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DMSO's 25th Annual Yankee Doodle Pops Presents "Simon Sings America"

The Des Moines Symphony’s Yankee Doodle Pops concert once again rings in Independence Day celebrations. On Monday, July 2nd, DMSO will perform on the West Terrace of the Iowa State Capitol for its 25th annual show. Described as “family-friendly and patriotic”, this event is free, and audience members are invited to bring picnic baskets and lawn chairs. The evening begins at 8:00 pm with IPR’s preshow and is followed by DMSO’s “Simon Sings America” concert at 8:30 pm. To conclude the evening, The Des Moines Symphony presents a premier fireworks display over the beautiful Des Moines skyline.

Guest appearances include Simon Estes, Governor Kim Reynolds, and Jennifer Senne, the winner of the Des Moines Symphony’s ninth annual “Oh Say, Can You Sing?” Competition. Jennifer Senne will perform The Star Spangled Banner to open the show. Then, Iowa native and “internationally-acclaimed opera singer” Simon Estes joins The Des Moines Symphony to perform classics from the American songbook. The Des Moines Symphony will then present “time-honored, patriotic favorites” such as Armed Forces Salute and The Stars and Stripes Forever. Governor Kim Reynolds is featured as the narrator of the Armed Forces Salute. The Des Moines Symphony concludes their performance with the 1812 Overture featuring live Howitzer cannons and fireworks.

Join Iowa Public Radio on Friday, June 22nd at noon to hear an interview with Maestro Joseph Giunta. In addition, tune in on Monday, July 2nd at 8:00 pm for IPR’s preshow and at 8:30 pm for this special live broadcast of the Des Moines Symphony’s Yankee Doodle Pops concert.

Attendees of the Yankee Doodle Pops event may also bring a non-perishable food item to the concert to participate in the Yankee Doodle Drive Against Hunger. Listeners at home can also contribute by making a food or financial donation to their local food bank. For more information about the drive, visit http://dmsymphony.org/events/tenth-annual-yankee-doodle-drive-against-hunger/

If you happen to attend in person at the State Capitol in Des Moines, please note that the evening begins at 6:30 pm with a concert prelude featuring the Turner Center Jazz Orchestra with Tina Haase Findlay.

Jacqueline Halbloom is a Sr. Music Producer and Classical Music Host