A Visit With the HSO’s Talcott Mountain Music Festival

When the opportunity to see the Hartford Symphony Orchestra’s Talcott Mountain Music Festival presentation of “The Music of Michael Jackson,” on July 15, was offered, it was with a little trepidation that the invitation was accepted.

However, while you never know about tribute performances, you can always count on the quality of Hartford Symphony Orchestra concerts. And how can you beat sitting outside, on a beautiful summer evening, with a picnic, listening to live music under the stars?

Since 1995, the HSO has summered in Simsbury at the Talcott Mountain Music Festival. Visitors to the Festival either sit at pre-reserved tables in the front part of the venue, or take their picnics to the expansive, surprisingly bug-free, lawn behind the tables. There’s even a local restaurant that will deliver meals to the tables. And there’s plenty of free parking at many local lots.

At this particular performance, the entertainer channeling Michael Jackson, James Delisco, has apparently traveled the world impersonating his muse. Delisco was indeed entertaining to watch as both a singer and dancer. What came as a bigger surprise, however, was the crowd of fans, many of whom came with their silver gloves, white socks and loafers and an ability to dance that, at times, rivaled Delisco himself.

Towards the end of his performance, Delisco invited audience members to join him on stage for a sort of dance-off. The first participant to vault up the stairs onto the stage was 4½-year-old Ryan Patrick Pelletier. Earlier in the evening, Ryan, a student at the Appletree School in Granby, enthusiastically showcased his moves at the foot of the stage during Delisco’s performance. The little guy in classic fedora and silver glove was impressive.

Ryan’s father, Ryan Sr., advised that his boy has been listening to Jackson’s music since he was 3 years old. Ryan Sr. has been a fan of Jackson since his own youth.

So there was Ryan Jr., dancing on stage with Delisco, in front of more than 1,000 people. His choreography included some very fancy footwork, shrugging shoulders, and a lot of attitude. Ryan held his own with Delisco, as did many of the young people who followed him on stage. It was an unexpected part of the evening’s entertainment.

One wonders if even Delisco was surprised at the level of suburban talent at the , located at 22 Iron Horse Boulevard, that evening. Because even the bright stars in the sky that night were no match for a certain, precocious, moonwalking, 4½-year-old performer.

Season's end

The final TMMF performance takes place on Friday, July 22, with Symphonic Surfin' Safari. HSO will trade in their tuxedos for Hawaiian shirts when they team up with guest artists Papa Doo Run Run at 7:30 p.m. Led by local guest conductor Glen Adsit, this concert will treat audiences to the greatest hits by The Beach Boys, The Four Seasons, The Beatles, and more, including California Girls, Don’t Worry Baby, Surfin’ USA, Twist and Shout, Fun Fun Fun, Walk Like A Man, Kokomo, Good Vibrations, and more.

Formed in 1965 by a couple of high school friends from Cupertino, CA, Papa Doo Run Run (PDRR) has established its reputation as the premiere exponent of 60’s Classic Rock and the surf, sun, and hot rod sound of California epitomized by the Beach Boys. PDRR toured with Jan & Dean, performed and recorded with the Beach Boys, and appeared in concert with Roy Orbison, Fleetwood Mac, Kenny Loggins, Chicago, Tower of Power, and Jimmy Buffett.  

Over the years, PDRR has performed twice at the Olympic Games, in seven Super Bowls, and for two Presidential Inaugurations. They have produced nine charted albums, singles, and EP’s; earned two Gold Records and a Grammy nomination; and were inducted into the Northern California Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  

Single tickets range in price from $20-$45. Lawn tickets for kids 12 and under are $5. Discounts are available for tickets purchased in advance. For more ticketing information, contact HSO ticket services at 860-244-2999 or visit www.hartfordsymphony.org.

Gates open at 6 p.m. Open to all ticket holders, the HSO Family Activity Tent is open from 6 to 7:15 p.m.; families can enjoy free activities such as music-themed games and crafts, the “Instrument Zoo,” and youth performances. In the case of severe weather, this concert will be performed the following night (July 23) at the same time; weather and concert updates will be posted at www.hartfordsymphony.org.