Dust off your Walkman and break out the neon—Long Beach Symphony is dialing the time machine straight to the 1980s. On Saturday, May 10, the Symphony joins forces with Electric Avenue for a night that’s part concert and part dance party. It’s an all-out retro celebration. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Long Beach Arena, this MTV-fueled evening promises a technicolor trip through one of music’s most iconic decades.
With conductor Evan Roider at the helm, expect a dazzling symphonic twist on the artists who ruled both airwaves and adolescence—Duran Duran, Queen, Prince, David Bowie, Kenny Loggins, George Michael, and more. Picture this: orchestral crescendos collide with synth-pop hooks as “Let’s Go Crazy” or “Dancing in the Dark” fills the air. Amplified by a wall of live sound, screaming fans in spandex complete the scene. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s full-blown 80s euphoria.
If Electric Avenue rings a bell, there’s a good reason. With over 1,000 performances nationwide, the band has built a reputation for faithfully channeling the spirit—and swagger—of the decade. Whether sharing stages with Pitbull, Pat Benatar, or The Impractical Jokers, they bring an electric energy that gets audiences moving. Their resume reads like a backstage pass to a who’s-who of entertainment. Now, they’re plugging into a symphony-powered spectacle that’s bigger, bolder, and louder than ever.
As always, Long Beach Symphony’s Pops! Series is more than just music—it’s an experience. Doors swing open at 6:00 PM, inviting guests to bring their own food, drinks, and flair. It’s part indoor picnic and part costume party (yes, parachute pants encouraged). Dance floors circle the stage for the ultimate immersive vibe. For those who prefer to skip the Tupperware, meals can be pre-ordered from hand-picked local spots. They are delivered straight to your table.
“This show has me counting down the days,” says Kelly Ruggirello, Long Beach Symphony’s President. “We’ve had an incredible Pops season, but this night is something else entirely. It’s a chance to reconnect—with the music, the memories, and each other. Whether you lived through the 80s or just inherited the playlist, everyone knows these songs. Everyone dances to them.”
