JULY 3 • 8P.M.
THANKS TO:
PROGRAM INFORMATION
The POPS is back on Independence Mall for its annual free July 3 show under the stars during the Wawa Welcome America festival! With the backdrop of Independence Hall, Music Director Michael Krajewski and the 65-piece POPS orchestra will perform a patriotic, entertaining show featuring Philadelphia native guest artists Allison Blackwell and Justin Hopkins. POPS on Independence has become a tradition enjoyed by tens of thousands of Philadelphians and visitors each year.
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.
Pops on Independence
PROGRAM JULY 3, 2016
FEATURING
Independence Hall
Michael Krajewski, music director Allison Blackwell and Justin Hopkins, vocalists Voices of The POPS
Star Spangled Banner
Chorus
arr. Williams
This Is My Country
Chorus
arr. Kessler
Liberty Bell March
Sousa
Liberty for All
Justin Hopkins
Beckel
The Impossible Dream
Justin Hopkins
arr. Leonard
Strike Up the Band
Chorus
arr. Kessler
‘S Wonderful
Allison Blackwell
arr. Holcombe
Someone to Watch Over Me
Allison Blackwell
arr. Holcombe
I’ve Got That Fascinating Rhythm
Justin Hopkins
arr. Holcombe
A George M. Cohan Overture
Allison Blackwell
arr. Wendel
The Wheels of a Dream
Allison Blackwell, Chorus
arr. Leonard
Sea to Shining Sea American the Beautiful
Wendel
Justin Hopkins, Chorus
Salute Service God Bless America
arr. Kessler
arr. Hayman
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
THE PHILLY POPS SEASON SPONSOR