The Columbus Symphony to Pay Tribute to the King of Pop June 25

From his early years with the Jackson 5 to his mega-hit album Thriller and beyond, Michael Jackson stormed the music industry with hit after hit. Windborne Productions' "The Music of Michael Jackson" takes you through each era of this storied performer from "ABC," "I'll Be There," and "Got to Be There" through "Beat It," "Thriller," "Rock With You," "The Way You Make Me Feel," and many, many more. Join conductor Larry Baird and the Columbus Symphony for an evening filled with fabulous music spanning 40 years of Michael Jackson's influential and celebrated career.

The 2011 Nationwide Insurance Picnic with the Pops presents the Columbus Symphony in The Music of Michael Jackson at Chemical Abstracts Service (2540 Olentangy River Rd.) on Saturday, June 25. Gates open at 6pm. Concert begins at 8:15pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-14 when purchased by phone at 614.228.8600, online at www.PicnicWithThePops.com, in person at the Ohio Theatre Ticket Office (39 E. State St.), or at the gate on the night of the performance. Children 2 and under are free. Discounted adult tickets are available at central Ohio Giant Eagle locations for $18.

This performance is made possible through the generous support of title sponsor Nationwide Insurance and host, Chemical Abstracts Service. Additional support is provided by presenting sponsors The Blackwell, Catering by Design, John Gerlach & Company, LLP and Live! Technologies, Inc.; concert sponsors Giant Eagle, Lasting Impressions Event Rentals, Messer Construction; and supporting sponsors Donatos Pizza, Graeter's Ice Cream, Hamburg Fireworks, and Heidelberg Distributing.

About The Music of Michael Jackson
Bridging the gulf between pop and classical music, Windborne Productions' newest show, The Music of Michael Jackson, is a program that extends the listening experience of Michael's exceptional tunes. Performed by the Columbus Symphony and amplified with a full band and vocals, conductor Larry Baird and his ensemble capture Michael's distinct sound while presenting some familiar as well as new musical colors.

Performer James Delisco delivers a fabulous rendition of Michael Jackson's vocals. Delisco grew up listening to Michael and even met him at a performance in Jacksonville, FL. "James has that rare combination of a fabulous voice, athletic dance moves, and audience sensitivity where he understands what the audience is looking for and needs from the performers on stage. And he delivers," says conductor/arranger Brent Havens. "He has an uncanny ability to make the right move on stage or say the right thing just as the audience is looking for it. It's amazing to see."

This symphonic/pop hybrid has met with riotous approval at both ends of the hall. Many classical musicians also enjoy the change of pace. "So many of the musicians grew up with this music much like we did," says Havens. "They may not have studied it to the extent that my musicians have studied it, but they are certainly familiar with the music. Everyone knows the Thriller album, as it's one of the best selling albums of all time."

As always, we wanted to keep the foundation of the music as close to the originals as we could and then add additional colors to enhance what Michael had done," says Havens. "The wonderful thing with an orchestra is that you have an entire palette of sounds to call upon. The band is reproducing what Michael did as closely as possible within the constraints of personnel, and then having an orchestra behind the band gives the music richness, a whole new feel, a whole different sense of color but still preserving the wonderful music that he originally produced."

Havens understood that Michael Jackson fans would want to hear the original, familiar elements of the music. He tries to stay as close to the originals as possible and use the orchestra for enhancement. With a 50-piece orchestra hanging on his every cue, Havens had a large landscape to work with. "And having world class musicians in every city to work with, it makes the music even that much more compelling." The show has proven a great way to introduce a whole New Group of fans to the symphony experience. "As with our other shows, I'm sure there are people who are going to come out who have never seen their city's symphony orchestra, and this allows them to experience something new along with the music that they already love," says Havens.

About conductor Larry Baird
As a composer, arranger, and orchestrator of contemporary music, conductor Larry Baird has established a reputation for having a highly creative, intuitive, and fresh approach to repertoire. When on the podium, or in performance, his enthusiasm emanates with unequaled flair, intensity, and passion. Baird has arranged, orchestrated, conducted, and performed with hundreds of different orchestras and artists throughout the world. He has most recently toured with vocal superstar and songwriting hit-maker Michael Bolton as Orchestral Music Director/Conductor/ Arranger. Baird has also been the Orchestral Music Director, Conductor, and Arranger for the legendary British band The Moody Blues since 1992. Baird has also toured and worked in the same capacity with the innovative, art-rock American band, Kansas, with whom he arranged and conducted the CD Always Never The Same which was recorded at the renowned Abbey Road Studios in England with the London Symphony Orchestra. Since 1999, he has been the Orchestral Music Director/Conductor/Arranger for the unparalleled, vocal powerhouse, hit makers, Three Dog Night with whom he recently recorded the CD Three Dog Night with the London Symphony Orchestra.

About vocalist James Delisco
Crowned "The Entertainer" by Wayne Newton himself on the E! Network's reality TV series, James Delisco has proved he is more than worthy of that title. After completing his $1 million contract at the Las Vegas Hilton, where his show opened to rave reviews, Delisco continues to obtain critical acclaim in every market and venue on his recent world-wide tour. An iconoclastic showroom performer with orgiastic energy, Delisco emanates old school charm with contemporary charisma. His handling of a song is so true to itself and to the purpose of music, to uplift and inspire, that a musical and entertainment revolution is only a matter of time for this enormously talented artist. Where classic quality meets edgy rock and soul style with undeniable stage presence, Delisco is the future of music and entertainment.

On the threshold of major stardom, this polished young talent and electrifying performer returns to the US from Berlin, Germany, the Venetian Casino in Macau, and opening the new Sands Casino in Singapore. He plays to sold out audiences everywhere he appears, which is a testament to both the mystery and intrigue of Delisco.

Additional musicians
Background Vocals - Kelli Reisen
Background Vocals - Felicia Barton
Bass/Vocals - Daniel Clemens
Drums/Vocals - Powell Randolph
Guitar/Vocals - George Cintron
Keyboards/Vocals - Bart Kuebler

Group Discount
A group discount is available for parties of 10 or more. Call 614.228.8600 for more information.

Reserved Seating
Center stage tables are available for purchase. Tables are sold in parties of 2, 4, 8, or 10, and range from $50-$850. Catering is not included.

Prime location lawn space may also be reserved for groups of 25 or more.

To reserve tables or preferRed Lawn seating, call 614.228.8600.

www.PicnicWithThePops.com

CALENDAR LISTING
The 2011 Nationwide Insurance Picnic with the Pops presents THE MUSIC OF Michael Jackson
Saturday, June 25, 8:15 pm
Chemical Abstracts Service (2540 Olentangy River Rd.)
From his early years with the Jackson 5 to his mega-hit album Thriller and beyond, Michael Jackson stormed the music industry with hit after hit. Windborne Productions' "The Music of Michael Jackson" takes you through each era of this storied performer from "ABC," "I'll Be There," and "Got to Be There" through "Beat It," "Thriller," "Rock With You," "The Way You Make Me Feel," and many, many more. Join conductor Larry Baird and the Columbus Symphony for an evening filled with fabulous music spanning 40 years of Michael Jackson's influential and celebrated career. Tickets are $20 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-14 when purchased by phone at 614.228.8600, online at www.PicnicWithThePops.com, in person at the Ohio Theatre Ticket Office (39 E. State St.), or at the gate on the night of the show. Children 2 and under are free. Discounted adult tickets are available at central Ohio Giant Eagle locations for $18.