Annual Pops concert set for Nov. 16

Classic Americana music, guessing games and a good meal will go toward educating future musicians at the 52nd annual University Friends of Music Pops Dinner Concert on Nov. 16.

“It’s a traditional, fun event that people who have been around awhile really like to attend,” said Kathleen Salter, treasurer for University Friends of Music. “Some people dress up, but plenty wear ordinary clothes. It’s a great connection between the town and university.”

The Pops Dinner Concert is set for 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Eastern New Mexico University Campus Union Ballroom.

If you want tickets you’ll have to act fast. The deadline is Monday and tickets are mail order only at $30 per person.

Performances by the ENMU’s Wind Symphony and the Swanee Singers will accompany an evening of fine dining and guessing games.

The Friends of Music support the ENMU Department of Music’s instrumental and vocal students with scholarships provided in part by the Pops Concert Dinner. The Friends of Music also help support the department’s guest artists series.

This year’s concert will feature music by Wind Symphony Director Dustin Seifert honoring the 75th anniversary of D-Day. There will also be “Liberty Fanfare” by John Williams and “Symphonic Suite” from Band of Brothers by Michael Kamen.

Charles Ives’ Variations on “America” will pay tribute to “My Country ’Tis of Thee,” while “Midway March” by John Williams gives tribute to the U.S. Navy’s fight with Imperial Japanese Navy at Midway.

There will also be a “name that tune” segment where the orchestra will play portions of music as audience members guess where they’re from.

After paying for the concert’s expenses, all leftover funds will go toward the University Friends Music Scholarship. Over the past year, there have been 15 such scholarships awarded ranging from $500 to $1,500.

Check or money orders for tickets should be sent to POPS 2019, 112 Texas Drive, Portales, NM 88130.

Information: 575-359-0145