MERIDIAN, MS – The Meridian Symphony Association announces their 2022 Peppermint Pops Concert - Hometown Harmonies - featuring Track45 and the Meridian Symphony Chorus. Meridian’s most beloved concert and singing siblings combine for holiday harmonies like no other! Peppermint Pops is designed with the whole family in mind, so gather all your family and get ready for a Hometown Holiday Spectacular. The concert is one (1) hour in length followed by cookies & cocoa and lots of activities in Downtown Meridian on Saturday, December 3 at The Riley Center at 7pm.
Meridian Symphony Executive Director, Carra Purvis says, “We are thrilled to welcome Track45 back to the stage with the Symphony. They hold a special place in the heart of our organization as we’ve had a front row seat to watch them grow into the spectacular musicians they are today. Their entire family means so much to us, and we are thankful we have this opportunity to celebrate their success together as a community.”
Musical groups usually have an origin story; how they met and when the creative chemistry went from imagined to undeniable. Not Track45. The Meridian native sibling trio - Jenna, Ben, and KK Johnson - can’t recall a time when they didn’t know each other. While each is a gifted songwriter and musician, their combined hopes and passion for music can be heard in every note of their big sound. Family is the source of their sibling harmonies. Mom, Susie Johnson (previous Symphony Executive Director), sang them to sleep with lullabies and taught them to sing along in harmony. Grandpa, Dr. John McEachin (Symphony Board Member Emeritus), was the church choir director. Their uncle, Dr. Ben McEachin, performed with a barbershop quartet. And their piano-teacher grandma, Sylvia McEachin, nurtured their musicality with weekly lessons that led to playing a variety of instruments including guitar, banjo, cello, mandolin, and a fiddle dubbed “Blue Suede” in honor of Elvis.
“Music wasn’t the only thing we did growing up, but it was the thing we loved the most,” said KK. “And it was the one thing we could all do together,” added Jenna. “We literally grew up singing around the kitchen table,” said Ben. “That sounds ‘cheesy,’ but some of our best memories are singing harmony around the table.” Even with 335 miles separating Nashville from Meridian, their childhood years remain close at heart. Their name, Track45, is a blend of each: an homage to Meridian’s railroad history and the songs on an album - a 45 record, as well as the highway that took them to countless gigs in the family’s Mazda MPV. “We are telling our story and telling the story of every kid who grew up in a small town,” said KK. “We are telling their stories, too.”
This Peppermint Pops concert is special. It truly is Hometown Harmonies. The evening will be full of festive music, home-spun tales, and seasonal merriment. The Symphony Chorus is more than ready to share the joy of the season with our community too,” remarked Chorus Director, Dr. Kristen Gunn. In addition to the classical favorites, the orchestra and chorus will also be including many popular favorites, from Sleigh Ride to The Polar Express. The concert will also feature some brand new original songs written especially for Meridian by Track45! It’s a line-up that is sure to please concert goers of every age. Make sure to keep your voices warm for the always-popular audience sing-along!
After the concert, the party continues throughout downtown. Merchants will be decked with holiday cheer as they decorate their storefronts for the Window Wonderland Walk. Sip on some cocoa and enjoy some yummy holiday treats as you vote for your favorite window - there will be so many amazing decorations to see! Fifth Street will be bustling with activity: special street performances, artist pop-up galleries, photo opportunities, and special activities for everyone. The larger-than-life North Pole Mailbox will be awaiting every child’s letter to Santa. And don’t forget… SNOW! It will be a night to remember as we conclude the evening with a visit from Santa and his elves.
Peppermint Pops is a Merry Meridian Holiday tradition with the Meridian Symphony and friends! Seating is limited, so call now.
Tickets to Peppermint Pops can be purchased through the Riley Center Box Office: 601.696.2200. For more information visit the Meridian Symphony website: www.meridianso.org
