The Tucson Pops Orchestra kicks off their 69th season of Music Under the Stars™ on Mother’s Day May 14th at 7pm at the DeMeester outdoor performance center at Reid Park. Under the musical direction of Maestro Khris Dodge, three concerts will be performed in May, with a special Independence Day concert at St. Augustine Cathedral on July 1st. “The orchestra and I look forward to presenting a memorable season filled with love, laughter, and great music made possible by the extraordinary musicians of the Tucson Pops Orchestra and our special guest artists,” said Dodge. All concerts are free and open to the public. For those who are able, a donation of $10 per person is suggested.
2023 TUCSON POPS ORCHESTRA SPRING/SUMMER CONCERTS
May 14th – “Mother’s Day Tribute” with guest artist vocalist Joe Bourne.
A special evening dedicated with love to moms everywhere, featuring guest artist Joe Bourne. Known for his warm baritone voice and dynamic style of entertainment, Bourne will perform classic favorites including “When I Fall in Love,” “Nature Boy,” “What a Wonderful World,” and “Unforgettable. He will also perform a special tribute “Lift us Up Where We Belong,” dedicated to the late multi-talented musician George Howard, who contributed much to Tucson’s vibrant music culture including founding of the Tucson Musicians Museum. The orchestra will perform Wiegenlied #2 by Johanne Brahms, a beautiful tribute to “a mother’s love,” as well as the poignant “Songs My Mother Taught Me” by Anton D’Vorak.
May 21st – “Nothing but Love” with guest artist vocalist Crystal Starke.
Acclaimed vocalist, artist, performer and American Idol finalist, Crystal Stark lights up any stage with her outsized talent. In her appearance with the Tucson Pops, she is sure to fire up the audience with her renditions of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “At Last,” “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” “Natural Woman,” “I Will Always Love You,” and more. Soloist Christian Hill on the English Horn will perform “When I Fall in Love,” arranged by Nelson Riddle, and the orchestra will play “Moon River,” “O Mio Babbino Caro,” and “Tchaikowsky’s Sugar Plum Pas De Deux”.
May 28th - Memorial Day with guest artist: Homero Ceron and his Latin Jazz Nonet.
A patriotic evening will open with the very moving Honor Guard Presentation of Colors. The orchestra will perform patriotic classics including “Star Spangled Banner,” “Stars and Stripes Forever,” ” American Salute,” (dedicated to all those who have served) and “Taps”. Vibraphonist and longtime Tucson Pops Percussionist Homero Ceron and his Latin Jazz Nonet will perform “Affluencia with excerpts from the Lincoln Portrait,” “Precious One,” “Rio,” “Song for My Father,” “Chucho,” and more.
July 1st - Independence Day Celebration with the Tucson Pops Orchestra and the inaugural performance of the Tucson Pops Chorus under the direction of Matthew Holter and Chach Snook.
The Tucson Pops Orchestra returns for an exciting Independence Day Concert on July 1st at 7pm at the beautiful St. Augustine’s Cathedral in downtown Tucson. From the soaring notes of "The Star-Spangled Banner" to the rousing beats of "America the Beautiful," guests can experience the joy that only a live orchestra and chorus can deliver as they perform the iconic tunes that honor our nation's rich history and celebrate our cherished freedoms. St Augustine Cathedral is located at 192 N Stone Ave. The performance is free and open to the public, although seating reservations are required.
The DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center is located off Country Club just north of 22nd Street. Parking is available at the Randolph Park Golf Course parking lot, Alvernon Way just north of 22nd Street.
Look for the weekly “Food Truck Rally” at each Pops Concerts featuring a variety of Tucson’s best food trucks, providing attendees with outstanding picnic fare.
