Nineteenth Annual Pops in the Park Oct. 15

VALDOSTA - Student and faculty jazz artists will delight the public with swinging rhythms at the 19th Annual Pops In The Park Concert at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, in the Fine Arts Amphitheater -- located on the back side of the Fine Arts Building.

Guest trumpeter, Ken Trimmins -- who graduated from VSU in 1985 -- will join the Faculty Jazz Combo, Steel Drum Band and other jazz ensembles as the entertainment for the music scholarship fundraiser. Trimmins led various jazz bands during his 23 years in the Air Force Band before joining the music faculty at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Ga.

Those interested in attending the event may purchase adult tickets for $15 and student/senior citizen tickets for $8. Children under 12 are admitted free with a non-perishable food item. Donated cans and boxes of food will be given to area food banks.

Tables that seat eight people are on sale for $120. The night’s theme, “Swinging Through the Hard Times,” will provide inspiration for the table-decorating contest among reserved tables. Prizes for the first-, second- and third best table décors will be given out at the conclusion of the event.

Students who have received scholarships through the Music Scholarship Alliance -- which, as the name implies, raises funds for music scholarships -- will be assisting audience members as they unload picnic dinners and set up tables. People who do not reserve tickets may bring their own chairs, but extra tables will be set up for people to enjoy their dinner as the music plays.

Guests are urged to unload food and table decorations in the Fine Arts parking lot, and then park in the VSU Bookstore and Oak Street parking lots. To make reservations or for more information about this year’s Pops in the Park, call the College of the Arts Outreach at (229) 333-2150 or e-mail Linda Mullins at lmullins@valdosta.edu. Go to www.kentrimmins.com/photos.htm# to learn more about guest trumpeter Ken Trimmins.