Kelli O'Hara & Steven Reineke to Launch PopsEd Initiative, 10/21; Laura Benanti, Andrew Rannells & More Named Ambassadors

On Monday, October 21, 2013, The New York Pops Music Director Steven Reineke and Board Member Kelli O'Hara will launch the new PopsEd Ambassadors initiative, which connects The New York Pops network of talented guest artists with its transformative music education programs. PopsEd music programs provide children throughout the five boroughs of New York City with opportunities to be inspired by music and to ultimately foster a life-long appreciation for the arts.

PopsEd Ambassadors are passionate about music education and the important role it plays in shaping our lives. As Kelli says, "As a child, music became an extremely important form of communication for me; an outlet. Had I not been given the skills to use it, I never would have found my true voice. And more importantly,
I wouldn't have the skills to keep expanding it."

PopsEd Ambassadors hail from stage and screen, and include Lynn Ahrens, Laura Benanti, Ashley Brown, Jason Danieley, Stephen Flaherty, Santino Fontana, Brian d'Arcy James, Aaron Lazar, Norm Lewis, Marin Mazzie, Rob McClure, Laura Osnes, John Tartaglia, and Andrew Rannells.

The launch event will begin at 6:30PM at PS 450 Restaurant and Lounge, located at 450 Park Avenue South. The event will be open to the public and will include live music, open bar, and hor d'oevres.

The New York Pops is dedicated to lifelong learning, and collaborates with public schools, community organizations, children's hospitals and senior centers throughout the five boroughs of New York City. PopsEd allows thousands of New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds to participate in fully customizable music programs that blend traditional education with pure fun. We make music open to all, and use tools like composition, lyric writing, performance and mentorship to foster learning and unbridled creativity. In doing so, we excite students and give them skills they can apply to all areas of their lives.

The New York Pops is the largest independent pops orchestra in the United States, and the only professional symphonic orchestra in New York City specializing in popular music. Led by Music Director Steven Reineke, the orchestra performs an annual subscription series and birthday gala at Carnegie Hall. The New York Pops was founded by Skitch Henderson in 1983 with a mission to create greater public awareness and appreciation of America's rich musical heritage.

Entry for the launch party is $100. Tickets may be purchased at www.newyorkpops.org or by calling 212-765-7677. Proceeds benefit the PopsEd music programs.

LOCATION:
PS 450 Restaurant and Lounge, 450 Park Avenue South, between 30th and 31st Streets.