As the sun dips below the horizon on a balmy August evening, the Los Angeles County Arboretum transforms into a sanctuary of sound.
Amid the fragrant blooms and leaves rustling in the evening breeze at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, the spirit of American rock ‘n’ roll is set to take flight on Saturday.
Michael Cavanaugh, Broadway’s piano man turned concert powerhouse, will join forces with the Pasadena Pops to orchestrate a night where the songbooks of legends like Paul Simon, James Taylor, and Billy Joel come alive under the stars.
Cavanaugh, hailed by Billboard as “The New Voice of the American Rock ‘n Roll Songbook,” is no stranger to breathing new life into beloved classics. His star turn in the Broadway hit “Movin’ Out” catapulted him from piano bars to the Great White Way, and now to outdoor venues where his voice carries the weight of musical history on warm summer breezes.
The concert, set to begin at 7:30 p.m., is part of the Pasadena Pops’ popular outdoor summer series. It promises a journey through the American musical landscape, with hits that have become the soundtrack to generations.
Resident pops conductor Larry Blank will lead the orchestra and a full backup band. The program includes sing-along favorites such as “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” “You Can Call Me Al,” and “Piano Man.”
Concertgoers can arrive as early as 5:30 p.m. to picnic on the Arboretum grounds. They can bring their own food and drinks or purchase them from on-site vendors.
The event will take place at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, located at 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA. Tickets for the concert start at $35 and can be obtained through the Pasadena Pops box office.
Parking for the event requires a pre-purchased pass, with lots opening at 5:00 p.m. Accessible parking is available at the main entrance for those with California-issued DMV Handicap Placards.
The venue offers both general admission lawn seating and table seating. Lawn tickets are priced at $35 for adults and $15 for children under 12, with free admission for children under 2.
Tickets can be purchased online through the Pasadena Pops website or by phone at (626) 793-7172. Groups of 20 or more can enjoy a 20% discount with no handling fees. For further information, the Pasadena Pops box office can be contacted at boxoffice@pasadenasymphony-pops.org.
This performance is part of the Pasadena Pops’ 2024 Rusnak Summer Concert Series, offering an evening of music in an outdoor setting.
