Pops in the Park to Bring Music, Community Together at Southern Miss

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 02:04pm | By: Mike Lopinto

The University of Southern Mississippi's Partners for the Arts (PFTA) invites the community to kick off the fall arts season at Pops in the Park on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 6 p.m. in Spirit Park on the Hattiesburg campus. The event is free and open to the public, with tickets available for a VIP experience featuring food and drinks, a tent and reserved seating.

Presented by Huntington Bank, this outdoor concert transforms Spirit Park into Hattiesburg's living room, where jazz, pop, Broadway favorites, film music and American classics come together in one unforgettable evening. The university's Symphonic Winds, under the direction of Dr. Travis Higa, headlines the event, with the Southern Miss Jazztet opening the evening and surprise guest artists appearing throughout the program.

More than a concert, Pops in the Park is the signature invitation to become part of Partners for the Arts, the organization that champions creativity across Southern Miss. Membership in PFTA helps fund innovative artistic projects, exhibitions, performances and opportunities that impact every corner of the university's arts community, including the Schools of Music and Performing and Visual Arts.

"Every great arts community has people who believe the arts deserve to flourish," said Dr. Colin McKenzie, director of the School of Music. "Partners for the Arts makes that happen at Southern Miss. When you join PFTA, you're investing in the next generation of artists while enriching the cultural life of our entire region."

Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets for an evening under the oaks.

Whether you're a longtime arts patron or simply looking for the perfect fall evening, Pops in the Park is a reminder that the arts don't just happen on campus—they shape the culture of our community.

For membership information or to purchase tickets for the VIP experience, visit Pops in the Park.

About the School of Music
The School of Music at The University of Southern Mississippi is the state’s flagship music program and a destination campus for the study of music across the region, the United States and the world. Housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, the school offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees and has earned a national and international reputation for excellence. Its distinguished faculty members are active performers and educators who appear on stages from local communities to major international venues. The School of Music is home to acclaimed band, choral, orchestral, jazz, opera and musical theater ensembles and provides extensive solo and chamber music performance opportunities. Students regularly perform at regional, national and international events and work with leading guest artists in preparation for careers as 21st century performers and educators.