Principal Pops Conductor Michael Feinstein kicks off the Pasadena Pops’ Sierra Summer Concert series on Saturday, July 10, with “The Road to Motown” at the L.A. County Arboretum in Arcadia.
The Pops’ season opener will take a ride through the evolution of jazz and boogie-woogie from Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong to the soulful sound of the Temptations and Supremes. Hear Motown favorites “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Can’t Help Myself,” “My Girl” and many more, all in symphonic sound by Pasadena’s premiere orchestra.
The program will also honor the Supremes’ Mary Wilson, who was originally slated to performbefore her recent passing. Feinstein will be using some of Wilson’s own charts for songs including “Someday We’ll Be Together” and “Reflections,” sung by Wilson’s close friend and “Mississippi Sister”Thelma Houston. The Fifth Dimension’s seven-time Grammy Award-winning duo of Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., and the premier Motown singing sensation Spectrum will also be performing the greatest hits of the Motown era.
“In order to provide the safest possible experience for all concertgoers, entry to all Pasadena Pops concerts will require proof of receiving a fully completed COVID-19 vaccine at least two weeks prior to the concert date,” according to a Pops press release. For the most up to date venue safety protocols and ticketing requirements, visit pasadenasymphony-pops.org/covid-19-safety-protocols-pops.
The Arboretum’s 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,” a Pops spokesperson said. “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, concert goers can enjoy pre-ordered gourmet box dinners for on-site pickup just steps from their table 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.
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 concert days.
