(Des Moines, IA) -- The Des Moines Symphony is planning two pops concerts Labor Day weekend. A September 4th will feature music by Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. The September 5th concert will feature music by epic movie sound-track conductor John Williams. Both concerts are free and will be at Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park on Des Moines' south side.
Those attending are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and practice social distancing. The DMSO is strongly encouraging audience memebers to wear masks when moving around the concert grounds, visiting vendors, or using the restrooms..
Audience members may bring a picnic or buy food from food trucks. Parking is free, and a free bike valet will be available or those riding the trails to Water Works Park.
The Aretha Franklin tribute will feature Broadway's Capathia Jenkins and three-time Grammy Award nominee Ryan Shaw. Some of the hits include Respect, Think, A Natural Woman, Chain of Fools, Amazing Grace, and more.
The tribute to conductor John Williams September 5th will include a number of Williams' top hits including sound tracks from Harry Potter to Star Wars.
The Symphony’s Water Works Pops concerts are free to attend and are central to the Symphony’s mission to enrich and inspire the community through great music.