The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra announced the 37th season of Kroger Symphony on the Prairie today, taking patrons on a musical journey with a line-up that will transport them to distant galaxies, the high seas, back to the early 1800s and through many decades of popular music.
The ISO begins the three-month season with the beloved film scores of John Williams – specifically, an entire Star Wars concert weekend. Additional highlights include Beethoven’s exhilarating seventh symphony, a celebration of 50 years of The Beatles White Album, and collaborations between our orchestra and bands including The Beach Boys and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Kroger Symphony on the Prairie 2018 also includes four nights of Star Spangled Symphony concerts.
A summertime tradition since its inception in 1982, when 14-year-old violin sensation Joshua Bell made his professional orchestra debut in the inaugural concert, the Kroger Symphony on the Prairie series has grown from a few summer shows to a 12-weekend series attended by more than 120,000 people each year. Kroger stepped up to become the title sponsor of Symphony on the Prairie last summer, and this fantastic partnership continues in its second year.
Discount value packs and season table subscriptions and reserved parking are on sale now. Single tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 23. The season line-up is listed below.
2018 Kroger Symphony on the Prairie Schedule*
Unless otherwise specified, gates open at 6 p.m. and concerts begin at 8 p.m.
- June 15-16: The Music of Star Wars
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra opens the 37th season of Kroger Symphony on the Prairie with a celebration of the beloved scores in the Star Wars franchise. The ISO performs highlights from legendary composer John Williams – including themes from the original trilogy and the recent extensions of the intergalactic adventures.
Scout Night presented by Printing Partners – Friday, June 15
Boy and Girl Scouts under age 18 and Scout Leaders in uniform will receive free admission on Friday, June 15, with the donation of a one-pound box of pasta.
- June 22-23: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy returns to the Conner Prairie stage with its high-voltage sound and feel-good energy. The band is known for its unique blend of jazz, swing, Dixieland and big band that gets the whole family up and dancing. The ISO performs on Saturday only.
- June 29-30 and July 3-4: Star Spangled Symphony
Pack your picnic and wear your red, white and blue for the ISO’s annual celebration of America. The ISO will salute all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces each night. Our summertime tradition features symphony favorites, including Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture complete with real cannons, and spectacular fireworks to cap off each concert. This is a premium-priced concert. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. each night
- July 6-7: Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony
Beethoven considered this work his “most excellent symphony,” and it is often noted for its unbridled optimism. As Richard Wagner once said, “If anyone plays the Seventh, tables and benches, cans and cups, the grandmother, the blind and the lame, aye, the children in the cradle fall to dancing.”
- July 13-14: The Beach Boys
Surf’s up as the orchestra is joined by The Beach Boys, led by founding member Mike Love and featuring an all-star band. The band that made Surf Rock a nationwide sound performs hit singles from decades of albums, including all of your favorites featuring their trademark harmonies. It’s sure to be a “Fun, Fun, Fun” night! This is a premium-priced concert. The ISO performs on Friday night only.
- July 20-21: Strauss’ Don Juan
Don Juan is a daring and energetic work – the first tone poem written by Richard Strauss as he sparked a new genre. From the breathtaking opening theme to the title character’s last breath, join the ISO to hear the piece that launched a legendary composer’s career.
The ISO does not perform at the following concerts:
- July 27-28: Yacht Rock Revue
Grab your boat shoes and head to Conner Prairie for a tribute to the best of ‘70s light rock. Yacht Rock Revue’s spot-on renditions of Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Steely Dan, and the rest of the Time-Life Infomercial Catalog have enthralled fans across the United States. By blurring the lines between a tribute, an original act and a comedic troupe, Yacht Rock Revue has forged a unique niche market and a special bond with their fans.
- 3-4: TBD
- 10-11: Classical Mystery Tour: Music of the Beatles
Classical Mystery Tour returns with their annual Kroger Symphony on the Prairie tribute to the Beatles. The night includes more than two dozen Beatles tunes performed exactly as they were originally recorded, from the early Beatles on through “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Let It Be.” The second half of the concert features a tribute to The White Album, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. This is a premium-priced concert.
- 17-18: ABBA: The Concert
Another fan favorite, ABBA: The Concert returns to perform the best hits of the Swedish pop group including “SOS,” “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” and many more. Bjorn, Agnetha, Anni-Frid and Benny are recreated before your eyes by four of the world’s most accurate, authentic and experienced ABBA Tribute Artists. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes as the stage front dance floor will be open for all.
