Boone County families looking for a free night out have two chances to hear classical favorites reimagined as jazz when the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra performs at parks just across the county line the weekend of August 1–2.

The KSO's 32nd annual free Summer Series, titled "Swings the Classics," opens at 7:30 p.m. August 1, at the Devou Park Band Shell in Covington and repeats at 7:30 p.m. August 2, at Tower Park in Fort Thomas. No tickets are needed. Both venues are a short drive from Florence, Union, Burlington, and Hebron.

Music Director James Cassidy said the program pairs regional all-star jazz musicians with famous classical compositions, building on the orchestra's history of exploring styles from ragtime to Latin jazz to swing.

"Greater Cincinnati is home to stellar jazz musicians," Cassidy told LINK nky on July 24. "The opportunity to dig into great jazz that is never to seldom performed becomes fun and engaging for both the audience and the performers."

The first half features jazz arrangements of C.P.E. Bach's "Solfeggio in C Minor," Gustav Holst's "Mars from The Planets," and works by Dvořák, Bizet, Verdi, and Brahms. After intermission, the big band tackles J.S. Bach, Mozart's "Symphony No. 40," and Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue."

Food trucks will be on-site at Tower Park, according to the City of Fort Thomas. A TANK shuttle will run from the Covington Catholic High School parking lot to the Devou Park Band Shell, departing every 30 minutes starting at 6 p.m. Shuttle fare details vary by source; concertgoers should confirm pricing by calling (859) 431-6216.

The KSO has held its free outdoor series at Devou Park and Tower Park for 32 consecutive summers. The orchestra is working toward a $25,000 Summer Series Challenge fundraising goal to keep the concerts free, with $13,800 raised so far, according to the KSO website.

Residents can register for weather alerts and prize drawings at kyso.org or by calling (859) 431-6216.

Coming up: The KSO closes its Summer Series with "Living in America," a patriotic pop concert spanning seven decades, at 7:30 p.m. September 5, at the Devou Park Band Shell. Admission is free.