For more information or to become a sponsor, contact Bryan Marshall at 419-234-3309

By Paula Pyzik Scott

Thanks to a grassroots campaign spearheaded by Bryan Marshall, the tradition of a free Patriotic Pops musical celebration will resume in Ada on Sunday, June 28, at the Ada Schools.

Marshall, Lima Symphony Orchestra CEO Elizabeth Brown-Ellis and Ada Schools Superintendent Julie Simmons shared their excitement and community enthusiasm for resuming the annual event, which was started at Ohio Northern University in 2015 and has drawn audiences of some 2,000 listeners.

The Lima Symphony Orchestra will play patriotic songs, including the Armed Forces Salute to honor service men and women who have served our country. The pop song Hang on Sloopy is also a Patriotic Pops tradition. Other selections will be Broadway and movie music. The concert will be conducted by Lloyd Butler.

This is a free concert, open to the public. The Patriotic Pops will be funded entirely by sponsors and donations from individuals. The cost is $31,000.00 to put on the concert.

AN AMERICA 250 CELEBRATION
Marshall noted that the Patriotic Pops are a perfect way to join in the America 250 celebrations marking the anniversary of our nation’s founding.

The concert will last approximately ninety minutes with an intermission. The concert will take place on the Ada Schools’ east lawn. The public is asked to bring their lawn chairs for seating.

Food trucks will also be on site to offer their specialties as we combine good food with good music.

If there should be inclement weather, the concert will be moved indoors to the Ada High School gymnasium. 

LIMA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The symphony is a mid-size professional orchestra, notes Brown-Ellis. Players come from the tri-state area and audition to join the symphony. The Patriotic Pops are an excellent introduction to the LSO, which also holds a regular season at the Veteran's Memorial Civic Center, Young People's Concerts, Mornings with Maestro and Symphony Storytimes.

ADA SCHOOLS
Superintendent Simmons is looking forward to hosting an event that is open to all. "We have a lot of community members who don't have children or grandchildren, who maybe don't step onto our campus, so I'm excited by the opportunity.... Our community has supported the schools in so many ways. This is an opportunity to give back." 

Simmons also noted that the event was a perfect time to share information about the Veteran's Wall that is being developed at the schools.