Leg warmers, big hair and synthesizers take center stage as The Philly POPS shows its "true colors" in POPS Rocks: The '80s, February 1-3 at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
Guest conductor and rock aficionado Stuart Chafetz returns from the whirlwind success of 2017's The Music of Elton John to lead Philly's biggest rock band in this tribute to some of the decade's biggest stars.
As the site of the stateside performance of Live Aid, Philly was a musical beacon in the '80s. Philly bands like the Hooters (who opened Live Aid), Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers, Robert Hazard and the Heroes, and the A's all made their mark on the local and international music scenes.
Joining the POPS for this performance will be Rock of Ages and Kinky Boots star Aaron Finley with Wicked star and Mad TV comedienne Nicole Parker.
The program features pop, rock and new wave hits from George Michael, Phil Collins, Huey Lewis, Blondie, Cyndi Lauper and more, with tunes like "If I Could Turn Back Time," "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," "Call Me" and "True Colors," played by the full Philly POPS orchestra.
During the show, orchestra members will be dressed in their best '80s attire; audiences are encouraged to join the fun, too.
All guests are welcome to arrive 90 minutes prior to each concert for free pre-concert entertainment on the Plaza in the Kimmel Center Lobby, including music and a conversation led by?Philly radio veteran Glenn Kalina, heard on Mix 95.7, Alice 104.5, Q102, WCAU-FM, Wizzard 100 and Now 97.5.
Tickets: $35-$160
https://phillypops.org/popsrocks
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