Bemidji Symphony's Summer Pops concert kicks off Director Beverly Everett's 20th season
Aug. 20—BEMIDJI — The Bemidji High School Auditorium was popping on Saturday evening as the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra kicked off its 86th season with the annual Summer Pops concert while also celebrating Beverly Everett's 20th season as music director.
In honor of the recent Olympic games in Paris, the symphony started things off by performing "Bugler's Dream and Olympic Fanfare."
The evening also featured a smattering of hits from Prince and Tina Turner, with guest artists Michael Cartwright on trumpet and vocals and Cydney McQuillan-Grace on vocals, both from New York, bringing an extra dose of upbeat energy to the concert.
Songs by Prince included "Little Red Corvette," "When Doves Cry," "Let's Go Crazy" and "Purple Rain," which even featured some purple stage lights in his honor.
"Prince passed away on my birthday, so I hope I'm doing him justice tonight," Cartwright shared at the conclusion of Purple Rain, which was met with a round of cheers and applause.
Tina Turner's songs on the program included "What's Love Got To Do With It," "River Deep Mountain High," "Simply the Best" and "Proud Mary."
Other popular hits of the night were mashups from the movies "How to Train Your Dragon" and "The Lion King."
The remaining concerts for the season will be held at 3 p.m. on Oct. 13, Nov. 17, Dec. 3, Feb. 16, March 30 and May 11, all at the BHS Auditorium.
Individual concert tickets may be purchased in advance at Lueken's Village Foods North and South and online at
Same-day tickets may be purchased at the concert if capacity allows.
Prices are $27 for adults, $22 for seniors age 62 and over, $10 with ID for college students, and free for K-12 students.
Season tickets may be purchased at Saturday's concert or online at
Prices are $150 for adults and $125 for seniors ages 62 and older.
New this year is a Pops Series season ticket priced at $75 for the Aug. 17, Dec. 3 and Feb. 16 concerts.