The Philly POPS Memorial Salute Concert

Michael Krajewski, Conductor

Mann Center for the Performing Arts

5201 Parkside Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19131

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28 May 2016

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Featuring

Hugh Panaro, vocalist

Allison Blackwell, vocalist

A Philly POPS Salute Series performance honoring our nation's traditions, values, and commitment to service.

Your ticket purchase, sponsorship or donation will help to offset the cost of hosting the veterans, military and first responders at Salute Series events throughout the year.

Complimentary tickets are available to all members and families of the Military, Veterans, and students, faculty, staff, teachers and administrators of the Philadelphia School District. Please select a link below.

Military and Veteran Tickets

SCHOOL DISTRICT Tickets

For the first time ever, The Philly POPS and the Mann Center for the Performing Arts will present Memorial Salute, a concert honoring the American tradition of service on Saturday, May 28 at 7pm during Memorial Day weekend. In celebration of all those who serve, 2,000 complimentary tickets will be given to veterans, active military, Philadelphia police officers, and firefighters – plus local students and Boy Scouts.

The United States Army, Navy and Marine Corps were established in Philadelphia by the Continental Congress over 240 years ago. Today, Pennsylvania is home to thousands of veterans. Despite this deep military history, Philadelphia currently lacks a high-profile Memorial Day event. Similar to the POPS’ annual Christmas Salute concert which kicks off the holiday season with a free concert for members of the military and first-responder communities, and the annual patriotic July 3rd concert on Independence Mall, this Memorial Salute speaks to the POPS’ commitment to serving those who serve through its Salute Series.

Native Philadelphians and Broadway stars Allison Blackwell and Hugh Panaro will join Music Director Michael Krajewski and the 65-piece POPS orchestra as guest vocalists for an unforgettable evening. Blackwell most recently performed in the Lion King on Broadway and brought down the house with her performance of Natural Woman during the POPS’ Carole King concert series in February. Panaro played the role of the Phantom in Broadway's The Phantom of the Opera over 2,000 times and became a POPS fan favorite following his performance in the popular Christmas show in 2014.

Low cost tickets will be available undercover in the pavilion or on the Great Lawn where attendees will be able to bring blankets and picnic dinners. Tickets ranging $15-$25 will help to offset the cost of hosting the veterans, military and first responders at this community-focused event. Groups of 20 call 215-546-7900 ext 101.

Guest Artists

Hugh Panaro, vocalist

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Guest vocalist Hugh Panaro spent many of his formative years living in Philadelphia. An East Oak Lane resident, he began performing at the age of 13 and studied voice with Robert Grooters at Temple University's Boyer College of Music and Dance. He was quickly drawn to Broadway, where he made his debut in Les Miserables as Marius, a role he originated in the first U.S. national touring company. He has performed in many theatrical performances on Broadway and throughout the country, performed with various symphonies, and toured with Barbra Streisand, but he might be best known for his performances in Phantom of the Opera. He is one of the few actors to play both the roles of Raoul (1991) and the Phantom (1999) in the Broadway production.

Allison Blackwell, vocalist

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A frequent collaborator with Maestro Michael Krajewski and the Philly POPS, Allison Blackwell is thrilled to be returning to her hometown of Philadelphia to celebrate the music of Elvis Presley.

Last seen with the Philly POPS for its July 3rd Independence Hall concert, Philadelphia Inquirer reviewer Peter Dobrin noted, “…for my money it was vocalist Allison Blackwell who made the evening. In a luscious orchestration of Gershwin’s ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’, the Pops and Blackwell created one of those great city moments when everything seems to stop. The sounds of goodness, sincerity, and warmth poured forth.”

A singer with a versatile range from opera to gospel, Allison has been seen in such Broadway shows as The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, A Night With Janis Joplin and Disney’s The Lion King. She has been a guest artist with various orchestras across the country and made her Philly POPS debut last February in Tapestry: Carole King Songbook. Ms. Blackwell has also been seen in two Live from Lincoln Center on PBS productions: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street starring Bryn Terfel and Emma Thompson and Show Boat starring Vanessa Williams and Norm Lewis. Allison is a graduate of Springfield Township High School in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. She holds a M.M. in Musical Theatre from The Boston Conservatory and a B.A in English from Spelman College. She dedicates these concerts to her mother and father who taught her to dream without fear.

Support from Members of our Board of Directors

A Philly POPS Salute Series Performance

Related News

Apr 29, 2016

PHILLY’S FIRST EVER MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT SET FOR MAY 28

PHILLY POPS AND THE MANN PRESENT MEMORIAL SALUTE FEATURING 65-PIECE POPS ORCHESTRA, NATIVE PHILADELPHIANS AND BROADWAY STARS ALLISON BLACKWELL AND HUGH PANARO AS VOCALISTS, AND VOICES OF THE POPS ENSEMBLE