Michael Feinstein Renews Contract with Pasadena POPS Through 2019

Pasadena Symphony and POPS Board Chair Kay Kochenderfer Toomey and Chief Executive Officer Lora Unger are proud to announce a contract extension for Michael Feinstein through the 2019 season. His original contract as Principal Pops Conductor commenced in June 2013 for a one-year term and was immediately extended in July 2013 to run through the 2016 season after his critically acclaimed conducting debut with the Pasadena POPS.

"Under Michael Feinstein's direction, the Pasadena POPS is now the preeminent symphonic voice of the Great American Songbook," commented Chief Executive Officer Lora Unger. "The orchestra is performing to audiences who treasure this unique concert experience that can't be found anywhere else - the music is universally popular to every generation. We are all so thrilled and proud to have such a wonderful artistic partner in Michael Feinstein."

Feinstein sees his role as playing an integral part in ensuring this brand of music remains relevant for generations to come. "Since my conducting debut with the POPS in 2013, my love for preserving music significant to me has grown in depth and intensity now that I can bring these collections to life as a conductor with my colleagues, the talented musicians of the Pasadena POPS, our committed board and strong administrative leadership. As I look to the future of the Pasadena POPS, I am so deeply proud and honored to build something truly important here and to see the enthusiastic response from this community. The joy our music brings to audiences of all ages makes me so excited for the future of symphony orchestras and the Great American Songbook."

Donald Foster, Principal Clarinetist stated, "We are so lucky to have Michael continue to be at the helm of the POPS family. His wide-ranging appeal and reputation allow him to invite many of the greatest living talents to share the stage with us. Michael makes it his mission to scavenge to find "the real stuff"- the arrangements and charts that made the Great American songbook what it is and was. I can speak for many of us in the orchestra when I say that we are humbled to be playing these classic arrangements and charts that many of our mentors and teachers originally recorded and premiered. It is Michael's passion for keeping this music alive that will surely be his legacy, and we are indeed proud to be a part of keeping that passion a reality."

The 2016 Sierra Auto Summer Concert Series is jam-packed with vibrant talent spanning the ages, from the red-hot season opener on June 18 with First Ladies of Song, paying tribute to the music of Judy Garland, Rosemary Clooney and Peggy Lee among others, to a night of sing-along favorites with the Music of Billy Joel on July 9. Michael returns to sing the best of Ol' Blue Eyes for the Sinatra Project Vol. 2 on July 30, and gives you a backstage pass into the world of one of the greats with Cole Porter Night on August 20. In typical Feinstein fashion, he's planned a spectacular season closer on September 10 with a salute to the movie magic of Warner Bros. Don't miss the best outdoor dinner party in town with these five concerts sure to make your summer sizzle.

June 18, 2016
First Ladies of Song: Music From Judy Garland, Rosemary Clooney & Peggy Lee
Get sentimental and reminisce under the stars as Feinstein delivers jewels from these iconic women's songbooks with "Big Spender," "Don't Rain on My Parade," "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart," "Fascinating Rhythm," and so much more.

July 9, 2016
Music of Billy Joel
Hand-picked by Billy Joel himself for the lead role in the Broadway musical Movin' Out, singer and pianist Michael Cavanaugh's distinctive flair has earned him both GRAMMY and Tony Award nominations. Experience "Piano Man," "Uptown Girl," "We didn't Start the Fire," "New York State of Mind" and other hit songs, by the artist Billboard called "the new voice of the American Rock and Roll songbook," for a night of sing-along favorites with your Pasadena POPS!

July 30, 2016
Sinatra Project Volume 2
On the heels of last summer's sold out hit concert, Michael Feinstein brings the latest installment of his Grammy-nominated Sinatra Project back to the Arboretum by popular demand. Hear many more of Ol' Blue Eyes' biggest hits and maybe a few you've never heard before, as only the Ambassador of the Great American Songbook can deliver.

"Practically no one nowadays sings ballads like these with the conviction that Mr. Feinstein, the premier pop archivist of our time, brings to them" - New York Times

August 20, 2016
Cole Porter Night
Smart and sophisticated but with a naughty boy's streak for mischief, Cole Porter is in that rare echelon of songwriters who wrote both words and music. Experience a backstage pass, up close and personal as Michael Feinstein brings you into Cole Porter's world through beloved songs including "Begin the Beguine," "It's De Lovely," "Just One of Those Things," "So In Love," "I Love Paris" and more. Humming along is most definitely encouraged!

September 10, 2016
A Salute to Warner Bros.
Feinstein closes the summer with the POPS' annual movie night, paying tribute to the music inspired by the movie magic of Warner Bros. Hear your favorites from silver screen blockbusters "The Music Man" and "Gypsy", as well as much-loved standards "Hooray for Hollywood", "As Time Goes By" and many more. In typical Feinstein fashion, this spectacular season finale will be filled with unexpected surprises in an evening you won't want to miss.

All concerts are held at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Grounds open for picnicking and dining at 5:30 p.m. and performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Don't miss 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 Pasadena's premier POPS orchestra! Among many venue amenities, concert goers can enjoy pre-ordered gourmet dining packages for on-site pickup just steps from their table from Julienne, Marston's and Claud & Co. The food court hosts mouth-watering food trucks plus specialty ice creams by Choctál, and the venue now offers the convenience of two full beverage centers serving fine wines, beer, coffee and soft drinks.

Audiences get the ultimate outdoor concert experience with large LED video screens to see the artists and orchestra up close, superior sound and the high-quality production value that is a signature of the Pasadena POPS. Patrons may also visit the Pasadena Humane Society's Mobile Adoption Unit, which will be on-site prior to each concert with deserving animals in need of a forever home as part of the Pups for POPS program. For those who want to make a night of it, exclusive hotel packages are available for POPS patrons at Pasadena's landmark Hotel Constance.

The Arboretum is located at 301 North Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA. Subscribers may pre-purchase parking on-site at the Arboretum, and all concertgoers enjoy free parking at the adjacent Westfield Santa Anita shopping center with complimentary non-stop shuttle service to the Arboretum's main entrance.

Single tickets start at $25. Season subscriptions and single tickets are now on sale, and are available by calling the box office at (626)-793-7172, online at PasadenaSymphony-Pops.org or at the Arboretum on the day of the concerts.

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