Pops in the Park

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Pops in the Park is an annual Labor Day concert that quickly became one of Capitol Broadcasting Company’s signature community projects – a spectacular evening of music that proved perfect for television and radio.

In 1981, WRAL-TV and WRAL-FM formed a partnership with The North Carolina Symphony and began broadcasting the concert live on location. That first broadcast originated from Raleigh’s Pullen Park, but the event was moved the next year to a larger outdoor venue at Meredith College’s McIver Amphitheatre.

The live performances were simulcast in stereo on WRAL-FM, so audio quality was of extreme importance. WRAL producers and engineers spent weeks perfecting microphone placements, sound levels, camera-angles and in-depth knowledge of the musical score that ultimately yielded a first-rate broadcast.

Over the years the concerts have grown in popularity and attendance climbed steadily; by the year 2000, an estimated 40,000 people attended the concert. Many thousands who couldn’t attend the events in person watched on Channel 5 and listened on WRAL-FM.

WRAL news anchors and personalities have routinely hosted the festivities and guest musicians from around the state were given the opportunity to perform with the symphony, including WRAL’s resident composer/musician Bill Leslie.

Various attractions for children were added over time, including soccer contests, pony rides, coloring books, free balloons and registration for the safety-oriented “Ident-a-Kid” program.

Each and every year, Pops in the Park concludes with Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” followed by a rousing rendition of “Stars and Stripes Forever,” complete with fireworks and simulated cannon-fire. It’s always a crowd pleaser that leaves everyone smiling.

In 2001, a final change of venue moved the concert from Meredith College to Cary’s Koka Booth Theater. The NC Symphony enjoys its Summer Concert Series at the Booth Theater to this day.

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Highlights for Pops in the Park

NC Symphony Pops in the Park 2004 Greg Fishel and Bill Leslie

Enjoy this presentation of Pops in the Park in 2004 by the North Carolina Symphony. The location is Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, North Carolina. “POPS” is a production of WRAL and UNC television. The musical theme for this performance is Irish.

WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel served as emcee. Greg enjoys playing the tuba in his spare time. WRAL Morning News anchor Bill Leslie and the music group Lorica perform celtic inspired music composed by Bill Leslie.

Pops in the Park concert was free to the public and aired on WRAL and WUNC on Labor Day weekend.
Pops in the Park crew in action

Camera operator Leesa Moore and Floor Manager Ivan Ingram at 1984 Pops concert. The annual affair at Meredith College drew an estimated 18,000 spectators that year.
High angle shot of Pops in the Park

Shot from camera on crane high above the 1982 production of Pops in the Park.
NC Symphony Pops in the Park 1994

The NC Symphony kicks off their 1994 performance season at Meredith College with a LIVE free concert called “Pops in the Park.” WRAL News Anchor Charlie Gaddy serves as host of the telecast with Maestro Gerhardt Zimmermann conducting the orchestra. The first few seconds of the telecast are not seen here.
Bob Inskeep and the Mayor

WRAL-FM morning man Bob Inskeep with Raleigh Mayor Avery Upchurch at POPS in the Park concert.

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Pops in the Park

Highlights for Pops in the Park

NC Symphony Pops in the Park 2004 Greg Fishel and Bill Leslie

Pops in the Park crew in action

High angle shot of Pops in the Park

NC Symphony Pops in the Park 1994

Bob Inskeep and the Mayor