First published in the March 3 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
Principal Pops Conductor Michael Feinstein and the Pasadena Pops recently announced the expansion of the Pops Summer Concert series to six concerts at the Los Angeles County Arboretum.
The Pops is also proud to welcome Rusnak Auto Group as the official season sponsor for the Pops 2022 Summer Concert Series.
The concert series will run from June 25 to Sept. 10 with a stellar lineup of multiple award-winning guest artists including Grammy-award winning singer Melissa Manchester, SAG Award winner LaChanze (“The Help”), Tony nominees Tony Yazbeck and Michael Cavanaugh and Tony Award winner Lilias White, plus Michael Feinstein in concert and more.
Feinstein heats up the summer on June 25 with “Sway With Me: Latin Rhythm and Swing,” joined by Latin American television and Broadway stars Mauricio Martinez and Margo Rey. The sizzling program will feature “Brazil,” “Sway,” “Girl from Ipanema” and more songs made famous by the likes of Carmen Miranda, Desi Arnaz and Pink Martini.
On July 9 Feinstein takes the stage as soloist to bring the best of Gershwin as only he can for “Michael Feinstein Sings Gershwin.” Broadway star and sought-after concert artist Capathia Jenkins channels the Queen of Soul on July 23 for “Aretha: A Tribute,” accompanied by singer Matthew Johnson.
Aug. 13 brings Melissa Manchester with Jazz songstress Nicole Henry and “Hairspray Live’s” Maddie Baillio to celebrate the centennials of Judy Garland, Doris Day and Peggy Lee, and give a nod to Liza Minelli and Garland’s legacy for “American Icons: Judy Garland & Friends.”
Back by popular demand, “the new voice of the American Rock and Roll Songbook” (“Billboard”), Michael Cavanaugh lights up the stage on Aug. 27 for a tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John.
For the Pops’ annual movie night on Sept. 10, Feinstein has curated the best of hit shows that traveled from Broadway to Hollywood for an evening of singing and dancing by the best of Broadway with Tony Award-winning and nominated performers Lillias White, LaChanze and Tony Yazbeck for an unforgettable season finale.
The Pops’ COVID-19 safety protocols are evolving along with public health guidelines and will be updated closer to the summer. For the most up-to-date venue safety guidelines and ticketing requirements, visit pasadenasymphony-pops.org/covid-19-safety-protocols-pops.
All concerts are held at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, located at 301 North Baldwin Ave., in Arcadia. Grounds open for picnicking and dining at 5:30 p.m. and performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
Guests can expect the “best outdoor dinner party in town” with spacious circular table seating with fine linens, or lawn seating for those who want to bring a blanket — each option carries on the tradition of picnic-dining with your family and friends with Michael Feinstein and the San Gabriel Valley’s premier orchestra. Among many venue amenities, concertgoers can enjoy pre-ordered gourmet box dinners for on-site pickup just steps from their table, two full-service beverage centers, or a variety of food truck options.
Subscribers may purchase pre-paid onsite parking at the Arboretum, and all concertgoers can purchase guaranteed and convenient parking at Santa Anita Park, with complimentary non-stop shuttle service to the Arboretum’s main entrance.
Tickets start at $25. Season subscriptions are now on sale, with single tickets on sale March 7. Both are available by calling the box office at (626)-793-7172, online at PasadenaSymphony-Pops.org, or at the Arboretum on concert days.