- 24-25: Who’s Bad: Music of Michael Jackson
Back by popular demand, the Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band returns for a third year of the chart-topping music and jaw-dropping dance moves of the undisputed King of Pop. Sing and dance along with them to your favorite Michael Jackson hits, such as “Beat It,” “Thriller,” and so many more.
- 30-31: The Music of Tom Petty with Southern Accents
Assembled from a team of talented musicians from the Nashville studio and touring circuit, Southern Accents recreates the music, style and sound of Tom Petty with precision and wildly contagious enthusiasm. As the Ultimate Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Experience, Southern Accents brings the timeless melodies, sweet rhythms and wild rock-music of Tom Petty to the stage for everyone to experience and fall in love with all over again.
- 1-2: Robert Randolph and the Family Band
We’re wrapping up the summer season with an energetic show you won’t want to miss. Pedal steel guitar virtuoso Robert Randolph is the front man for this funk/soul jam band. Randolph’s unprecedented prowess on his instrument garnered him a spot on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” list, and also gained the attention of artists like Eric Clapton, Dave Matthews, The Roots and Jack White, who have since collaborated with Randolph on stage and in the studio.
*Artists, repertoire, and times subject to change.
10-Ticket Value Packs
Now until April 8, Value Packs (10 concert tickets) can be purchased for $210, a 45 percent savings from the regular gate price. Value Packs increase in price to $230 beginning April 9, 2018. Value Pack tickets may be used for any concert, including Star Spangled Symphony and other premium shows.
Value Packs may be purchased in person at the ISO Box Office, by phone, or online.
Premium Concert Weekends
All performances of the Star Spangled Symphony, Beach Boys and Classical Mystery Tour: Music of the Beatles are considered premium concerts. Advance single tickets for these popular concerts can be purchased at the ISO Box Office or online for $37/adults and $13/children. Premium concert gate prices are $44/adults and $15/children. Tables for premium weekends are $100 each.
Upgrade the Prairie Experience
The ISO Sunset Lounge returns this year with the ultimate concert upgrade. Lounge tickets are $55 ($65 for Premium Concert weekends) and include exclusive access to a VIP lounge area located next to the Conner Prairie Amphitheatre stage, private bathrooms and a $10 voucher to purchase food and drink. Lounge patrons also have access to a special parking area allowing for quick entry and exit.
Season table subscriptions, with seating up to 10, are available now for $702 for the entire season, a nearly 30 percent discount compared to single table prices. Tables are located at the front of the general admission seating area and offer a great view of the concert. Sunset Lounge and table subscriptions do not include general admission tickets; general admission tickets must be purchased separately for concert entry.
Discounted reserved parking subscriptions are also available for $325 for the season, providing easy-access parking for one show of each concert. Reserved parking is also available for individual concerts, ranging in price from $30 to $45.
Individual tickets to the ISO Sunset Lounge and single tables go on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 23. Table subscriptions and reserved parking can be purchased now in person at the box office or by phone.
Single Tickets and tables on sale April 23
Single tickets for Kroger Symphony on the Prairie concerts go on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 23 and can be purchased the following ways:
- Kroger stores – Tickets may be purchased at Central Indiana Kroger locations; Kroger Plus Card holders may receive a $1 discount per adult ticket.
- IndianapolisSymphony.org – Advance concert tickets may be purchased at the ISO’s website for $31/adults and $13/children under age 12. Premium advance concert tickets are $37/adults and $13/children.
- Conner Prairie Amphitheatre – Gate prices at the Conner Prairie Amphitheatre are $38/adults and $15/children under age 12. Premium concert tickets are $44 for adults.
Single tables can be purchased for $80 (non-premium nights) or $100 (premium nights) each.
Group sales
Groups of 30 or more may purchase discounted tickets to Kroger Symphony on the Prairie for $23. For group sales, contact ISO Director of Sales Joshua Shuck at (317) 231-6788 or at jshuck@IndianapolisSymphony.org.
For more information on any Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra indoor or outdoor presentations, contact the Hilbert Circle Theatre Box Office at (317) 639-4300, toll free (800) 366-8457, or online at IndianapolisSymphony.org