COSTA MESA : Council OKs Pops Concerts in Park

South Coast Symphony has been given permission by the City Council to hold four outdoor Pops concerts at Fairview Park beginning in August.

The council approved the concerts during a special study session this week. Thousands of people are expected to turn out for a night of picnics and music in the park on Placentia Drive.

Modeled after the Boston Pops “Symphony Under the Stars,” the series will open Aug. 22 and continue the following Saturday, as well as on Sept. 12 and 19.

The aim of the concerts is to broaden the symphony’s appeal by reaching out to a family-oriented audience, said Doreen Hardy, executive director of the South Coast Symphony. Programming ideas include an evening of all-American music and popular movie themes.

“The music will be very recognizable to most people,” said Hardy, adding that they are in the process of signing performers. “It is going to be a great lineup, I can guarantee that.”

Tickets are expected to cost about $20, but 200 or so seats will be set aside for senior citizens or other people unable to afford a ticket, organizers said.

The council gave the idea initial approval last week, pending the outcome of a meeting of the Fairview Parks Committee. At the time, Councilwoman Sandra L. Genis expressed concerns over parking and the use of the park during the busy summer weekends.

All of the issues were worked out before the council gave its approval Monday, according to Keith Van Holt, director of community services, who added that both the Parks Committee and the Parks, Recreation Facilities and Parkway Commission have endorsed the plan. Residents will still have access to the park during the concert days, he said.