Columbus, OH — On Saturday, June 28, 2025, over 3,500 music lovers gathered under the stars at Columbus Commons for a nostalgic and electrifying installment of the Columbus Symphony’s Picnic with the Pops concert series. Presented in partnership with local affiliate NBC4 (WCMH), the featured event, Yacht Rock Symphony, brought together symphonic splendor and chart-topping smooth rock in a dazzling night of music and memories.
The Columbus Symphony, under the baton of Principal Pops Conductor Stuart Chafetz, teamed up with Ambrosia, John Ford Coley (of England Dan & John Ford Coley), and Peter Beckett (“The Voice of Player”) to deliver unforgettable renditions of hits like “Biggest Part of Me,” “Baby Come Back,” and “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight.”
“This is one of our biggest performance venues,” said Chafetz. “We love seeing so many people happy and saying, ‘Wow, we had fun!’ They realize a symphony orchestra is the opposite of what they might think. Our goal is to change the perspective.”
Columbus Commons, the six-acre urban green space in the heart of downtown, provided a vibrant backdrop for the crowd, which included families, couples, and yacht rock diehards—many of whom embraced the theme with elaborately decorated tables and festive nautical attire.
Photos courtesy of Nat Hickman for Columbus Symphony
“It was a magical night,” said Steve Selak, producer and founder of Selak Entertainment. “I really want to thank all of the amazing support the 3,500+ fans put into all of the decorations that adorned the tables. I was amazed how much energy went into this artwork.”
Organizers say attendance has been strong throughout the season, thanks in part to beautiful weather and the concert series’ broad appeal. “There’s just so much going on in the world, and music is the one unifier,” said Erin Flynn, Chief Development Officer of the Columbus Symphony. “Everybody in Columbus can come down, grab dinner, come on over to the Commons and just enjoy two and a half hours of music.”
The night closed with a brilliant fireworks finale, capping off an evening of soaring melodies, community connection, and timeless yacht rock classics reimagined for a new generation.
Selak Entertainment is currently booking additional Yacht Rock Symphony concerts throughout the summer and fall at venues across the United States. The next scheduled performance will take place on October 11, 2025, with the Ft. Worth Symphony at Bass Performance Hall in Ft. Worth, Texas.
Be sure to check out the Yacht Rock Symphony page for more information and to book this spectacular live concert symphony experience!
For upcoming Yacht Rock Symphony concerts, visit the Pollstar Events page here!
