It's time for a town-wide ice cream social on the front lawn of Pioneer High School this Saturday, May 18, when Picnic Pops offers live music, presented by student bands and orchestras from the AAPS system.
More details appear on the Picnic Pops website:
Under a big tent, the various music ensembles present a "pops" style program of popular tunes. A tradition since 1961, this spring music event is a great way to celebrate the accomplishments of our student music ensembles. The concert is free, and the food and games are at bargain prices. Come enjoy the music, food, and fun!The music ensembles perform under the big tent. Chairs are provided just outside the tent, but half the fun is bringing your own lawn chair, strollers, or blankets and making yourself at home.
In the tradition of old-fashioned socials, Picnic Pops features games and activities for all ages. There's plenty to do for younger children, and for some reason, the games featuring prizes of soda pop or whole cakes (donated by the Pioneer music community) are the most popular with the pre-teen and teenage crowd!
There's even a cake decorating contest each year. Who knew music students could also be so talented in the kitchen?
Of course, the event would not be complete without hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, and ice cream, all of which can be enjoyed at the tables set-up under the tent while listening to the music. If the weather doesn't cooperate, Picnic Pops simply moves indoors with music in the auditorium, and food & fun in the lobby.
Here's the music schedule for this year's Picnic Pops:
10:00 a.m. Skyline Varsity Band 10:30 a.m. Huron Symphony Band 11:15 a.m. Forsythe 11:45 a.m. Skyline Concert Band 12:15 p.m. Huron Concert Band 12:45 p.m. Clague 1:15 p.m. Huron Varsity Band 1:45 p.m. Skyline Symphony Band 2:30 p.m. Tappan 3:00 p..m. Slauson 3:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Open 4:00 p.m. Pioneer Concert Band 4:30 p.m. Pioneer Varsity Band 5:00 p.m. Pioneer Symphony Band
Jenn McKee is an entertainment reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at jennmckee@annarbor.com or 734-623-2546, and follow her on Twitter @jennmckee.