In the fading light of day on the breezy shore of Barnett Reservoir, boats bob on the water, little kids bop in front of the musicians onstage and the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra delivers music of our memories at Pepsi Pops. Patriotic classics, movie themes, Billboard and Broadway hits are kicked up a notch by symphonic splendor and the laidback, outdoor charm of springtime in Mississippi.

That’s the winning combination at Pepsi Pops, Friday, May 9, presented by Pepsi and Brown Bottling Group. It’s a recipe that has won over metro Jackson hearts for 44 years. Music continues through sunset and under the stars, then fireworks fill the night sky as heart-swelling patriotic tunes fill the air.

Alyssa Silberman knows it well as an avid Pepsi Pops fan whose memories of the event stretch back to the 1990s when she first arrived in Mississippi. She goes as often as she can. “I even sat out in the rain one time, I just covered myself in plastic and waited for the music.”

Pepsi Pops fans span generations, ages, backgrounds and more, all brought together in community to hear timeless tunes in a captivating setting. No matter the perspective – dating couples, friend groups, young families or seniors – there is plenty to love about Pepsi Pops.

For Silberman, the math is easy. “I love the idea of a picnic, and I love the idea of the symphony, and it couldn’t get any better than to have both of them at the same time.” Her accompanying friend group and picnic preferences may have changed over the years, but the enjoyment remains steady. “The music’s always great, it’s always beautiful to see the boats on the water, and I think the spirit has stayed the same – people are just out having a great time.” Also, “My favorite time to eat and be outside is at sunset, and the timing of it is so perfect. It’s still light and you can watch the sun go down while you enjoy the whole experience.”

Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra Director Alina Shook sees the teamwork it builds and the foundation it lays for these budding musicians on full display at Pepsi Pops. MYSO’s ensembles and full Scherzo Orchestra start the pre-concert entertainment as patrons and picnickers arrive. “They bring parents, grandparents – we have a whole entourage of people who come with us, everywhere we play,” Shook said.

It’s a chance for the young players to show off their skills, see MSO play and imagine a future for themselves in that role. “There’s a legacy with MYSO. Not everybody is an athlete. We also need people who are musical and musically inclined,” Shook said. “If we don’t invest in the young musicians, we won’t have any musicians to be in the MSO.”

From a sponsor viewpoint, Brown Bottling Group Executive Vice President Shelley Brown Floyd watches the legacy of her grandfather Ken Brown’s vision unfold at the event. “Now 44 years later, it’s still a community favorite where friends and families come together under the stars for an evening of music, food and fireworks, and making life-long memories.”

Brown Bottling Group’s continued support of this event has impacted hundreds of thousands of people, MSO President and Executive Director Janet Reihle noted, “Families are at the heart of the Pepsi Pops program. For generations, parents and children alike have come together to experience the wonder of live orchestral music.

“It’s about creating memories that last a lifetime and helping the next generation discover the joy of classical music in a way that’s both fun and accessible. The tradition of Pepsi Pops represents not only the legacy of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, but also the spirit of music in Mississippi.”

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