On Labor Day Weekend, for the 20th year in a row, the San Luis Obispo Symphony will return to Avila Beach, and transform a golf course into a concert hall for a family-friendly, community event that has become a Central Coast tradition.

On Sunday, Sept. 4, Maestro Michael Nowak and the San Luis Obispo Symphony will present “Pops: Summer of the Love,” an orchestral summer “Pops” concert, featuring the music of the late 1960s and early '70s, the music that defined a generation.

The 20th Annual Pops by the Sea concert at the Avila Beach Golf Resort will feature Grammy-winning guitarist and vocalist Louie Ortega and will be hosted by KSBY TV’s Jeanette Trompeter. Gates open at 2:30 p.m. and the concert will begin at 4 p.m. 

Pops by the Sea is the first concert of the 2011-2012 Symphony Season and has become an annual end-of-summer celebration for thousands of people every year, who flock to Avila Beach to enjoy the music and the beautiful beach weather. Fans this year will be treated to the music of the Beatles, the Byrds, Jefferson Airplane, Chicago and much more.

From California Dreamin’ to Nights in White Satin, Yellow Submarine to The Pink Panther, the concert will feature the talents of San Luis Obispo’s Louie Ortega, saxophonist Dave Becker and a talented band of local favorites. The concert will feature a sing-along of popular hit songs, familiar film scores, the annual “name that tune”, a grand prize drawing, Maestro’s Baton Auction and special guest appearances by local luminaries. Picnics are welcome, dancing is encouraged and a great time will be had by all.

Tickets start at just $15 for adult lawn seating and children 14 and under are free. Party Table seating starts at $25 per person and guests are welcome to bring their own picnic fare or purchase great food from local vendors at the concert.  No alcoholic beverages may be brought into the venue, but wine, beer and other beverages will be available for purchase from the Avila Beach Resort.

A free Pops Shuttle Bus, sponsored by Pacific Gas & Electric Company is available from all areas of the county.  The bus is free, but reservations are required. A detailed schedule and online reservations are available at slosymphony.com. For those who drive, a parking fee of $5 will be charged by the Avila Beach Resort. Carpool with 4 or more and parking is free.

Patrons can also save gas, save money and save the planet by “Pedaling to Pops!” Riding a bike earns a $3 discount on lawn seating and a chance to win prizes from local bike shops. More information available at slosymphony.com or call (805) 543-3533.

Pops is also a fundraising event for the Symphony and will feature a fabulous Grand Prize Drawing of Central Coast Getaways and other packages. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. More information at slosymphony.com.

Every year at Pops by the Sea, one lucky bidder has the opportunity to win the coveted Maestro's Baton and to lead the orchestra in a rousing rendition of John Phillip Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever. Often a group gets together to honor a friend, co-worker or family member. They spend the summer raising funds, concoct elaborate ruses to fool their unsuspecting friend and then surprise them just before intermission with this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

For more information about Pops by the Sea or other SLO Symphony concerts and events, please go to www.slosymphony.com or call Patty Thayer, Communications Director, at (805) 543-3533, ext.#105.