‘Pop’ goes the American Songbook, in Pasadena, under Feinstein baton 1

The Pasadena Symphony and POPS organization practiced what the Chinese call “double happiness” this week, announcing, in one fell swoop, the re-upping of conductor Michael Feinstein’s contract with the POPS (where he started in 2013) and the roll-out of a rich summer menu of American Songbook concerts at their bandshell digs in the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia, California.

“Under Michael Feinstein’s direction, the Pasadena POPS is now the preeminent symphonic voice of the Great American Songbook,” asserts POPS chief executive officer Lora Unger.

Let’s let the magic and the moonlight prove whether that is truly so.

First Ladies of Song: Judy Garland, Rosemary Clooney & Peggy Lee Michael Feinstein, Conductor Soloists Cady Huffman, Lynn Roberts, Madelyn Baillio deliver “Big Spender,” “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” “Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart,” “Fascinating Rhythm” June 18, 2016

Music of Billy Joel Larry Blank, conductor Michael Cavanaugh to perform “Piano Man,” “Uptown Girl,” “We didn’t Start the Fire,” “New York State of Mind” July 9, 2016

Sinatra Project Volume 2 Michael Feinstein, soloist Larry Blank, conductor Feinstein brings latest installment of his Grammy-nominated “Sinatra Project” July 30, 2016

Cole Porter Night Michael Feinstein, Conductor Catherine Russell, Nick Ziobro, soloists “Begin the Beguine,” “It’s De Lovely,” “Just One of Those Things,” “So In Love,” “I Love Paris” August 20, 2016

A Salute to Warner Bros. Michael Feinstein, Conductor Allyson Briggs, Todd Murray, soloists “The Music Man,” “Gypsy,” “Hooray for Hollywood,” “As Time Goes By” September 10, 2016

Sierra Auto POPS Summer Series | Pasadena Symphony & Pops | Los Angeles County Arboretum | June 18 thru Sept 10