PASADENA, Calif., May 29, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The stars will be out this summer as five-time Grammy nominee and multiplatinum-selling recording artist Michael Feinstein debuts as Pasadena's new Principal POPS Conductor during The Pasadena POPS Sierra Acura Summer Concert Series at LA County's Arboretum and Botanic Garden.
Feinstein, who performed as a guest artist with the POPS last season, says the summer series at the Arboretum "is one of the greatest experiences I've ever had to hear music. Truly, from all the outdoor places I've played around the world, this is one of the finest."
Guest artists for Feinstein's inaugural season are Cheyenne Jackson (Glee and 30 Rock), Bernadette Peters (Tony award-winning star of stage, film and TV), Christine Ebersole (Tony Award winner), country music star Lari White, Ron Raines, Catherine Russell, Chuck Cooper, and the Classical Mystery Tour, Music of The Beatles.
Beginning on June 1 with Michael Feinstein's Songbook, audiences will be introduced into Feinstein's musical world, including songs by Leonard Bernstein, Marvin Hamlisch, Benny Goodman, Nelson Riddle, Henry Mancini, and Cole Porter, plus selections from the Great American Songbook: Rodgers and Hart, Ferde Grofé's rarely heard "March for Americans" and the original restored score of the "Judy Garland Carnegie Hall Overture."
On Saturday June 29, Broadway icon Bernadette Peters will sing from her extensive songbook including songs from Gypsy, Into the Woods, South Pacific, Carousel, Company and more.
On Saturday July 13, Michael Feinstein's MGM Movie Classics revisits the original orchestral arrangements from classics like Singin' In The Rain, and many more. Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra and others will be represented by guest performers.
On Saturday August 10, the music of the Beatles comes to life with Classical Mystery Tour. Hear "Penny Lane" with a live trumpet section, experience the beauty of "Yesterday" with a guitar and string quartet, and enjoy the psychedelic blend on "I Am the Walrus."
On Saturday September 7, Michael Feinstein: The Gershwins and Me, end the summer season with rare arrangements of the Gershwin brothers, assembled by Feinstein from his personal archives of little known treasures and iconic songs. Arrangements by Nelson Riddle from Ella Fitzgerald Sings The George and Ira Gershwin Songbook will be sung by Catherine Russell, considered one of the most savvy and sophisticated interpreters of classic jazz and blues, and Tony Award winner Chuck Cooper.
These family friendly concerts are held at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Grounds open for picnicking and dining beginning at 5:30 with performances at 7:30 p.m. Pre-ordered gourmet dining packages, food trucks and two full beverage centers are all onsite. Concerts feature LED video screens, superior sound quality and the high-quality production value that is a signature of the Pasadena POPS.
A full detailed schedule, tickets and subscriptions are available by calling (626)-793-7172, or online at PasadenaSymphony-Pops.org.