JULY 4 • 8:30P.M.
THANKS TO:
Photo: © George Widman for VisitPhilly
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Pops on the Parkway The POPS returns for its annual July 4 show on the Parkway during the Wawa Welcome America festival!
PROGRAM JULY 4, 2016
FEATURING
Immediately prior to the city’s Grand Finale Fireworks show on Benjamin
Eakins Oval
Michael Krajewski, music director
Franklin Parkway, the full 65-piece Philly POPS orchestra will take the stage
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Allison Blackwell and Justin Hopkins, vocalists Voices of The POPS
with guest artists Allison Blackwell and Justin Hopkins. The show will begin with a tribute overture to Philadelphia’s own Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff before moving into a program of pop hits, patriotic songs, Broadway favorites and more from the Great American Songbook. The POPS returns to the Parkway, an enthusiastic participant in this week-long celebration of the sounds of Philadelphia.
SPECIAL GUESTS ALLISON BLACKWELL, VOCALIST Allison is thrilled to be back singing in her hometown. Raised in the Philadelphia suburb of Wyndmoor, she attended Springfield Township High School before studying at Spelman College (B.A.) and The Boston Conservatory (M.M.). With a versatile range from opera to gospel, she was last seen with The Philly POPS this past winter in The Carole King Songbook with Liz Callaway and Bryce Ryness. She made her Broadway debut in The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess and recently finished a successful run in The Lion King.
JUSTIN HOPKINS, VOCALIST A Mount Airy native and graduate of St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, Justin is a young performer in increasing demand nationally and internationally. Known for his warm, rich bass voice and magnetic stage presence, he has been featured in theaters such as Carnegie Hall, Boston Symphony Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie. A versatile artist and former member of the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Men’s Chorale, Justin has performed a vast array of operatic roles and concert repertoire.
VOICES OF THE POPS The Voices of The POPS is the featured vocal ensemble for The Philly POPS. Since its debut in 2000, The Voices has become an integral part of The POPS, performing a wide musical repertoire led by choral director Jeff Kern. With an extensive array of theatrical, operatic, and choral experience, this multi-talented group of professional performers brings the lyrics and melody to life against the rich tapestries of the orchestra’s sound, providing a new dimension to the already imaginative arrangements.
Star Spangled Banner
Chorus
arr. Williams
This Is My Country
Chorus
arr. Kessler
The Sound of Philadelphia
arr. Leonard
Gonna Fly Now
Chorus
arr. Berens
Ol’ Man River
Justin Hopkins
arr. Bennett
Bugle Call Rag
arr. Scharnberg
‘S Wonderful
Allison Blackwell
arr. Holcombe
Unforgettable
Leslie Odom, Jr.
arr. Holcombe
Sea to Shining Sea
Wendel
I Feel The Earth Move
Allison Blackwell
arr. Leonard
Natural Woman
Allison Blackwell, Chorus
arr. Shoup
Disco at the Pops The Wheels of a Dream
arr. Vanacore Allison Blackwell, Justin Hopkins
Philadelphia Freedom
arr. Kessler arr. Vanacore
America the Beautiful
Justin Hopkins, Chorus
arr. Kessler
This Is America
USO
arr. Clydesdale
God Bless America
Allison Blackwell, Justin Hopkins, Chorus
arr. Healey
The Philly POPS Salute Series encourages recognition of service and commitment through an expanding set of events and activities—each transformative moments of celebration for our community. Salute performances recognize the service and sacrifice of those dedicated to a collective identity of American values and tradition.
THE PHILLY POPS SALUTE SERIES EVENTS
May 28, 2016
Memorial Salute
July 2, 2016
POPS in Wildwood
July 3, 2016
POPS on Independence for Wawa Welcome America!
July 4, 2016
POPS at the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony
July 4, 2016
POPS on the Parkway for Wawa Welcome America!
Nov 11, 2016
Veterans Salute
Dec 2, 2016
Third Annual I’ll be Home for Christmas: A Salute to the Military and First Responders
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
THE PHILLY POPS SALUTE SERIES SPONSORS