The Pasadena POPS with Conductor Michael Feinstein kick off the 2021 Sierra Summer Concert series on Saturday, July 10, with “The Road to Motown,” as live in-person concerts return at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia.
“The Road to Motown” starts at 7:30 p.m. and takes audiences through the evolution of jazz and boogie-woogie, from Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong to the soulful sounds of The Temptations, The Supremes, and other top acts. Pasadena’s premiere orchestra will perform such Motown favorites as “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” and “My Girl,” by The Temptations, “Can’t Help Myself,” by The Four Tops, and many more.
“The Road to Motown” program will also honor the Supremes’ Mary Wilson, who was originally slated to perform before she died in February. Feinstein will be using some of Wilson’s own songs including “Someday We’ll Be Together” and “Reflections,” sung by Wilson’s close friend and “Mississippi Sister” Thelma Houston.
The Fifth Dimension’s Grammy Award-winning duo Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., and the premiere Motown singing sensation Spectrum will also be performing the hits of the Motown era.
After “The Road to Motown,” the music of Fleetwood Mac lights up the stage on July 24 with special guests Landslide for “Fleetwood Mac: A Tribute.”
On Aug. 14, Feinstein takes the stage as soloist for “Michael Feinstein Sings: Sinatra’s Songbook.”
“Classical Mystery Tour” brings timeless Fab Four hits to life on Aug. 28, and Feinstein returns to close the season on Sept. 11 with “100 Years of Broadway.”
Entry to all Pasadena POPS concerts will require proof of receiving a fully completed COVID-19 vaccine at least two weeks before the concert date.
Gates at the LA County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens open at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking and dining. Outdoor dining features spacious circular table seating with fine linens, or lawn seating for those who want to bring a blanket. Concertgoers can also enjoy pre-ordered gourmet box dinners for on-site pickup just steps from their table, or they can choose from a variety of food truck options.
Pre-paid onsite parking is available, or you can purchase guaranteed and convenient parking at Santa Anita Park, with complimentary non-stop shuttle service to the Arboretum’s main entrance.
Single tickets start at $25. Season subscriptions and single tickets are now on sale, and are available by calling the box office at (626)-793-7172, online at www.PasadenaSymphony-Pops.org or at the Arboretum on concert days.