When it comes to an amazing musical experience in the Tampa Bay area, there's nothing quite like a Florida Orchestra concert.  Problem is, tickets ain't cheap - worth every penny, but still not cheap.  Lucky for anyone looking to enjoy the sights and sounds of the state's (arguably) best orchestra, the Florida Orchestra will play free shows this upcoming weekend (Oct. 20-21) on each side of the bay.

The performances, titled Pops in the Park, will take place at the famed Vinoy Park in Downtown St. Pete on Saturday, October 20 and River Tower Park in North Tampa on Sunday, October 21.  Both shows begin at 7 p.m.

Guests of all ages are encouraged to bring their blankets, chairs, and other picnic gear out to the parks for wonderful concerts filled with Florida Orchestra renditions of a variety of classic American songs through the ages.  Songs played will include...

Smith/Damrosch - Star-Spangled Banner
John Williams - Olympic Fanfare and Theme
John Philip Sousa - Semper Fidelis March
Leroy Anderson - Chicken Reel
Ernesto Lecuona - La Comparsa
Arr. Robert Wendel - Back to the Fifties!
Meredith Willson - The Music Man
Lalo Schifrin - Theme from Mission Impossible
Marvin Hamlisch - Selections from A Chorus Line
Aaron Copland - Hoe-Down from Rodeo
Arr. Hermann - Duke Ellington Fantasy
George M. Cohan - Star Spangled Spectacular
Arr. Bob Lowden - Armed Forces Salute
Peter I. Tchaikovsky - 1812 Overture, Op.49

Both concerts are free to attend, but if you'd like, the Orchestra will be accepting canned food donations for Tampa Bay Harvest and their food bank services in the Tampa Bay area.  For more information on Pops in the Park, visit floridaorchestra.org.