• This is a free concert from 7-8:30 p.m. by the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra.
• MSO will be installed Friday in front of the Alabama Department of Archives and History, 624 Washington Ave.

Friday for Memorial Day weekend, the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra is bringing back its Jubilee Pops concert for the first time since 2019.

It will feature 1.5 hours of free live performances of Hollywood films such as “ET”, “Jurassic Park”, “Apollo 13”, “Star Wars”, “007”, and more.

“Some of these John Williams pieces are so fun to put together,” said bandleader Jamie Reeves.

This event is a longtime favorite in Montgomery, attracting thousands of people who will cover the grounds of the Alabama Department of Archives and History and the grounds of the State Capitol across Washington Avenue. For the past two years, MSO has been unable to run it due to pandemic conditions.

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“One of the things that really pleasantly surprised us was the willingness of our orchestra members to play,” said Bryan Reeves, executive director of the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, who is also a trumpeter at MSO. “Our orchestra is a community orchestra. All of our regular members are volunteers. We all work in different fields throughout Montgomery and the river area. Most of us do it for fun, for fun. Members of our orchestra were really excited to get back to playing.”

To help make this evening even more spectacular, the Announcer has some suggestions for guests:

1. Arrive early

The concert itself takes place from 7-8:30 p.m. in front of the Alabama Department of Archives and History, 624 Washington Ave.

Arriving an hour or two (or more) earlier will give customers better parking options. There are a limited number of free parking spaces in the parking lot just behind Archives and History on Adams Avenue. Nearby street parking is available on Washington Avenue, Bainbridge Street and Adams Avenue.

Early risers to the concert get better lawn choices to settle in. Do you want to be closer to the music or do you prefer to get away from the orchestra? Need space to stretch out and social distance? Claim your space early.

“There’s plenty of space for people to spread out and bring the whole family,” Bryan Reeves said. “It’s definitely one of the nicest venues for an outdoor Pops concert.”

2. Things you are going to want

With outdoor events like this, beach carts are always a plus for hauling supplies, and you’ll need something to make a full afternoon out of it. Garden chairs are essential. Large napkins and whites work too. Don’t forget coolers, snacks, toys and, of course, children.

3. Keep the kids entertained

Think beyond the smartphones kids of all ages play with all the time. Your children might like to play with other things outside. Bring board games or dominoes. Maybe a beach ball or a Frisbee. Keep it fun and active until the music starts.

Just keep the kids in sight and close at hand. Remember, it will be a big crowd.

If you arrive very early, you will have time to take them to visit the Archives and History Building and visit the Museum of Alabama, which will be open until 4:30 p.m. Free entry. Get to know the early Alabamians and learn about the state’s history that spans from the 1700s to the 21st century.

4. Be prepared for some sunshine

The weather seems to be on Jubilee Pops side this year. After days of rain and thunderstorms, the forecast for Friday is partly cloudy with a high of 78. Sunset is at 7:44 p.m., about halfway through the concert.

Bring sunscreen, bring water, wear cool, comfortable clothes, and a hat and sunglasses.

5. Make it a picnic

Food and music were made for each other, and you can enjoy Jubilee Pops with whatever snack you fancy.

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It can be as simple as grabbing a drive-thru or a pizza. Maybe buttery movie popcorn to go along with the evening tunes. Fresh fruits like strawberries can also be very refreshing.

Picnic pros can whip up their favorites like sandwiches, fried chicken, specialty cheeses and desserts. Alabama’s Cooperative Extension System suggests pasta salad and sides like creamy cucumber dill dip and strawberry salsa. Just make sure you can keep cold foods cool enough.

Also, don’t forget disposable plates, napkins, forks and spoons, and a bag for all your trash.

Although water is a necessity and you should stay hydrated, think twice before packing a bunch of sugary sodas, especially for the little ones.

6. Follow MSO for more

Keep up to date with upcoming MSO events online at montgomerysymphony.org.

Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel at [email protected]