Sunday, June 23, 2024 from 04:00pm to 05:30pm
First United Methodist Church, 925 North F Street
General Admission: USD 25.00
The LOMPOC POPS ORCHESTRA will bring to its audience beloved pieces from America's all-time favorite Musicals to include "West Side Story," "Oklahoma" and many others.
The orchestra, known for performing well-known popular music that has found a permanent spot in our "Hall of Fame" American culture includes well-known music from the 1940's all the way to music of today. One is likely to hear selections from the Big Band Era, Rock and Roll from the 50's (including Elvis), love songs from the 70's (think Johnny Cash and Karen Carpenter), classics from the 80's (including Beach Boys and Michael Jackson) alongside an occasional, short classical favorite. Audience requests are honored as much as possible, and it bears mentioning that THE POPS is the only orchestra on the Central Coast offering this kind of music on a full-time basis.
The inception goes back over 27 years to its founding under the inspiration of local violinist and visionary, Diane Siminski. The fledging orchestra, usually of no more than 35 members, was primarily composed of Lompoc and Santa Maria musicians and with budget constrains that only allowed for one brief rehearsal. Monday night performances were chosen because the conductor, who drove from Las Vegas, needed the weekend for travel. Even with these challenges the orchestra was met with great enthusiasm by the community and the venue was often sold out.
Today THE POPS has almost doubled in size and was dubbed "The Little Engine That Could" in a feature article by the Santa Barbara News Press that recognized its professionalism and wonderful fresh sounds. "Right in our own backyard!" wrote the reporter. Now under the brilliant and gifted direction of San Luis Obispo's Dr. Brian Alhadeff, he's well known among musicians to be very particular as to how each and every piece is performed. The word in musical circles is that this orchestra is definitely not for those who don't take performing seriously, as many hours of rehearsal are required for each performance. Not surprisingly, many of the Central Coast's finest musicians are attracted to being part of this amazing group that comes together just four times a year.
The POPS is also committed to making performances affordable, and although general admissiion is only $25 for adults, that price is even less when season tickets are purchased in advance. To make it possible for students to attend, the admission is a mere $5, and children 12 and under are admitted free. Active Duty Military are also admitted at student prices with Military I.D. shown at the door. This is all made possible by the generous contributions of POPS patrons, both those who attend and those who are now deceased but remembered THE POPS in their wills.
Category: Festivals | Live Music
