Pasadena, CA – The Pasadena POPS continues their one of a kind, popular outdoor summer concert series with Michael Cavanaugh and the Music of Billy Joel on Saturday, July 9 at the LA County Arboretum. Hand-picked by Billy Joel himself to star in the lead role of his Broadway musical Movin’ Out, Cavanaugh’s distinctive flair evokes a style rivaling the Piano Man. Acclaimed for his highly energized piano and lead vocals, Cavanaugh received both Grammy and Tony award nominations for the role in 2003, appearing in more than 1,200 performances over a three-year run. He now brings this electrifying performance to the Arboretum stage for one night only with the Pasadena POPS.

Get in a “New York State of Mind” with “Piano Man,” “Uptown Girl,” “Longest Time,” “You May Be Right,” and other hit songs by the artist Billboard called “the new voice of the American Rock and Roll songbook.”

“[Cavanaugh] has reinvented these songs into something that dare I say sometimes improves upon the originals.” – MD Theatre Guide

Hear the charismatic Cavanaugh breathe new life into these nouveau American standards for a night of sing-along favorites with the POPS Orchestra and a full back-up band. Cavanaugh’s bandmates include saxophonist John Scarpola, who played lead sax in the Tony award-winning Movin’ Out, and has recently toured with Billy Joel for the historic Last Stay at Shea shows. “Michael’s show is hands down the best contemporary symphony pops show we have had the honor to present,” commented Chief Executive Officer Lora Unger. “The combination of popular songs, his talent as a superb showman and the excellent charts make this a must-have for both the Orchestra and the audience.”

All Pasadena POPS concerts are held at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Grounds open for picnicking and dining at 5:30 p.m. and performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss the best outdoor dinner party in town with spacious circular table seating with fine linens, or lawn seating for those who want to bring a blanket – each option carries on the tradition of picnic-dining with your family and friends with Pasadena’s premier POPS orchestra! Among many venue amenities, concert goers can enjoy pre-ordered gourmet dining packages for on-site pickup just steps from their table from Julienne, Marston’s and Claud & Co. The food court hosts mouth-watering food trucks plus specialty ice creams by Choctál, and the venue now offers the convenience of two full beverage centers serving fine wines, beer, coffee and soft drinks.

Audiences get the ultimate outdoor concert experience with large LED video screens to see Michael Cavanaugh and the orchestra up close, superior sound and the high-quality production value that is a signature of the Pasadena POPS. Patrons may also visit the Pasadena Humane Society’s Mobile Adoption Unit, which will be on-site prior to each concert with deserving animals in need of a forever home as part of the Pups for POPS program. For those who want to make a night of it, exclusive hotel packages are available for POPS patrons at Pasadena’s landmark Hotel Constance.

The Arboretum is located at 301 North Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA. Subscribers may pre-purchase parking on-site at the Arboretum, and all concertgoers enjoy free parking at the adjacent Westfield Santa Anita shopping center with complimentary non-stop shuttle service to the Arboretum’s main entrance.

Single tickets start at $25 and are available by calling the box office at (626)-793-7172, online at pasadenasymphony-pops.org, or at the Arboretum on the day of the concert.

IF YOU GO:

  • What: The Pasadena POPS presents the Music of Billy Joel

Michael Cavanaugh, soloist
Larry Blank, Resident Pops Conductor
Tom & Erika Girardi Chair

  • When: July 9, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: The LA County Arboretum | 301 N Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007
  • Cost: Tickets start at $25.00
  • Dining: Gates open at 5:30pm for picnicking. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drink or visit one of the many onsite gourmet food vendors.
  • Parking: Subscribers have the opportunity to purchase onsite Arboretum parking. Single ticket holders may park for free at the Westfield Santa Anita shopping center with free non-stop shuttles to the main gate.