As the conductor of the Columbus Symphony’s Picnic With the Pops concerts held each summer at the John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons, Stuart Chafetz has teamed with artists ranging from Kool & the Gang to members of the Best Damn Band in the Land.
Last year, of course, the Commons was quiet: Picnic With the Pops, like most summertime entertainment events, was called off.
Yet, in reflecting on what he most missed about last year’s canceled series, Chafetz pointed to a non-musical moment that comes before a single note is played.
“There’s this sort of side backstage entrance that’s connected to the Ohio Theatre,” said Chafetz, the symphony’s principal pops conductor. “You walk out onto the stage. . and then you kind of peer behind the percussion section and you look out: There’s just this sea of people.”