music. “We are working diligently to be sure that the experience you have with us at Southern Station is unforgettable. You'll enjoy performances by our talented students and several of our esteemed School of Music faculty, who will be joining the Symphonic Winds and the Steel Pan Orchestra. It promises to be a fantastic evening under the spacious skies and verdant trees — you won’t want to miss it.”

Proceeds from Pops in the Park will provide vital support to the University’s arts programs and students. PFTA secures funding, mentorship opportunities for students, and supports the creation and production of art at USM. Events like Pops in the Park ensure that PFTA can continue to support the success of Southern Miss performance ensembles and the talented students and faculty who participate in them.

“Partners for the Arts is an important organization in our community, playing a key role in supporting the outstanding work happening across the University's arts programs,” said Dr. McKenzie. “As the conductor of the Symphonic Winds and director of the School of Music, I am honored to work with PFTA as we continue to explore new initiatives that bring the arts to the community.

Bring your picnic basket, spread out your blanket, and enjoy a family-friendly tradition! Click here to learn more about Pops in the Park.