Pops on the water and fireworks under the sky
MSO’s Pepsi Pops wraps up spectacular season
Jackson, Mississippi — Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s Pepsi Pops, a beloved community favorite, marks its 44th year at Old Trace Park in Ridgeland putting a symphonic spin on chart toppers, movie themes, Broadway hits and patriotic fare, 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 9, on the shore of the Ross Barnett Reservoir.
The MSO concert presented by Pepsi and Brown Bottling Group works a powerful annual charm on picnickers, music lovers and fireworks fans with its combination of open-air, under-the-stars ambiance, infectious music and scenery at sunset.
“Pepsi Pops is more than just a concert,” MSO President and Executive Director Janet Reihle said. “It’s a celebration of nostalgia. It brings back the joy of longer summer evenings spent with families and friends enjoying great music under the stars. We are proud that this tradition has been a part of Mississippi’s cultural fabric for over 44 years.”
The Jackson Symphony League hosted the first outdoor pops concert in 1969, and Brown Bottling Group has continued the popular community staple since 1981. Brown Bottling Group Executive Vice President Shelley Brown Floyd recalled the vision of her grandfather and arts patron Ken Brown in the partnership with MSO. “It was my favorite time of year as a child, setting the stage as the official start of summer, and now my children are the fourth generation to experience the wonder of Pepsi Pops!” Floyd said.
The program includes highlights from Wicked, a tribute to the music of Elvis, Wind Beneath My Wings, Spinning Wheel, Unchained Melody, selections from Grease and Twilight and some of John Williams’ finest.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. at Old Trace Park, as the Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) entertains early arrivers with performances by aspiring young musicians ranging in age from 5 to 18. The annual outdoor concert offers MYSO students the chance to show off their skills and hard work. “Pepsi Pops has been around so long, it’s kind of iconic, and for them to have a small part in it, is just exciting for the kids,” MYSO director Alina Shook said.
Pre-concert entertainment continues with the gypsy jazz of David Keary & Friends at 6:30 p.m. MSO takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. with WLBT’s Maggie Wade and restaurateur Jeff Good as the evening’s emcees.
Picnicking is a Pepsi Pops tradition, but food will be available onsite, too. Find pizza by Poppy Pies and barbecue by Pig & Pint, plus Mo’ Betta Dessert Bar will be there with banana pudding and ice cream sundaes with choice of toppings. Stay hydrated with ice-cold Pepsi products. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnics are welcome. Please do not bring glass, alcohol or tents.
Tickets are $15 each for adults in advance at msorchestra.com, $20 each at the gate. Student tickets are $5 each, with valid student ID. VIP parking passes, $35, access the lot closest to the concert green space with entry through the Post Road gate. Contact MSO Patron Services at 601-414-6005 or patronservices@msorchestra.com by May 2 to purchase in advance and receive by mail. Space permitting, parking passes may be available at the Post Road gate on the night of the concert.
Parking in the lot west of Old Trace Park is free.
MSO’s Pops Series is sponsored by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi. The Pepsi Pops concert is presented by Pepsi and Brown Bottling Group, along with concert sponsors iHeart Media Jackson, WLBT3 on your side, and EastGroup Properties. MSO is supported in part by the Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Who: Mississippi Symphony Orchestra
What: Pepsi Pops, MSO Pops Series concert
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 9, 2025
Where: Old Trace Park on the Reservoir, Ridgeland, MS
Website: www.msorchestra.com
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